Apple Shortcuts alternatives · Automation
Alternatives to Apple Shortcuts with a one-time purchase
The Apple Shortcuts listing shows no one-time purchase. 7 of the 40 other automation tools in this directory can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Apple Shortcuts is free to use. 6 of them are free or have a free plan.
7 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
How each one differs from Apple Shortcuts
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Free plan · from $16/mo
Pabbly Connect
Workflow automation that counts only action steps as tasks
- Pabbly Connect starts at $16 / month, billed yearly, for 10,000 tasks ($19 monthly; $14 on a 3-year term). Apple Shortcuts is free.
- Only Pabbly Connect lists a web app.
- Only Apple Shortcuts lists iOS and macOS apps.
- Pabbly Connect can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Free plan · from $99.95 one-time
Macro Recorder
Records mouse and keyboard actions for replay on Windows and Mac
- Macro Recorder starts at $99.95 one-time for the Standard edition, with 12 months of updates. Apple Shortcuts is free.
- Only Macro Recorder lists a Windows app.
- Only Apple Shortcuts lists an iOS app.
- Macro Recorder can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Free plan · from $149 one-time
RoboTask
Task automation for Windows built from ready-made actions
- RoboTask starts at $149 one-time for a Personal license, with 1 year of updates. Apple Shortcuts is free.
- Only RoboTask lists a Windows app.
- Only Apple Shortcuts lists iOS and macOS apps.
- RoboTask can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Common questions
Is there an alternative to Apple Shortcuts that you buy once?
Yes. Tasker, MacroDroid, Automate, Pushcut, Pabbly Connect, Macro Recorder and RoboTask can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Can you buy Apple Shortcuts once instead of subscribing?
The Apple Shortcuts listing shows no one-time purchase. The listing was checked on Oct 5, 2026 against the pages it cites.
Which of these automation tools are free?
MacroDroid, Automate, Pushcut, Pabbly Connect, Macro Recorder and RoboTask are free or have a free plan.
When was this checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices and plans without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
This page is built from the listings. A tool is here because its listing says so, and the order is how close each is to Apple Shortcuts: the alternatives its listing names first, then the tools that share the most features with it.