Quick Overview
- 1#1: Kissflow - Low-code platform for building custom multi-level approval workflows without coding.
- 2#2: Nintex - Powerful workflow automation tool specializing in complex approval processes and forms.
- 3#3: Pipefy - Visual no-code builder for automating approval pipelines and business processes.
- 4#4: monday.com - Work OS with customizable boards for streamlined approval workflows and automations.
- 5#5: Microsoft Power Automate - Cloud service for creating automated approval flows integrated with Microsoft 365.
- 6#6: Process Street - Checklist-based workflow tool with sequential and conditional approval steps.
- 7#7: ClickUp - All-in-one platform offering automations for task and document approvals.
- 8#8: Smartsheet - Spreadsheet-style work management with automated approval and notification workflows.
- 9#9: Asana - Project management tool with rules-based automations for approvals and reviews.
- 10#10: Zapier - No-code automation platform enabling multi-step approval workflows across apps.
We evaluated these tools based on key metrics: robust features (including customization, automation, and integration capabilities), user-friendliness (setup, navigation, and support), and overall value, ensuring a balanced selection for varied business needs.
Comparison Table
Streamline task approvals and enhance team productivity with workflow approval software—tools built to simplify processes from initiation to final sign-off. This comparison table details top options like Kissflow, Nintex, Pipefy, monday.com, Microsoft Power Automate, and more, exploring key features to help readers identify the best fit for their workflow needs. Discover how each platform handles automation, user-friendliness, integrations, and scalability to make informed decisions.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kissflow Low-code platform for building custom multi-level approval workflows without coding. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Nintex Powerful workflow automation tool specializing in complex approval processes and forms. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Pipefy Visual no-code builder for automating approval pipelines and business processes. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | monday.com Work OS with customizable boards for streamlined approval workflows and automations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Microsoft Power Automate Cloud service for creating automated approval flows integrated with Microsoft 365. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Process Street Checklist-based workflow tool with sequential and conditional approval steps. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | ClickUp All-in-one platform offering automations for task and document approvals. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 8 | Smartsheet Spreadsheet-style work management with automated approval and notification workflows. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Asana Project management tool with rules-based automations for approvals and reviews. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Zapier No-code automation platform enabling multi-step approval workflows across apps. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 |
Low-code platform for building custom multi-level approval workflows without coding.
Powerful workflow automation tool specializing in complex approval processes and forms.
Visual no-code builder for automating approval pipelines and business processes.
Work OS with customizable boards for streamlined approval workflows and automations.
Cloud service for creating automated approval flows integrated with Microsoft 365.
Checklist-based workflow tool with sequential and conditional approval steps.
All-in-one platform offering automations for task and document approvals.
Spreadsheet-style work management with automated approval and notification workflows.
Project management tool with rules-based automations for approvals and reviews.
No-code automation platform enabling multi-step approval workflows across apps.
Kissflow
enterpriseLow-code platform for building custom multi-level approval workflows without coding.
Dynamic approval paths with AI-powered rules engine for intelligent, context-aware routing
Kissflow is a no-code/low-code platform specializing in workflow automation, with powerful tools for creating custom approval processes across departments like HR, finance, and procurement. It enables drag-and-drop design of multi-level, conditional approval workflows, complete with forms, notifications, and real-time tracking. Businesses can deploy scalable solutions quickly without developers, integrating seamlessly with tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Slack.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop workflow builder with pre-built templates for rapid deployment
- Advanced approval logic including parallel, sequential, and dynamic routing
- Comprehensive analytics, mobile app, and 100+ integrations for enterprise scalability
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Steeper learning curve for highly complex custom automations
- Limited free tier; full capabilities require paid plans
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises needing customizable, scalable approval workflows without coding expertise.
Pricing
Starts at $10/user/month (billed annually) for Starter plan; Pro at $20/user/month and Enterprise custom pricing.
Nintex
enterprisePowerful workflow automation tool specializing in complex approval processes and forms.
Nintex Process Intelligence, which uses AI to provide real-time insights, bottlenecks detection, and optimization recommendations for approval workflows.
Nintex is a comprehensive no-code/low-code workflow automation platform that excels in designing, deploying, and managing approval processes across enterprise systems like Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and third-party apps. It enables users to create dynamic multi-stage approval workflows, electronic forms, and document routing with features like conditional logic, escalations, and mobile approvals. The platform also includes process intelligence tools for monitoring and optimizing workflows in real-time.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with Microsoft ecosystem and 1000+ apps
- Robust drag-and-drop designer with pre-built templates for quick deployment
- Advanced analytics and process intelligence for workflow optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex customizations
- Pricing is enterprise-focused and can be costly for small teams
- Limited free tier with basic functionality only
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing scalable, Microsoft-integrated approval workflows for complex business processes.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing; typically starts at $25,000 annually for basic plans, scaling with users and features.
