Huginn vs Zapier

Huginn is open-source software for creating agents that automate online tasks by monitoring web pages, responding to events, and taking actions. Agents produce and consume events that pass through a directed graph, which can connect steps in an automation. Example uses include checking sites for changes, tracking deals, and sending scheduled email digests. Huginn can send and receive WebHooks, run custom JavaScript, and extend installations with external Agent gems. Listed connections include Slack, Twitter, RSS, JIRA, MQTT, Twilio, and Pushbullet. It can run on Linux or a self-hosted server, with an official Docker image and manual installation instructions. Local setup requires MySQL or PostgreSQL; the default configuration calls for at least 0.5 GB physical memory and 0.5 GB addressable memory such as swap. The production guide was created for Debian and Ubuntu. The README assumes SSL and recommends an egress proxy for shared instances where untrusted users can create agents. Huginn is free under the MIT License, and the project directs users to its Gitter room and GitHub repository for discussion and contributions.

Zapier connects apps through automated workflows called Zaps. Each Zap starts with a trigger and carries out one or more actions; a task counts when a successful action moves data or completes work. The service offers automation across more than 9,000 apps, with multi-step workflows, conditional logic and webhook triggers. The Free plan costs nothing and includes 100 tasks per month, unlimited Zaps limited to two steps, one user and a 15-minute polling interval. Polling for new data does not count toward tasks, but successful actions do. Without pay-per-task billing, workflows pause at the task limit until the next usage period. Professional starts at $19.99 per month and Team starts at $69.00 per month; both offer free trials. Team includes 25 users and shared Zaps, folders and app connections. Annual billing has a lower monthly fee, with a 33% saving shown in the pricing selector. Zapier is web-based and headquartered in San Francisco, California.