vs Runwork vs Zapier
Connect existing tools vs. build the tools you actually need
Quick Verdict
Zapier excels at connecting SaaS applications with simple trigger-action workflows. Runwork lets you build custom applications with automation built in. Instead of paying per task to shuffle data between tools, build the tools themselves and automate freely.
Overview
Zapier pioneered no-code automation by connecting thousands of apps. But it operates on someone else's data structures, charges per task, and can't build the custom interfaces you actually need. Runwork takes a different approach: describe the applications you want, and AI builds them with automations, workflows, and schedules built in. Your data, your tools, your infrastructure. No per-task billing, no vendor lock-in.
Zapier is a Workflow Automation Platform.
Runwork Strengths
- Build custom applications, not just connect existing ones.
- Automations run on your own data. No API rate limits or per-task fees.
- 3,200+ integrations when you do need to connect external services.
- Full UI layer: dashboards, forms, tables. Not just background jobs.
- Shared entity graph means your apps work together automatically.
- AI agents that understand your data and take action.
- Flat pricing without task-based billing that explodes with scale.
- Real code you own. No proprietary formats or lock-in.
Zapier Strengths
- 7,000+ app integrations in their ecosystem.
- Mature, battle-tested platform with years of production use.
- Simple trigger-action model anyone can understand.
- No development or design skills needed.
- Large community and template library.
Feature Comparison
Core Capability
| Feature | Runwork | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Build custom applications | - | |
| Custom UI / dashboards | Interfaces (basic) | |
| Connect external services | ||
| Pre-built integrations | 3,200+ | 7,000+ |
| Custom API connections | ||
| Real code output (no lock-in) | - |
Data
| Feature | Runwork | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in database | Tables (basic) | |
| Shared entity graph across apps | - | |
| Pre-built business schemas | - | |
| File storage | - | |
| Data transformations | ||
| Custom entity relationships | - |
Automation & Logic
| Feature | Runwork | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger-action workflows | ||
| Multi-step workflows | ||
| Conditional logic / branching | ||
| Scheduled jobs | ||
| Event-driven automations | ||
| AI agents | Beta | |
| Long-running workflows (hours/days) | Limited | |
| Public APIs / webhooks |
Interface
| Feature | Runwork | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Custom dashboards | Basic | |
| Forms and data entry | ||
| Tables and views | ||
| User authentication | - | |
| Role-based access | - | |
| Sharable components | - |
Enterprise & Security
| Feature | Runwork | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| SSO / SAML | ||
| Audit logs | ||
| Team workspaces | ||
| Custom domains | - | |
| Multi-tenant support | - |
Pricing Model
| Feature | Runwork | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Task-based billing | - | |
| Flat workspace pricing | - | |
| Unlimited automations | - | |
| Free tier available |
Which Tool is Right for You?
Choose Runwork if you need...
- * Custom applications with built-in automation
- * Workflows that operate on your own data without API limits
- * Teams who need UI + automation in one platform
- * Organizations tired of per-task billing
- * Anyone who wants to own their tools, not rent connections
Choose Zapier if you need...
- * Connecting many existing SaaS tools quickly
- * Simple automations without custom UI requirements
- * Teams without any technical resources
- * Quick point-to-point integrations between known apps
- * Use cases where 7,000+ integrations matter more than custom tools
Pricing Comparison
Zapier bills per task, which can get expensive at scale. Runwork has flat workspace pricing with unlimited automations and starts with a 14-day free trial (no credit card).
View Runwork pricingHow to Migrate from Zapier
Moving from Zapier to Runwork means shifting from connecting apps to building the apps themselves. Instead of recreating zaps, you describe the workflows and applications you need, and Runwork builds them with automation built in.
Typical migration: 1-3 days depending on complexity
Audit your current Zaps
List your active Zaps and identify which ones connect to tools you want to keep versus which ones work around limitations of existing tools. Many Zaps exist because the right tool doesn't exist—those become custom apps in Runwork.
Connect your external services
In Runwork, connect the external services you still need (CRM, email, payment processing). These integrations work with your custom apps, not as the center of your workflow.
Build your first application
Describe the workflow or tool you need most. Runwork generates the application with automation built in. Instead of a Zap that moves data between tools, you have a tool that does the work directly.
Migrate data if needed
Export relevant data from tools you're replacing and import into Runwork's entity system. Your data becomes first-class, not just passing through automations.
Disable old Zaps
As your Runwork applications take over, turn off the Zaps they replace. Keep both running in parallel initially to verify everything works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep using some Zaps alongside Runwork?
How does Runwork handle multi-step workflows that span multiple Zaps?
What about Zapier Tables and Interfaces?
Will I lose my automation history when migrating?
Explore Runwork Features
Try Runwork for yourself
Start a free trial. No credit card required.