Quick Overview
- 1#1: Make - Build powerful, complex automations visually by dragging and dropping modules to connect apps and data.
- 2#2: Zapier - Automate repetitive tasks across thousands of apps using simple multi-step Zaps built with a visual editor.
- 3#3: Microsoft Power Automate - Create automated workflows called flows with a drag-and-drop designer integrating Microsoft and third-party services.
- 4#4: n8n - Design node-based workflows visually to automate tasks with self-hosted, fair-code extensibility.
- 5#5: Node-RED - Develop flows visually by wiring nodes to connect devices, APIs, and services in a browser-based editor.
- 6#6: Workato - Orchestrate enterprise automations with a visual recipe builder embedding AI and complex logic.
- 7#7: Tray.io - Build scalable workflows at enterprise scale using a visual builder for API integrations and orchestration.
- 8#8: Camunda - Model, automate, and monitor business processes using BPMN 2.0 visual diagrams.
- 9#9: UiPath - Design robotic process automations with a visual workflow studio combining activities and AI.
- 10#10: Kissflow - Develop no-code workflows and apps via drag-and-drop for business process management.
Tools were chosen based on their ability to connect apps, intuitive design, robustness in handling complex tasks, and overall value, ensuring the list reflects the most impactful solutions for modern workflow management.
Comparison Table
Visual workflow software simplifies tool integration, and this table explores key options like Make, Zapier, Microsoft Power Automate, n8n, Node-RED, and more, comparing features to guide readers in choosing the right fit.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Make Build powerful, complex automations visually by dragging and dropping modules to connect apps and data. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Zapier Automate repetitive tasks across thousands of apps using simple multi-step Zaps built with a visual editor. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Microsoft Power Automate Create automated workflows called flows with a drag-and-drop designer integrating Microsoft and third-party services. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 4 | n8n Design node-based workflows visually to automate tasks with self-hosted, fair-code extensibility. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Node-RED Develop flows visually by wiring nodes to connect devices, APIs, and services in a browser-based editor. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 6 | Workato Orchestrate enterprise automations with a visual recipe builder embedding AI and complex logic. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Tray.io Build scalable workflows at enterprise scale using a visual builder for API integrations and orchestration. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Camunda Model, automate, and monitor business processes using BPMN 2.0 visual diagrams. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | UiPath Design robotic process automations with a visual workflow studio combining activities and AI. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Kissflow Develop no-code workflows and apps via drag-and-drop for business process management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
Build powerful, complex automations visually by dragging and dropping modules to connect apps and data.
Automate repetitive tasks across thousands of apps using simple multi-step Zaps built with a visual editor.
Create automated workflows called flows with a drag-and-drop designer integrating Microsoft and third-party services.
Design node-based workflows visually to automate tasks with self-hosted, fair-code extensibility.
Develop flows visually by wiring nodes to connect devices, APIs, and services in a browser-based editor.
Orchestrate enterprise automations with a visual recipe builder embedding AI and complex logic.
Build scalable workflows at enterprise scale using a visual builder for API integrations and orchestration.
Model, automate, and monitor business processes using BPMN 2.0 visual diagrams.
Design robotic process automations with a visual workflow studio combining activities and AI.
Develop no-code workflows and apps via drag-and-drop for business process management.
Make
enterpriseBuild powerful, complex automations visually by dragging and dropping modules to connect apps and data.
Modular scenario builder with iterators, aggregators, and routers for unlimited complexity in visual workflows
Make (make.com) is a leading no-code automation platform that enables users to visually build complex workflows, known as scenarios, connecting over 1,500 apps and services without writing code. Its drag-and-drop interface uses modules for triggers, actions, data transformations, and logic like routers, iterators, and aggregators to automate tasks efficiently. Ideal for streamlining business processes, it supports scheduling, error handling, and real-time execution, scaling from simple integrations to enterprise-level automations.
Pros
- Extensive library of 1,500+ app integrations with deep functionality
- Powerful visual editor supporting advanced logic, data processing, and branching
- Flexible execution options including scheduling, webhooks, and high scalability
Cons
- Steep learning curve for intricate scenarios and advanced modules
- Operation-based pricing can become expensive at high volumes
- Limited free plan restricts testing complex workflows
Best For
Teams and businesses needing robust, visual automation for complex multi-app workflows without coding expertise.
Pricing
Free plan (1,000 ops/mo); Core $9/mo (10k ops), Pro $16/mo (10k ops), Teams $29/mo (10k ops), Enterprise custom; annual discounts apply.
Zapier
enterpriseAutomate repetitive tasks across thousands of apps using simple multi-step Zaps built with a visual editor.
Unmatched 6,000+ pre-built app integrations for instant no-code connections
Zapier is a no-code automation platform that enables users to build visual workflows called Zaps, connecting triggers from one app to actions in another without coding. Its drag-and-drop interface supports multi-step automations, conditional logic (Paths), filters, and formatters for complex tasks. Ideal for integrating thousands of apps, it automates repetitive processes across marketing, sales, IT, and more.
