One of the most widely used no-code automation tools, Zapier connects to over 7,000 apps using a simple trigger/action model. It helps you integrate platforms like Gmail, Notion, Slack, and Airtable without writing code. However, Zapier struggles with complex workflows and manual setup, making it a poor fit for AI business automation.
This Zapier review will explore:
- What Zapier is, how it works, and why it’s so popular
- The features that stood out when we tested 5 Zapier automations
- Aspects about Zapier that we didn’t like
- Zapier’s pricing tiers
- How Lindy compares
Let’s now talk about what Zapier does.
What is Zapier? (and why it's everywhere)
Zapier is a no-code platform that connects thousands of third-party apps for workflow management, allowing you to automate repetitive tasks and transfer data without writing code. The platform features a flowchart-style interface for mapping your automation. You define specific actions, called “Zaps,” to trigger automations.
Professionals use the Zapier app to automate manual tasks across over 7,000 third-party applications. These include common business apps like Gmail, Slack, and Notion. Zapier lets teams fix messy processes by building their own rule-based automations.
Zapier features that stand out in 2025
We tested 5 different use cases with Zapier, such as automating repetitive tasks and organizing multi-app workflows. Our goal was to integrate tools we use daily, like Slack, Notion, and Google Sheets. Here’s an overview of what we learned from testing various Zapier capabilities:
1. Simple Zap creation
Zapier guides users through setting up their first Zap. This is a one-step workflow that involves a single trigger and the following actions. Users often build Zaps using templates. The platform offers hundreds of pre-built templates to set up triggers and automate tasks.
When we tested Zapier, our goal was to understand how beginner-friendly setting up a simple Zap actually is.
Testing
We tested a one-step Zap that sends a Slack message every time a new email hits a Gmail inbox. Zapier provided a template for this action and walked us through the process of connecting both apps.
We chose “new email” as the trigger and customized the Slack message text to say, “New lead alert: You’ve got an email from (name) with the subject (subject)” Although the template helped with the process, it took some time to understand what fields mapped to which output.
Results
After a few trial runs and re-configurations, our one-step Zap immediately started delivering email alerts to Slack. However, formatting the UI to meet our email requirements was more complicated than we expected. Setting up the user interface for simple automation required attention to detail. We needed to manually define fields and authorize apps.
2. New Zap builder with AI features
Zapier offers an AI-powered builder called Copilot. Simply type in the automation you want, and Copilot will build your own unique template on the interface. We focused on how easy Copilot is to use and whether it correctly builds Zaps from natural language.
Testing
We tested Copilot by prompting: “Every time I get a Calendly booking, send a Slack reminder and tag the person in a Notion database.” Copilot interpreted the request correctly and built a draft Zap with Calendly bookings as the trigger and Slack + Notion as actions.
Copilot asked clarifying questions when needed and pre-filled fields based on connected apps. However, we had to manually adjust several action steps to match our formatting preferences. It also struggled with field references between steps, which required us to double-check the logic.
Results
Copilot created a working automation based on our prompt. However, we adjusted our AI business automation steps manually to align with our formatting needs. Copilot required extra manual work in AI business automation, while Lindy mapped fields more cleanly.
3. Multi-step workflows & logic paths
We wanted to explore how Zapier handles more complex workflows, like those with “if/then” rules. Our goal was to see if Zapier could route buyer intent responses from a form submission based on user input.
Testing
Before we started testing, we had to upgrade to the paid plan, because the free plan doesn’t support multiple actions. We tested 2 conditional scenarios: The first being that the lead is ready to purchase, the second being that the lead needs more time.
The interface clearly outlined how to set up logic paths by using “only if” conditions. We also had to verify each app connection, set default fallbacks, and preview the data output at each step.
Results
Zapier handled the conditional logic, but only after manual intervention: We needed to verify each app connection, set default fallbacks, and preview the data output at each step. The visual editor let us see each branch, which helped map out these conditional workflows. Zapier makes AI business automation tedious with a UI built around repetitive form-filling.
4. 7,000+ integrations
One of Zapier’s main selling points is its vast number of integrations. We wanted to test how deep Zapier’s integrations extend and if they work smoothly with each integration. Our goal was to determine if Zapier could automate tasks across widely used tools like Gmail, Slack, Notion, and Airtable.
Testing
We built a multi-step Zap to sync new Airtable rows with Slack, Notion, and Google Calendar. We explored various triggers and actions within each integration to check for flexibility. Airtable offered the most options, like “New record in view” and “Find record.” Slack only allowed basic message formatting, so we needed to further configure advanced webhooks for syncing.
