Power Automate Desktop vs Power Automate: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Power Automate Desktop and Power Automate comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Power Automate Desktop
Power Automate Desktop
Best for you if:
- • You need power automate desktop
- • You want to start free and upgrade later
Power Automate
Automation by Microsoft
Best for you if:
- • Power Automate is an enterprise-grade automation platform leveraging AI, low-code, and RPA to optimize business processes.
- • It offers extensive integration with Microsoft 365 and over 1,000 API connectors, supporting both desktop and cloud automation.
| At a Glance |  Power Automate Desktop |  Power Automate |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Automation | Automation |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Power Automate Desktop | Power Automate |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 57 |
| Categories | AutomationWorkflow Automation | AutomationWorkflow Automation |
How Power Automate Desktop and Power Automate Compare
Power Automate Desktop
Power Automate Desktop
Free tier available
Power Automate
Automation by Microsoft
Free tier available
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Power Automate Desktop
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: Power Automate Desktop
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Power Automate Desktop
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are automation tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Power Automate Desktop
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Power Automate
- More community upvotes (57)
The Bottom Line
Power Automate Desktop is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Power Automate Desktop or Power Automate better?
Power Automate Desktop scores high/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Power Automate Desktop and Power Automate used for?
Power Automate Desktop: Power Automate Desktop. Power Automate: Automation by Microsoft.
What does Power Automate Desktop cost vs Power Automate?
Power Automate Desktop is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Power Automate is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.