Pros
- Vast ecosystem of 6,000+ app integrations
- Intuitive drag-and-drop visual workflow builder
- Advanced features like Paths, AI-powered tools, and error handling
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for multi-step Zaps and high task volumes
- Task limits on free/starter plans restrict heavy usage
- Occasional delays or reliability issues with certain app integrations
Best For
Small to medium-sized teams and businesses automating workflows across multiple SaaS apps without developers.
Pricing
Free plan (100 tasks/mo); Starter $19.99/mo (750 tasks); Professional $49/mo (2,000 tasks); Team/Company/Enterprise custom pricing.
Microsoft Power Automate
enterpriseCreate automated workflows called flows with a drag-and-drop designer integrating Microsoft and third-party services.
Deep native integration with the Microsoft Power Platform, enabling end-to-end automation across Teams, SharePoint, Dynamics, and more without custom coding.
Microsoft Power Automate is a cloud-based low-code platform that allows users to build automated workflows, known as flows, using a visual drag-and-drop interface to connect apps, data, and services. It supports cloud-based automations, desktop RPA for legacy apps, and AI-powered features like AI Builder for intelligent process automation. The tool excels in integrating deeply with the Microsoft ecosystem, including Office 365, Dynamics 365, and SharePoint, while also offering connectors for thousands of third-party services.
Pros
- Extensive library of over 1,000 pre-built connectors for seamless integrations
- Powerful visual designer with templates for quick workflow creation
- Combines cloud flows, desktop RPA, and AI capabilities in one platform
Cons
- Complex flows can have a steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- Pricing scales up significantly for high-volume or premium RPA usage
- Customization options limited compared to fully code-based tools
Best For
Organizations deeply embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem seeking robust, scalable visual workflow automation across cloud and desktop environments.
Pricing
Free tier for basic use; Per user plans from $15/user/month (Premium) or $40/user/month (Process); Per flow plans starting at $100 for 5,000 runs/month.
n8n
specializedDesign node-based workflows visually to automate tasks with self-hosted, fair-code extensibility.
Fair-code license enabling unlimited self-hosting and full source code access for customization
n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool that allows users to build visual workflows using a node-based editor to connect over 500 apps and services. It supports complex automations with custom JavaScript code, error handling, and scheduling, making it suitable for both simple integrations and advanced data processing pipelines. The platform emphasizes self-hosting for data privacy and control, distinguishing it from cloud-only alternatives.
Pros
- Extensive library of 500+ native integrations and custom nodes
- Fully self-hostable with no usage limits on the free community edition
- Powerful extensibility via JavaScript and custom HTTP requests
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server management
- Steeper learning curve for non-developers compared to no-code tools
- Cloud version has execution limits on lower tiers
Best For
Developers and technical teams needing a flexible, privacy-focused automation tool for complex workflows.
Pricing
Free self-hosted community edition; cloud plans start at $20/month for 2,500 executions with paid tiers up to enterprise.
Node-RED
otherDevelop flows visually by wiring nodes to connect devices, APIs, and services in a browser-based editor.
Browser-based flow editor for drag-and-drop wiring of nodes, turning code into intuitive visual diagrams
Node-RED is a free, open-source flow-based programming tool that enables users to build visual workflows by wiring together nodes in a browser-based editor. It excels in IoT integrations, API automations, and connecting hardware devices, services, and protocols with minimal coding. With thousands of community-contributed nodes, it supports everything from MQTT to cloud APIs, making it highly extensible for complex automations.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Vast ecosystem of community nodes for extensive integrations
- Lightweight runtime deployable on edge devices like Raspberry Pi
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-developers due to node-based logic
- Debugging large flows requires familiarity with JavaScript
- Basic UI lacks polished end-user dashboards without add-ons
Best For
Developers and IoT engineers creating flexible automations between devices, APIs, and services.
Pricing
Free and open-source; no paid plans or subscriptions required.
Workato
enterpriseOrchestrate enterprise automations with a visual recipe builder embedding AI and complex logic.
Workato Copilot, an AI-powered assistant that generates and debugs visual recipes from natural language prompts
Workato is an enterprise-grade integration platform as a service (iPaaS) that allows users to build visual workflows, known as 'recipes,' to automate processes across over 1,200 apps and services without coding. It excels in connecting SaaS applications, on-premise systems, and databases with real-time triggers, data transformation, and conditional logic. The platform emphasizes scalability, security, and AI-assisted automation for complex business orchestration.
Pros
- Extensive library of 1,200+ connectors for seamless app integrations
- Enterprise-grade security and compliance (SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA)
- Scalable for high-volume automations with real-time processing
Cons
- Steep pricing that scales with usage, expensive for small teams
- Learning curve for advanced recipes despite visual interface
- Limited free tier and opaque public pricing details
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing robust, secure integrations and workflow automation across diverse SaaS and legacy systems.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $20,000/year for basic enterprise plans, billed per task, user, and volume.
