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Skyvern starts at $29 and supports 2FA in its open-source version, but its CAPTCHA solver and human-like browser are not open source, according to a Reddit reply from the founder. Users also report documentation gaps and slower cloud runs in at least one comparison. The alternatives below are not all browser-agent replacements: several suit teams that can move work into connected-app workflows instead. Choose based on whether you need browser actions, developer control, or straightforward app automation.
01Why people leave Skyvern
Open-source feature gaps
The founder says 2FA works in open source, but the CAPTCHA solver and human-like browser are missing from that version.
Documentation can be sparse
One Reddit poster reports trouble following Skyvern’s Linux and Python setup instructions, with limited documentation and unresponsive help forums.
Cloud speed concerns
One user says GitHub Copilot with Playwright completed their specific task faster than Skyvern cloud; that is one report, not a general benchmark.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Self-hosted workflow control
n8nn8nSwitch to n8n if your work can be expressed as workflows that mix fixed steps with AI calls, rather than relying on browser navigation throughout. Its listing highlights self-hosting and audited, re-runnable steps. The listed starting price is $20, with a free plan. That makes it a fit for developers willing to manage infrastructure and workflow setup.
Trade-off: Cloud execution caps are tight for the price, according to the listing.
7.2/10from
$20/mofree plan - Microsoft-centric workflows
Power AutomatePower AutomatePower Automate is a stronger fit if the work you want to move out of Skyvern is tied to Microsoft 365, HR onboarding, approvals, or attended desktop RPA. Its listed starting price is $15. It is aimed at Microsoft-centric workflow automation, so it may suit teams whose processes already live in that environment.
Trade-off: Bot and mining plans can make it costly for broader automation.
6.5/10from
$15/mo - Broad app connections
ZapierZapierIf Skyvern is mainly filling gaps between apps, Zapier offers a different route: its listing cites the widest app coverage and simple workflow building for non-technical users. It starts at $19.99 and has a free plan. Consider it when connecting services matters more than reproducing browser-agent behavior.
Trade-off: Task-based pricing can get expensive quickly, according to Reddit users.
6.7/10from
$19.99/mofree plan - Technical visual workflows
MakeMakeMake may suit teams that want governance, role-based access, and custom JavaScript or Python in workflows spanning multiple apps. Its listing says it supports companies building AI agents across many apps, and starts at $12 with a free plan. It is worth considering when Skyvern’s browser focus is narrower than your workflow needs.
Trade-off: Credit metering can be less forgiving for light or budget use.
7.0/10from
$12/mofree plan - Developer-led API agents
PipedreamPipedreamPipedream is aimed at teams building AI agents, managing OAuth, and running production integrations across APIs. If the work behind your Skyvern flows is better handled through APIs than browser steps, it is a plausible switch. The listing shows a free plan and a $99 starting price, so price the production use case carefully.
Trade-off: Budget for production users, usage, and free-tier limits.
7.0/10from
$99/mofree plan - Simple app automations
IFTTTIFTTTIFTTT is the low-cost option here for simple app-to-app automations and smart-home service connections. Its listing starts at $2.09 and includes a free plan, making it an inexpensive place to try basic triggers instead of maintaining a browser workflow. It is a better fit for small, straightforward automations than complex process orchestration.
Trade-off: Check whether its credit limits and polling speeds fit your workflows.
6.8/10from
$2.09/mofree plan
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.0 | $29/mo | No | Teams automating repeatable browser workflows | |
| 7.2 | $20/mo | Yes | Teams mixing deterministic steps with AI calls | |
| 6.5 | $15/mo | No | Microsoft 365 workflow automation | |
| 6.7 | $19.99/mo | Yes | Teams needing the widest app coverage | |
| 7.0 | $12/mo | Yes | Teams needing governance and role-based access | |
| 7.0 | $99/mo | Yes | Teams building AI agents | |
| 6.8 | $2.09/mo | Yes | Simple app-to-app automations |
Questions people ask
Which Skyvern alternative is best for self-hosting?
n8n is the clearest fit in this list: its listing names developers comfortable self-hosting infrastructure and gives it a $20 starting price with a free plan. It is a workflow automation option, not a like-for-like browser agent, so first check whether your process can move out of browser navigation.
Does Skyvern’s open-source version support 2FA?
Yes. In a Reddit thread, Skyvern’s founder says 2FA is available in open source and that users are doing it. The same reply says the CAPTCHA solver and human-like browser are not open source. That split may matter if your workflow depends on those capabilities.
What is the cheapest Skyvern alternative here?
Among these picks, IFTTT has the lowest listed starting price at $2.09 and includes a free plan. That does not make it a direct replacement for browser automation: its listing focuses on simple app-to-app automations and smart-home connections. Check its credit limits and polling speeds against your workflow.