Pipefy
specializedVisual no-code builder for automating approval pipelines and business processes.
Visual Pipe Builder with conditional routing for dynamic, rule-based approval paths
Pipefy is a no-code workflow automation platform that allows users to build custom 'pipes' for managing business processes, with strong capabilities for approval workflows through multi-stage routing, conditional rules, and automated notifications. It supports drag-and-drop design for creating forms, tasks, and approvals, integrating seamlessly with over 400 apps like Google Workspace, Slack, and Zapier. The platform provides real-time dashboards, reporting, and collaboration tools to track and optimize approval cycles efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop pipe builder for quick workflow creation
- Extensive template library including approval-specific processes
- Robust integrations and automation rules for seamless approvals
Cons
- Advanced reporting and custom fields locked behind higher tiers
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or high-volume usage
- Steeper learning curve for very complex conditional logic
Best For
Mid-sized teams in operations, HR, procurement, or finance seeking flexible, visual approval automation without coding.
Pricing
Freemium plan available; paid tiers start at $24/user/month (Professional, billed annually) up to Enterprise custom pricing.
monday.com
enterpriseWork OS with customizable boards for streamlined approval workflows and automations.
Approval Center for centralized management of all pending approvals with customizable status tracking and notifications
monday.com is a highly customizable work management platform that excels in building visual workflows, including dedicated approval processes via its Approval Center, columns, and automations. It allows teams to set up multi-stage approvals with single or multiple approvers, deadlines, notifications, and conditional logic, all within intuitive boards and dashboards. The tool integrates with over 200 apps, making it ideal for embedding approvals into broader project and task management workflows.
Pros
- Highly customizable automations and multi-stage approval workflows
- Real-time visibility and collaboration on boards
- Extensive integrations for seamless workflow embedding
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for complex setups
- Advanced approval features require higher-tier plans
- Can feel overkill for simple, linear approval needs
Best For
Mid-to-large teams requiring flexible, visual approval workflows integrated with comprehensive project management.
Pricing
Starts at $9/user/month (Basic, billed annually); Pro plan ($19/user/month) unlocks advanced automations and approvals; Enterprise custom.
Microsoft Power Automate
enterpriseCloud service for creating automated approval flows integrated with Microsoft 365.
Approval Center: Unified dashboard for approvers to track, respond to, and manage all approvals from multiple flows in one place.
Microsoft Power Automate is a low-code automation platform that allows users to build workflows, including multi-step approval processes, across Microsoft 365 apps and over 1,000 third-party connectors. It supports creating approval flows for documents, expenses, or requests with features like parallel approvals, escalations, and integration with Teams or Outlook. The tool's Approval Center provides a centralized hub for approvers to manage tasks efficiently, making it suitable for enterprise-scale automation.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 ecosystem and 1,000+ connectors
- Robust approval actions including templates, conditions, and escalations
- Centralized Approval Center for streamlined approver experience
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex custom flows and expressions
- Premium connectors and high-volume runs require paid licensing
- Less intuitive for non-Microsoft environments compared to dedicated approval tools
Best For
Enterprises already using Microsoft 365 that need scalable, integrated workflow approvals without extensive coding.
Pricing
Free plan with limitations; $15/user/month for premium per-user plan; pay-per-flow options starting at $100 for 5 flows/month.
Process Street
specializedChecklist-based workflow tool with sequential and conditional approval steps.
Dynamic checklists with embedded multi-step approvals and conditional logic
Process Street is a powerful workflow and checklist management platform that allows teams to build, automate, and track repeatable processes with built-in approval steps. It supports multi-level approvals, conditional logic, task assignments, and integrations with tools like Slack and Zapier to streamline review workflows. Ideal for standardizing operations, it turns complex processes into interactive, trackable checklists that ensure compliance and efficiency.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows with conditional approvals and automation
- Extensive template library for quick setup of approval processes
- Seamless integrations with 100+ apps for end-to-end workflow connectivity
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with users, less ideal for small teams
- Advanced features have a learning curve for non-technical users
- Reporting and analytics are basic compared to dedicated BPM tools
Best For
Mid-sized teams managing recurring, multi-step approval processes in operations, HR, or compliance.
Pricing
Free Basic plan; Pro starts at $25/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing.
ClickUp
enterpriseAll-in-one platform offering automations for task and document approvals.
No-code Automations for trigger-based approval sequences with multi-user routing and conditional logic
ClickUp is a versatile all-in-one productivity platform that supports workflow approvals through custom task statuses, automations, forms, and multi-step processes for task reviews and sign-offs. It enables teams to build approval chains with notifications, dependencies, and integrations, embedding approvals within broader project management. While not a dedicated approval tool, its flexibility makes it suitable for complex, customizable workflows in team environments.