Tray.io
enterpriseBuild scalable workflows at enterprise scale using a visual builder for API integrations and orchestration.
Universal Workflow Language (UWL), allowing workflows to be exported as portable, code-free blueprints runnable across environments
Tray.io is a robust integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) that empowers users to build, deploy, and scale automated workflows visually through a drag-and-drop interface. It connects over 600 applications and services, enabling no-code/low-code automation of complex business processes like data syncing, API orchestration, and event-driven triggers. Designed for enterprise scalability, it includes advanced features such as AI-assisted building, real-time monitoring, and robust error handling.
Pros
- Extensive library of 600+ native connectors for seamless app integrations
- Enterprise-grade scalability with advanced orchestration and AI tools
- Comprehensive monitoring, debugging, and retry logic for reliable workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex workflows despite visual interface
- Usage-based pricing can become expensive at scale
- Limited free tier; primarily geared toward paid enterprise users
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing scalable, multi-app automation without deep coding expertise.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; Pro plan starts at ~$595/month (500 tasks), scales with usage; free trial available, enterprise plans include advanced support.
Camunda
enterpriseModel, automate, and monitor business processes using BPMN 2.0 visual diagrams.
Zeebe workflow engine for cloud-native, horizontal scaling to millions of workflows per second
Camunda is an open-source workflow and decision automation platform that uses BPMN 2.0 for visually modeling, executing, and monitoring complex business processes. It provides tools like Camunda Modeler for diagram creation, Zeebe engine for scalable orchestration, and Cockpit/Operate for runtime management. Ideal for enterprises handling long-running, decision-intensive workflows, it bridges developers and business users with executable visual models.
Pros
- Full BPMN 2.0, DMN, and CMMN standard compliance for robust visual modeling
- Zeebe engine scales to millions of workflows per second horizontally
- Free open-source Community Edition with strong enterprise support options
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-developers due to technical depth
- Complex setup and configuration for self-hosted deployments
- Enterprise SaaS/Enterprise Edition pricing is quote-based and can be costly at scale
Best For
Enterprises and developer teams automating complex, mission-critical processes requiring high scalability and standards compliance.
Pricing
Community Edition free; Camunda 8 SaaS/Enterprise subscription starts at ~$500/month for small teams, scaling to custom quotes for production use.
UiPath
enterpriseDesign robotic process automations with a visual workflow studio combining activities and AI.
UiPath Studio's low-code visual designer with reusable activities and state machines for building resilient, enterprise-scale automations
UiPath is a leading Robotic Process Automation (RPA) platform that allows users to create visual workflows using a drag-and-drop interface in UiPath Studio to automate repetitive business processes across applications. It supports both attended and unattended automation, integrating seamlessly with desktop, web, and legacy systems. The platform also incorporates AI and machine learning for intelligent document processing and decision-making within workflows.
Pros
- Extensive library of pre-built activities and templates for rapid workflow development
- Enterprise-grade scalability with Orchestrator for managing thousands of robots
- Strong AI integrations like Document Understanding for handling unstructured data
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex enterprise workflows despite visual interface
- High pricing makes it less accessible for small teams or individuals
- Resource-intensive runtime can impact performance on lower-end hardware
Best For
Large enterprises seeking robust, scalable RPA solutions for automating complex, high-volume business processes.
Pricing
Free Community Edition for individuals; Pro plans start at $420/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise licensing is custom-quoted.
Kissflow
enterpriseDevelop no-code workflows and apps via drag-and-drop for business process management.
Unified visual canvas for building workflows, forms, and apps in one low-code environment
Kissflow is a cloud-based low-code platform specializing in visual workflow automation, allowing users to design, build, and deploy business processes using a drag-and-drop interface without deep coding expertise. It supports creating forms, approvals, tasks, and integrations to streamline operations across departments. The tool also enables building custom apps and managing processes in a unified environment, making it suitable for non-technical users.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop visual designer for quick workflow creation
- Strong no-code accessibility for business users
- Robust integrations with popular tools like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Limited depth for highly complex enterprise workflows
- Reporting and analytics could be more customizable
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and non-technical teams needing simple, visual workflow automation without heavy IT involvement.
Pricing
Starts at $10/user/month (billed annually) for the Starter plan; Pro at $20/user/month and Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
Among the top visual workflow tools, Make shines as the leading choice, offering robust, complex automation through intuitive drag-and-drop modules. Complementing it, Zapier excels in simplicity for cross-app task automation, while Microsoft Power Automate stands out for seamless integration with Microsoft services. Each tool caters to distinct needs, ensuring there’s a strong option for diverse workflow goals.
Start with Make to unlock its powerful visual capabilities and transform how you build and manage automations—you won’t be disappointed.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison