Alternatives · Automation
Automate alternatives
Automate compared with 4 alternatives: Tasker, MacroDroid, Apple Shortcuts and IFTTT.
Automate has a free plan. Paid plans start at $4.99 one-time in-app purchase. 3 of the 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.
4 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 5, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| AutomateThis tool | Free plan · from $4.99 one-time | Yes | Android |
| Tasker | Free trial · from $4.49 one-time | Trial only | Android |
| MacroDroid | Free plan · from $1.49 | Yes | Android |
| Apple Shortcuts | Free | Free | macOS, iOS |
| IFTTT | Free plan · from $2.99/mo | Yes | Web, iOS, Android |
How each one differs from Automate
- 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. Automate starts at $4.99 one-time in-app purchase.
- Automate has a free plan. Tasker does not, though it has a free trial.
- Automate also covers no-code.
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. Automate starts at $4.99 one-time in-app purchase.
- MacroDroid also covers templates.
Suits: Android users new to automation who want ready-made macros
- Free
Apple Shortcuts
Free automation app for iPhone, iPad and Mac, built by Apple
- Apple Shortcuts is free. Automate starts at $4.99 one-time in-app purchase.
- Only Apple Shortcuts lists iOS and macOS apps.
- Only Automate lists an Android app.
- Automate can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Apple Shortcuts also covers templates.
Suits: iPhone, iPad and Mac owners automating tasks across Apple's apps
- 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). Automate starts at $4.99 one-time in-app purchase.
- Only IFTTT lists a web app.
- Only IFTTT lists an iOS app.
- Automate can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- IFTTT also covers templates.
Suits: Personal and smart-home automations with one trigger and one action
Limits worth knowing in Automate
- Android only: the FAQ says there is no PC or online edition and suggests an Android emulator for editing flows on a computer.
- The free edition runs at most 30 blocks at once, and unconnected blocks inside a running flow count toward the limit.
- Premium is tied to the Google account that bought it and is verified through the Google Play store app.
- Battery-saving settings and task-killer apps can pause flows; the FAQ lists the system settings to change.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Automate?
The alternatives to Automate in this directory are Tasker, MacroDroid, Apple Shortcuts and IFTTT. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Automate.
Is there a free alternative to Automate?
Yes. Apple Shortcuts is free to use. MacroDroid and IFTTT have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Automate alternatives work on macOS?
The Automate listing does not include a macOS app. Apple Shortcuts lists one.
Which Automate alternatives work on iOS?
The Automate listing does not include an iOS app. Apple Shortcuts and IFTTT list one.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 4, 2026 to Oct 5, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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