Results
We encountered limitations with Slack and Gmail, including restricted message formatting and limited control over data transfer. On the other hand, we easily transferred data from tools like Airtable, Notion, and Google Sheets. Our conclusion: The power of your workflow largely depends on which apps you’re connecting.
5. “Chatbot” capabilities via interfaces + AI beta
We wanted to see whether Zapier could power a functional chatbot experience using its new Interfaces feature and AI Actions (currently in beta). The goal was to determine if Zapier could be used to build a chatbot that mimics real-time interaction. This part of our Zapier chatbot review examines how well its Interfaces and AI actions replicate real-time chat features.
Testing
We simulated a lead-qualifying conversation by combining Typeform (for form submissions), OpenAI (for natural language processing), and Gmail (to respond to the user). We created a multi-step Zap that started with a Typeform submission.
When a user filled out the form, Zapier sent the response to OpenAI via Zapier’s AI Action. We formatted the AI’s reply using Formatter by Zapier. This cleaned up the text and structured it into a readable message. Our system automatically sent the formatted response to the user’s Gmail.
Results
The automation worked, but it came at a cost of clunky manual interventions. For each response, we need to predefine fields. This resulted in a delayed back-and-forth that required our attention. Ultimately, Zapier falls short when compared to other AI chatbot platforms, as these tools require less hands-on oversight.
What we didn’t love about Zapier
Zapier simplified automation in some cases, but in other areas, it required too much manual configuration. Yet, the platform requires manual effort. Even if you use the templates, you’ll need to fill out multiple fields. Here are the main drawbacks we found with Zapier:
- Complex for non-technical users: Non-technical users can start with templates. But you’ll need to customize logic and map fields in the workflow editor. Doing this takes some time.
- Downtime and trigger errors: We ran into missed triggers and some task delays during testing. Some third-party apps, like Slack, slowed things down because they lacked deep integration.
- Clutter: The dashboard gets messy fast. If you're running more than a few Zaps, locating active, paused, or broken triggers and actions can get tedious. Additionally, there’s no smart grouping, tagging, or visual summary, which forces users to manually scan long lists of automations.
- Locked features: Popular business tools, like Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, and Gmail advanced actions, require an upgraded plan. Even standard Gmail features, like accessing older messages, aren’t available unless you pay.
Formatting your automations with Zapier can be challenging, especially for first-time users with no prior technical experience. We also found that Zapier’s limitations become more noticeable as your workflows become increasingly complex.
Zapier pricing: What you pay for
Zapier charges for flexibility and the number of automated actions. The platform offers a free version, allowing you to learn Zapier’s features, as well as three pricing tiers that cater to various user groups. Let’s take a look at Zapier’s pricing plans:
- Free plan: The Free plan includes 5 single-step Zaps and 100 tasks per month. It’s suitable for basic automations like “new form submission → send Slack message,” but it doesn’t support filters and multi-step automations.
- Professional Plan (starts at $19.99/month): This tier includes multi-step automations and up to 750 monthly automations. If you exceed your limit, you’ll need to purchase an additional block of 750 tasks for $49.99, even if you only use 100 extra.
- Team Plan (starts at $69/month): The Team plan supports over 2,000 tasks per month, with additional automations available at à la carte pricing, similar to the Professional Plan. It also provides advanced logic tools for conditional branching. Team-oriented features include shared folders, user permissions, and better task history tracking.
- Enterprise Plan (contact sales): Enterprise users over 100,000 multi-step automations per month. The plan offers security features like single sign-on (SSO), advanced admin controls, and prioritized support.
Zapier pricing can get confusing, especially if you’re executing a growing number of monthly automations. These can drive up your costs more than most realize. You’ll need to regularly monitor task usage and estimate overage risks. Then, evaluate whether upgrading to higher tiers or purchasing task bundles offers the best value.
Is Zapier worth it in 2025?
Zapier works for some users, but not all use cases justify the cost. Solopreneurs and small businesses benefit from automating simple tasks, especially on the free plan. Larger organizations can utilize Zapier to automate marketing campaigns and synchronize data between applications, such as HubSpot and Gmail.
Let’s see how useful Zapier can be for different jobs:
Solopreneurs
Solopreneurs automate repetitive tasks with Zapier, like saving email attachments or scheduling social posts. Zapier’s free plan limits how many tasks they can run. Those who need filters or complex formatting may struggle with the pricing or setup time.
If your workflows are straightforward and don’t require advanced logic, Zapier is a good fit. However, if you need conditional branches or detailed field mapping, the learning curve and associated costs may outweigh the benefits.
