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Microsoft Power Automate is a workflow automation software that offers multiple pricing tiers on a subscription basis. Project managers typically use Microsoft Power Automate to automate tasks, improve efficiency, and integrate the myriad applications they’re using to manage projects. 

Its pricing structure is flexible and often more competitive than its alternatives. This guide covers everything you need to know about Microsoft Power Automate pricing, plans, and costs so you can make an informed purchase decision with confidence.

How Much Does Microsoft Power Automate Cost?

Microsoft Power Automate’s paid plans start from $15 per user/month and go up to $215 per bot/month (bot is used instead of user for this tier because you can opt for unattended automation).

A free trial is available for 30 days, which you can use to test the tool’s UI-based cloud flows and standard connectors before committing to a plan.

Microsoft Power Automate Plans & Pricing Tiers

Here's an overview of the available Microsoft Power Automate plans:

Plan TypePrice per User/MonthWhat’s Included?
Power Automate Premium$15 user/monthCloud flows (i.e. digital process automation or DPA), desktop flows, process and task mining, AI Builder credits, Microsoft Dataverse entitlements
Power Automate Process$150 bot/monthEverything in Premium, plus unattended automation
Power Automate Hosted Process$215 bot/monthEverything in Process, plus Microsoft hosted virtual machine
Microsoft Power Automate pricing tiers screenshot
Microsoft Power Automate offers a free trial, a premium plan, a process plan, and a hosted process plan.

Let’s break down the available Microsoft Power Automate plans a bit further:

Power Automate Premium

The Premium plan is ideal for individual users or small teams looking to automate workflows with standard connectors.

It's suitable if you’re in an industry that needs simple automation solutions without complex integration. It includes unlimited active flows but lacks premium connectors and attended robotic process automation (RPA), limiting its use for more complex automation needs.

Power Automate Process

This plan suits businesses that require attended RPA. It's perfect for industries that need advanced automation, such as finance or manufacturing. You’ll benefit from AI Builder credits (which are also available in the premium plan), but this plan may not be cost-effective if your org has more basic automation needs.

Power Automate Hosted Process

The Hosted Process plan is tailored for organizations with many users that need shared automation and business processes. Ideal for larger enterprises, it offers access to the Microsoft hosted virtual machine. It's best for companies with complex, multi-user workflows. The high cost can be a limitation for smaller teams.

Microsoft Power Automate Pricing vs. Competitors

Microsoft Power Automate’s pricing is generally considered average in the workflow automation market. With several pricing tiers, it provides flexibility for different user needs.

The feature set includes cloud flows and RPA. Numerous integrations enhance its appeal across industries. Security safeguards are integrated into all plans to ensure data protection. While competitive, the cost may be higher for users requiring extensive RPA or premium features compared to some alternatives.

Comparison Chart: Microsoft Power Automate vs. Alternatives

Wondering how Microsoft Power Automate pricing compares to other workflow automation software? Here’s a comparison chart that breaks down the costs of other workflow automation software side-by-side:

Alternatives to Microsoft Power Automate

Microsoft Power Automate is a solid workflow automation software, but there are plenty of other options out there. Depending on your use case, budget, team size, and other factors, you might consider shopping around for a solution that’s better suited to your needs.

If you’re looking for alternative workflow automation software options to Microsoft Power Automate, here are a few worth checking out:

  • Zapier: Focuses on ease of use with a wide range of app integrations.
  • Make: Offers advanced automation scenarios with visual flow building.
  • Automation Anywhere: Provides robust RPA capabilities for enterprise needs.
  • UiPath: Specializes in scalable RPA solutions with strong AI integration.
  • Nintex: Known for its document generation and process mapping features.
  • Workato: Combines integration and automation with enterprise-grade security.

How to Choose the Right Microsoft Power Automate Plan

When deciding which Microsoft Power Automate plan to go with, consider the added value and potential drawbacks that come with each plan. Long lists of features can quickly lead to confusion and uncertainty, so here are a few factors to keep in mind as you evaluate and assess your options:

Microsoft Power Automate Scalability and Team Size

Process mapping inside Microsoft Power Automate screenshot
Microsoft Power Automate scales to fit businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises, by offering flexible licensing options and robust integration capabilities. 

For small teams or individual users, the Premium plan offers essential features without overwhelming costs. Medium-sized teams might benefit from the Process plan, which provides advanced automation capabilities. Larger organizations should consider the Hosted Process plan.

Industry-Specific Microsoft Power Automate Features

Analytics page of Microsoft Power Automate screenshot
Microsoft Power Automate offers features that make it useful for the healthcare, finance, and retail industries.

Finance teams benefit from high-level security and compliance features available across all Microsoft Power Automate plans. Manufacturing teams use RPA for repetitive tasks, and this feature is available in the Process plan. Logistics industries can leverage unattended RPA, which is also available in the Process plan.

Microsoft Power Automate Integration Capabilities

Integration capabilities of Microsoft Power Automate screenshot
Microsoft Power Automate integrates with Microsoft services and 200+ other third-party apps.

Microsoft Power Automate offers a variety of native integrations with popular Microsoft services (such as Dynamics 365, Microsoft Copilot, and other Microsoft Power apps) and third-party applications. It can also connect with tools like Zapier, and provides an API for building custom integrations.

Microsoft Power Automate Security Safeguards

Security Role: Environment Maker feature of Microsoft Power Automate screenshot
Microsoft Power Automate employs TLS encryption, role-based access, and integrates with Microsoft Entra ID for secure authentication. 

All plans include enterprise-grade security measures, such as data encryption and compliance with industry standards. Evaluate the security needs of your team to choose a plan that aligns with your organizational policies and protects sensitive information.

Microsoft Power Automate Pricing FAQs

Here are answers to a few common questions about Microsoft Power Automate pricing:

What additional costs should I anticipate with Microsoft Power Automate?

When using Microsoft Power Automate, additional costs may include add-ons, premium connectors and custom connectors, and AI Builder credits for advanced automation capabilities.

Are there any discounts or promotions available for Microsoft Power Automate?

Microsoft Power Automate occasionally offers discounts and promotions for enterprise agreements and nonprofit organizations. These discounts vary based on the specific agreement and eligibility criteria. You can access these promotions by contacting Microsoft sales representatives or visiting the official Microsoft website for current offers.

How often does Microsoft Power Automate change its pricing structure?

Microsoft Power Automate’s pricing structure changes periodically. Pricing adjustments happen based on market trends and feature expansions. Check the official Microsoft website regularly for the most current pricing information.

Can I switch plans after subscribing to a Microsoft Power Automate plan?

Yes, you can switch plans after subscribing to a Microsoft Power Automate plan. However, it’s important to review the terms and conditions associated with your current subscription and the plan you wish to switch to, as there may be specific guidelines or restrictions.

Is there a minimum contract length for Microsoft Power Automate subscriptions?

Microsoft Power Automate subscriptions typically operate on a monthly or annual basis, with no long-term contract requirements. However, opting for an annual plan might offer cost savings compared to monthly billing. Review the specific terms of each plan to determine the best option for your organization.

Does Microsoft Power Automate offer a trial period for its plans?

Yes, Microsoft Power Automate offers a 30-day free trial to let you explore features and assess whether the tool suits your needs. During the trial, you can access core functionalities and evaluate how the software integrates with your workflows.

Is Microsoft Power Automate Good Value?

In my opinion, Microsoft Power Automate offers good value for organizations that need workflow automation solutions, especially those already using Microsoft’s ecosystem.

The pricing is competitive for the features offered (i.e. RPA and the AI Builder), which cater to various industries, including finance, manufacturing, and logistics. The user-friendly interface and extensive support make onboarding relatively smooth. However, smaller teams or those with limited budgets might find the cost of premium features, like unattended RPA, a bit steep.

Verdict: Microsoft Power Automate provides significant value for organizations embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem, and offers flexible automation solutions and strong integration capabilities.

Want to learn more about Microsoft Power Automate? Check out their site for additional information.

Price:

From $15/user/month

Trial:

Free trial available

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Hermann Fink
By Hermann Fink

Hermann Fink is a technology enthusiast and the co-founder of Rünna Advertising, a multinational digital agency that has been active for over a decade and served clients like Ford, AstraZeneca, Disney, and Didi. In addition to being a business owner, Hermann gathered corporate experience in project management during his time at Hewlett Packard in the mid-2010s.