Alternatives · Automation
Apple Shortcuts alternatives
Apple Shortcuts compared with 7 alternatives: IFTTT, Tasker, MacroDroid, Automate, Pushcut and 2 more.
Apple Shortcuts is free to use. 5 of the 7 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 2 more offer a free trial.
7 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 6, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple ShortcutsThis tool | Free | Free | macOS, iOS |
| IFTTT | Free plan · from $2.99/mo | Yes | Web, iOS, Android |
| Tasker | Free trial · from $4.49 one-time | Trial only | Android |
| MacroDroid | Free plan · from $1.49 | Yes | Android |
| Automate | Free plan · from $4.99 one-time | Yes | Android |
| Pushcut | Free plan · from $1.99/mo | Yes | iOS |
| Hammerspoon | Free | Free | macOS |
| Hazel | Free trial · from $42 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
How each one differs from Apple Shortcuts
- Free plan · from $2.99/mo
IFTTT
Simple trigger-and-action automations for apps and smart devices
- IFTTT starts at $2.99 / month, billed annually ($35.88 per year). Apple Shortcuts is free.
- Only IFTTT lists a web app.
- Only IFTTT lists an Android app.
- Only Apple Shortcuts lists a macOS app.
- Apple Shortcuts also covers no-code.
Suits: Personal and smart-home automations with one trigger and one action
- Free trial · from $4.49 one-time
Tasker
Android automation app driven by profiles, contexts and tasks
- Tasker starts at $4.49 one-time purchase on Google Play. Apple Shortcuts is free.
- Apple Shortcuts has a free plan. Tasker does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Tasker lists an Android app.
- Only Apple Shortcuts lists iOS and macOS apps.
- Tasker can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Android users who want detailed control over how their phone behaves
- Free plan · from $1.49
MacroDroid
Android automation app built on triggers, actions and constraints
- MacroDroid starts at $1.49 - $10.00 per item in-app; the Pro upgrade is a one-time payment. Apple Shortcuts is free.
- Only MacroDroid lists an Android app.
- Only Apple Shortcuts lists iOS and macOS apps.
- MacroDroid can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Android users new to automation who want ready-made macros
- Free plan · from $4.99 one-time
Automate
Android automation app that builds tasks as flowcharts
- Automate starts at $4.99 one-time in-app purchase. Apple Shortcuts is free.
- Only Automate lists an Android app.
- Only Apple Shortcuts lists iOS and macOS apps.
- Automate can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Apple Shortcuts also covers templates.
Suits: Android users who prefer drawing an automation as a flowchart
- Free plan · from $1.99/mo
Pushcut
Smart notifications, widgets and a server for Apple Shortcuts
- Pushcut starts at $1.99 / month for Pro, or $17.99 per year. Apple Shortcuts is free.
- Only Apple Shortcuts lists a macOS app.
- Pushcut can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Apple Shortcuts also covers templates and no-code.
Suits: Shortcuts and HomeKit users who want notifications with action buttons
- Free
Hammerspoon
Free, open-source macOS automation scripted in Lua
- Hammerspoon is free. Apple Shortcuts is free.
- Only Apple Shortcuts lists an iOS app.
- Hammerspoon is open source, according to its own site.
- Hammerspoon also covers window management.
- Apple Shortcuts also covers templates and no-code.
Suits: Mac users comfortable writing Lua who want to script their own automation
- Free trial · from $42 one-time
Hazel
Rule-based automatic file organization for the Mac
- Hazel starts at $42 one-time purchase (single-user license). Apple Shortcuts is free.
- Apple Shortcuts has a free plan. Hazel does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Apple Shortcuts lists an iOS app.
- Hazel can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Hazel also covers disk cleanup and file management.
Suits: Mac users whose Downloads and Desktop folders fill up with unsorted files
Limits worth knowing in Apple Shortcuts
- Shortcuts runs only on Apple devices: the App Store lists it for iPhone and iPad, and Apple documents a Mac app. There is no Windows, Android or web version.
- A third-party app appears in Shortcuts only if its developer supports it; other services have to be reached through web API requests.
- Keeping shortcuts in step across devices depends on iCloud Sync and on being signed in with the same Apple account.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Apple Shortcuts?
The alternatives to Apple Shortcuts in this directory are IFTTT, Tasker, MacroDroid, Automate, Pushcut, Hammerspoon and Hazel. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Apple Shortcuts.
Is there a free alternative to Apple Shortcuts?
Yes. Hammerspoon is free to use. IFTTT, MacroDroid, Automate and Pushcut have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Apple Shortcuts alternatives work on Android?
The Apple Shortcuts listing does not include an Android app. IFTTT, Tasker, MacroDroid and Automate list one.
Is there an open-source alternative to Apple Shortcuts?
Hammerspoon is described as open source on its own site.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 4, 2026 to Oct 6, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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