Check out our comprehensive ranking of the five best task automation software solutions to boost your productivity in 2024.

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern work, efficiency and productivity have become paramount. Despite advancements, the average office worker in 2024 still dedicates 50% of their working hours to repetitive tasks and 10% to manual data entry. Fortunately, the technology to automate these processes exists and is more accessible than ever, even for small businesses. Automated workflow software is revolutionizing how teams operate, enabling them to focus on more strategic and meaningful tasks. In this article, we present the Top 5 Task Automation Software in 2024, tested and ranked to help you streamline your workflows and enhance productivity.

1. Motion

Motion Automates Task Management

Standout Features

Automated Project Workflow Templates: Streamlines processes by automatically creating and assigning tasks.
Automated Scheduling: Utilizes AI-powered algorithms to optimize task prioritization and deadlines.
Automated Re-scheduling: Adjusts priorities in real-time based on changing requirements.

What We Liked

Motion excels in automating the entire task management process, from scheduling and assigning tasks to tracking progress. Its intelligent algorithms consider task priority, deadlines, dependencies, and team member availability, ensuring optimized schedules and timely completion of tasks. The project workflow templates are highly effective, saving significant time and effort in manual coordination and planning.

What We Disliked

The learning curve for Motion can be steep, particularly for team members who are not tech-savvy. Additionally, the absence of a bulk-add feature for tasks can be frustrating when managing large volumes of work. However, Motion’s team is actively addressing these issues, with solutions expected by the end of 2024.

Pricing

Team Plan: $12/user/month (annual billing)
Free Trial: 7 days

Best For

Teams needing automated project scheduling and workflow optimization.

2. Zapier

Zapier Automates Tasks Across Apps

Standout Features

Extensive App Integrations: Connects over 7,000 apps and web services.
User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies the creation of automated workflows, known as Zaps.
Multi-Step Zaps: Supports complex automations for comprehensive task management.

What We Liked

Zapier’s vast ecosystem of app integrations makes it incredibly versatile, connecting over 7,000 applications. Its intuitive interface allows users without technical backgrounds to create automated workflows effortlessly. The ability to design multi-step Zaps enables the automation of complex processes, significantly reducing manual work and enhancing efficiency. Additionally, the extensive library of pre-built Zap templates provides a solid starting point for creating custom automations.

What We Disliked

Complex automations can quickly consume the monthly task quota on lower-tier plans, potentially leading to unexpected costs. Moreover, while Zapier is excellent for connecting different apps, it offers less flexibility for automating processes within a single application compared to some competitors.

Pricing

Free Plan: Single-step automation
Professional Plan: Starts at $49/month (annual billing)

Best For

Users automating tasks across various web applications.

3. Airtable

Airtable Customizable Task Management

Standout Features

Low-Code Platform: Enables building custom automation apps tailored to specific needs.
Workspace Templates: Offers templates for various team functions such as product, marketing, and HR.
Powerful Automation Capabilities: Utilizes conditional logic for dynamic task management.

What We Liked

Airtable’s flexibility allows users to structure data precisely according to their requirements. Multiple view options—grid, calendar, kanban board, or gallery—enable teams to visualize work in formats that best suit their workflows. Custom fields and formulas facilitate the creation of highly tailored task management systems. The robust automation features, combined with strong API integrations, ensure seamless connectivity with existing tools, streamlining processes effectively.

What We Disliked

The flexibility of Airtable can also be a drawback, presenting a steeper learning curve compared to traditional task management tools. Setting up bases optimally requires time and effort, which may not be ideal for teams seeking quick, out-of-the-box solutions. Additionally, collaboration features, while improving, still lag behind those of dedicated project management platforms.

Pricing

Free Plan: For teams with up to five users
Paid Plans: Start at $20/user/month (annual billing)

Best For

Teams requiring flexible data organization and customizable task automation.

4. Asana

Asana Project Management

Standout Features

Intuitive Interface: Multiple project views including list, board, timeline, and calendar.
Comprehensive Task Management: Supports subtasks, dependencies, and custom fields.
Workflow Builder: Automates repetitive processes to save time and reduce errors.

What We Liked

Asana’s clean and intuitive interface makes project management straightforward and adaptable to various project stages. The ability to switch between different views allows teams to visualize their work in the most effective format. Comprehensive task management features, including subtasks and dependencies, enable precise planning and execution. The workflow builder is a powerful tool for automating repetitive tasks, enhancing efficiency, and minimizing human error. Additionally, robust collaboration features like comments, file attachments, and @mentions facilitate seamless team communication.

What We Disliked

The extensive range of features can be overwhelming for new users, presenting a steep learning curve. Teams seeking a simple, straightforward solution may find Asana overly complex. Furthermore, while the free plan is generous, it lacks key functionalities such as custom fields and timeline views, which are only available in paid plans. This can become costly for larger teams requiring advanced features.

Pricing

Starter Plan: Starts at $10.99/user/month (annual billing)

Best For

Small to large teams needing comprehensive project management and AI-powered task prioritization.

5. Zoho Flow

Zoho Flow Workflow Automation

Standout Features

Smart Logic and Multi-Step Workflows: Enables complex automation across multiple steps.
Extensive App Integration: Connects with hundreds of Zoho and third-party applications.
Drag-and-Drop Workflow Builder: Simplifies the creation of customized automations with logic elements and custom functions.

What We Liked

Zoho Flow is an invaluable tool for managing diverse teams and streamlining workflows across various platforms. Its drag-and-drop interface allows users to create sophisticated automation workflows without any coding knowledge. The ability to add custom logic and decision structures ensures that automations meet specific business needs precisely. Integration with a wide range of Zoho and third-party apps facilitates seamless connectivity and enhances overall workflow efficiency.

What We Disliked

Zoho Flow can be quite complex for users who are new to automation tools, with a steep learning curve that may deter non-technical users. Documentation could be improved to make the platform more accessible. While Zoho Flow integrates well with Zoho products, some third-party integrations can be clunky or limited in functionality, potentially restricting automation capabilities.

Pricing

Zoho Flow: Starts at $25/month (annual billing)

Best For

Businesses integrating multiple cloud apps and seeking logic-based workflow automation.

What to Look for in Automated Workflow Software

When evaluating automated workflow software, consider the following key factors:

Ease of Use: The software should be user-friendly and intuitive, allowing teams to streamline processes without extensive technical knowledge.
Integration Capabilities: Ensure the tool can seamlessly integrate with the applications your team already uses.
Automation Features: Look for robust automation capabilities, including conditional logic and multi-step workflows.
Scalability: The software should scale with your business, accommodating growing teams and expanding workflows.

Conclusion

Investing in the right automated workflow software can transform how your team operates, significantly boosting productivity and efficiency. Whether you need comprehensive project management, extensive app integrations, or highly customizable automation, the top five software solutions listed above offer a range of features to meet diverse needs. By leveraging these tools, you can reduce time spent on repetitive tasks and focus on what truly matters—driving your business forward.

Ready to elevate your task management and streamline your workflows? Automate and streamline your task management with Motion.