Zapier vs Relay.app: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Zapier and Relay.app 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.
Bottom line: Zapier wins this matchup. HubSpot is our overall Workflow Automation pick. HubSpot is our free Workflow Automation pick. Pick Relay.app if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Zapier
Automate workflows across 8,000+ apps without code
Best for you if:
- • You want largest app ecosystem (8,000+ integrations)
Relay.app
Automate tasks and connect apps with AI-powered workflows
Best for you if:
- • You want automates repetitive tasks to save time and reduce errors
| At a Glance | Zapier | Relay.app |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | Free Free plan |
Category | Workflow Automation No-Code | Workflow Automation Automation |
Rating | 4.1/5 G2 4.0 · PeerSpot 4.2 2,146 reviews | 4.9/5 G2 4.9 88 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | Every action step counts as a task -- a 5-step Zap uses 4 tasks per run (trigger is free but every action counts) | n/a |
Choose Zapier or Relay.app?
Choose Zapier if
- You want largest app ecosystem (8,000+ integrations)
- You want genuinely easy for non-technical users
Choose Relay.app if
- You want automates repetitive tasks to save time and reduce errors
- You want integrates with many popular apps and services
In-Depth Analysis
Zapier
Automate workflows across 8,000+ apps without code
Zapier is the most expensive workflow automation tool by a wide margin.
Watch out
Every action step counts as a task -- a 5-step Zap uses 4 tasks per run (trigger is free but every action counts)
Strengths
- Pro: Largest app ecosystem (8,000+ integrations)
- Pro: Genuinely easy for non-technical users
- Pro: Generous free tier (100 tasks/month)
- Pro: Reliable uptime and execution
- Pro: AI features included in all plans
Weaknesses
- Con: Task-based pricing gets expensive at scale
- Con: Free plan limited to single-step Zaps
- Con: Some triggers have 1-15 min polling delay
- Con: Complex logic requires higher-tier plans
- Con: No self-hosted option
Key features
Relay.app
Automate tasks and connect apps with AI-powered workflows
Strengths
- Pro: Automates repetitive tasks to save time and reduce errors
- Pro: Integrates with many popular apps and services
- Pro: AI capabilities enhance automation intelligence
Weaknesses
- Con: Shutting down, making it unsuitable for long-term use
- Con: Limited to integrations supported by the platform
Key features
Pricing: Zapier vs Relay.app
| Plan | Zapier | Relay.app |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Free | N/A |
| Tier 2 | $19.99 Professional | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $69 Team | N/A |
| Tier 4 | Custom Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Zapier pricing and Relay.app pricing.
Key Takeaways
Zapier
- Larger review base (2,146 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Relay.app
- Higher user rating: 4.9/5 vs 4.1/5
The Bottom Line
Zapier wins this matchup. HubSpot is our overall Workflow Automation pick. HubSpot is our free Workflow Automation pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zapier or Relay.app better in 2026?
Zapier wins this matchup. HubSpot is our overall Workflow Automation pick. HubSpot is our free Workflow Automation pick. Pick Zapier for workflow automation workflows (main strength: largest app ecosystem (8,000+ integrations)). Pick Relay.app for workflow automation workflows (main strength: automates repetitive tasks to save time and reduce errors).
What are Zapier and Relay.app used for?
Zapier: Automate workflows across 8,000+ apps without code. Relay.app: Automate tasks and connect apps with AI-powered workflows.
What does Zapier cost vs Relay.app?
Zapier's paid plans start at Free (Professional). Relay.app pricing is on their site.
What's the main difference between Zapier and Relay.app?
Zapier's main strength: largest app ecosystem (8,000+ integrations). Relay.app's main strength: automates repetitive tasks to save time and reduce errors.