Pros
- Highly customizable automations and custom statuses for flexible approval workflows
- Seamless integrations with 1000+ apps to fit into existing stacks
- All-in-one platform reduces need for multiple tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature-rich, hierarchical interface
- Performance can slow with very large workspaces or complex automations
- Approval processes are task-centric, lacking dedicated standalone modules
Best For
Mid-sized teams seeking an integrated project management solution with robust, customizable approval workflows.
Pricing
Free Forever plan; Unlimited at $7/user/mo, Business at $12/user/mo (billed annually); Enterprise custom.
Smartsheet
enterpriseSpreadsheet-style work management with automated approval and notification workflows.
Dynamic approval workflows with conditional branching and multi-level routing via the intuitive Automation Center
Smartsheet is a versatile work management platform that blends spreadsheet functionality with robust project tracking, automation, and workflow capabilities. It enables users to build custom approval workflows with multi-step routing, conditional logic, notifications, and integrations for streamlined document and process approvals. Beyond basic approvals, it offers forms, dashboards, and reporting to support broader team collaboration and visibility.
Pros
- Powerful no-code automation builder for complex approval workflows
- Seamless integrations with 100+ apps like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Salesforce
- Real-time collaboration and mobile access for on-the-go approvals
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-spreadsheet users due to advanced features
- Higher pricing for premium workflow capabilities limits small team value
- Overkill for simple approval needs compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Mid-sized businesses and enterprises needing integrated workflow approvals within a full project management ecosystem.
Pricing
Starts at $7/user/month (Pro), $25/user/month (Business with advanced workflows), Enterprise custom pricing.
Asana
enterpriseProject management tool with rules-based automations for approvals and reviews.
Approvals feature, which instantly converts tasks into trackable sign-off requests with customizable workflows and status dashboards
Asana is a popular work management platform that supports workflow approvals through task assignments, custom rules, forms for intake, and a dedicated Approvals feature for requesting sign-offs on work items. It enables teams to build multi-step processes, track approval statuses in real-time, and automate notifications across projects. While versatile for general project management, its approval capabilities shine in collaborative settings but may require custom setup for complex routing. It's ranked #9 due to its adaptability rather than specialized approval depth.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop workflows and real-time updates
- Powerful rules engine for automating approval triggers and assignments
- Seamless integrations with 200+ apps like Slack, Google Workspace, and Zapier
Cons
- Lacks advanced native features for conditional branching or parallel approvals found in dedicated tools
- Premium approval automations locked behind higher-tier plans
- Can feel overkill or bloated for simple approval-only needs
Best For
Collaborative teams already using Asana for project management who need integrated basic-to-moderate approval workflows.
Pricing
Free Basic plan; Premium at $10.99/user/month, Advanced at $24.99/user/month (billed annually), Enterprise custom.
Zapier
specializedNo-code automation platform enabling multi-step approval workflows across apps.
Unmatched 7,000+ app integrations, allowing approval workflows to seamlessly connect with virtually any tool in your stack
Zapier is a no-code automation platform that connects over 7,000 apps to create automated workflows called Zaps, enabling users to build custom approval processes by triggering notifications, forms, or messages in tools like Slack, email, or Google Forms. For workflow approvals, it supports multi-step Zaps with paths and filters to route requests, collect responses, and automate actions based on approvals or rejections. While highly versatile for integrating approvals into broader automations, it lacks a native, dedicated approval dashboard or advanced hierarchy management found in specialized tools.
Pros
- Vast ecosystem of 7,000+ app integrations for embedding approvals into any workflow
- Intuitive no-code Zap builder with paths, filters, and multi-step logic for conditional approvals
- Quick setup for simple approval automations like Slack notifications or form-based sign-offs
Cons
- No built-in approval interface or dashboard; relies on third-party apps for user interactions
- Task-based pricing model can become expensive for high-volume approval workflows
- Limited support for complex, multi-level or parallel approval hierarchies without custom workarounds
Best For
Small to medium teams needing to automate straightforward, app-integrated approval processes without dedicated software.
Pricing
Free plan with limited Zaps; Starter at $19.99/mo (billed annually), Professional $49/mo, Team $69/user/mo, Enterprise custom.
Conclusion
After reviewing and comparing the top 10 workflow approval tools, Kissflow emerges as the top choice, leveraging low-code flexibility for custom multi-level workflows. Nintex and Pipefy follow closely, with Nintex excelling in complex processes and Pipefy impressing with visual no-code pipeline automation—each offering distinct benefits to suit varied business needs. Together, these tools simplify and enhance approval workflows, demonstrating the power of tailored solutions.
Ready to transform your approval process? Start with Kissflow to unlock seamless, custom automation and elevate your team’s efficiency today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