Sales, account management, and marketing teams
Zapier works for teams juggling tools like HubSpot, Google Sheets, Slack, and Typeform. Its templates help launch basic workflows quickly. Multi-step automations, available starting with the Professional Plan, enable lead tracking, campaign automation, and data syncing.
However, it’s worth it only if your team actively monitors task usage and optimizes Zaps to avoid ballooning costs. Visual clarity and collaboration features are still lacking.
Organizations already using AI tools
Organizations that rely on AI tools or are building autonomous workflows may find Zapier limiting. It lacks built-in LLM integration, agent-like behavior, and flexible logic handling that more modern platforms offer. Tools like Lindy or n8n may offer deeper customization, context awareness, and scalable automation.
How does Zapier stack up to Lindy?
{{templates}}
Zapier vs. Lindy
Lindy and Zapier both help automate busywork, but they solve different problems for different teams. Zapier is best known for connecting thousands of apps with simple rule-based workflows. On the other hand, Lindy lets teams set up automations that can make decisions with minimal human intervention. Follow these pointers to make a decision:
Zapier is best for:
- Businesses with fixed, repeatable logic: Zapier works well for simple, one-step workflows that are consistent and rarely change.
- Teams using dozens of SaaS tools: With over 7,000 integrations, Zapier is a strong choice when you just need your tools to talk to each other.
- Full workflow control: Rule-based tools like Zapier let you decide exactly how each step runs.
Lindy is best for:
- Building autonomous agents: Lindy’s AI agents can respond independently to information from emails, calls, and live-chat messages.
- Workflows with inconsistent data: From parsing PDFs to summarizing meetings or handling support tickets, Lindy can understand and act on messy, unstructured data.
- Scaling without increasing headcount: Lindy provides the capabilities of an administrative assistant, handling a growing number of redundant tasks such as scheduling, taking meeting notes, creating summaries, automating email replies, and more.
If your workflows are simple, predictable, and span multiple third-party apps, Zapier is a solid choice. But if your tasks require autonomous decision-making and contextual awareness, Lindy is the better fit.
Final verdict: Zapier is solid, but it’s not for everyone
Overall, Zapier is a reliable automation tool for teams with simple, repeatable workflows. If you use tools like Airtable, Notion, or Google Sheets and have predictable workflows, Zapier is a strong fit. Its 7,000+ integrations simplify connecting applications.
But if you’re juggling difficult tasks and messy data, Zapier can feel cumbersome for advanced workflows because you must define every step manually. This approach doesn’t work well when you need flexibility or real-time decision-making without constant manual input.
Let Lindy be your AI-powered automation app
Still deciding on an automation platform after reading this Zapier review? If affordable AI automation is your goal, choose Lindy. It’s a user-friendly platform that lets you build powerful AI agents to handle a wide range of tasks — without programming.
Here’s why Lindy is a smart choice:
- 100s of premade automation templates: Build automations in minutes with Lindy’s large pre-built templates selection.
- Integrates across your tech stack: Lindy offers native integrations with platforms like HubSpot, Gmail, and Slack. Through a partnership with Pipedream and Apify, Lindy integrates with over 2,500 third-party platforms.
- Your AI meeting executive assistant: Lindy, joins meetings via Google Calendar, transcribes them, and creates notes in Google Docs. It then sends summaries with action items via Slack or email, and can trigger follow-ups in tools like HubSpot or Gmail.
- Cost-effective: With Lindy’s free version, you can automate up to 400 tasks per month. The paid version allows you to automate up to 5,000 tasks per month, offering a more affordable price per automation compared to many other platforms.
{{cta}}
Frequently asked questions
Is Zapier free, or does it require a subscription?
Yes, Zapier offers a free plan with 5 single-step automations and 100 tasks per month. However, to access multi-step workflows, filters, and Zapier’s full suite of 7,000 app integrations, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan starting at $19.99 per month. Zapier also caps task usage on each tier, which can result in overage fees as usage increases.
What are the limitations of Zapier's chatbot features?
The limitations of Zapier’s chatbot-like features are a reliance on Interfaces and AI Actions, which are still in beta testing. Thus, the platform doesn’t respond to prompts as quickly as other AI tools, and it requires manual configuration. In contrast, platforms like Lindy offer more intuitive, real-time AI agents with built-in decision-making.
Does Zapier work with AI models like OpenAI or Claude?
Yes, Zapier supports OpenAI or Claude through its AI Actions feature. This enables you to send inputs, such as form responses, into models like GPT for processing. However, the setup is manual and lacks native memory or context retention.
Support for Claude is limited or requires custom webhooks. Zapier’s AI is improving, but platforms like Lindy offer smoother native integration.
%20(1).png)
%20(1).png)
.png)
.jpg)
.png)
