Five Android picks in overall score order, with what each costs and what keeps it running.
This guide is free and no app maker or vendor pays for a position. Links to vendors can earn the publisher a commission when you sign up. How the site makes money.
The best phone automation app for Android is MacroDroid: it scores 8.0 out of 10, a macro is a trigger, actions and optional constraints, and the first 5 macros cost nothing1. Automate (7.6) gives every feature free up to 30 running blocks3, and Tasker (7.5) has the most actions, 350+, for a one-time $4.499.
Requirement: runs on Android. IFTTT (6.1) also runs on Android phones16 and ranks below these five. Every third-party app here can be stopped by a phone maker's battery saver; the home page explains why Android automations stop running and the fix.
Pick Best overall
Free for up to 5 macros with ads; Pro is a one-time payment with no subscription1. Hundreds of community templates1 install in a couple of taps2. Pick it for your first Android automation.
Price Free for up to 5 macros with ads; Pro is a one-time payment with no subscription1.
Full review of MacroDroidVisit MacroDroid (opens the MacroDroid website)
Pick Best free
Every feature free up to 30 running blocks with no ads; Premium is $4.99 once on Google Play US and covers every device on the account345. Pick it if you can think in flowcharts.
Price Free with every feature up to 30 running blocks; Premium is a one-time $4.99 in-app purchase on Google Play in the US34
Full review of AutomateVisit Automate (opens the Automate website)
Pick Built in on Galaxy
Free in Settings on Galaxy phones, with preset modes and recommended routines6. Pick it if you own a Galaxy and want settings to change by themselves.
Price Free and preinstalled on Galaxy phones; the Routines+ add-on is also free78
Full review of Samsung Modes and RoutinesVisit Samsung Modes and Routines (opens the Samsung Modes and Routines website)
Pick Most control
350+ actions, JavaScript and Java code for $4.49 once on Google Play US, with a 7-day trial as a direct download9101112. Pick it if you want to program the phone.
Price A one-time $4.49 on Google Play in the US; the free direct-download trial expires after 7 days912.
Full review of TaskerVisit Tasker (opens the Tasker website)
Pick Built in on Pixel
Silences or rings a Pixel by Wi-Fi network or location, with nothing to install13. Pick it if that is all you want the phone to do.
Price No separate charge: Rules is part of the Settings app on Pixel phones14; the US Google Store lists Pixel 10a from $59915
Full review of Google Pixel RulesVisit Google Pixel Rules (opens the Google Pixel Rules website)
| App | Price | Store rating | Last updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacroDroid | Free (5 macros, ads); Pro one-time, price not published1 | 4.3 (95.8K reviews, Google Play US)1 | Oct 28, 20261 |
| Automate | Free; Premium $4.99 one-time (Google Play US)34 | 4.6 (32,189 ratings, Google Play US)4 | October 27, 20264 |
| Samsung Modes and Routines | Free, built in7 | 3.0 of 5 stars, 10 user reviews (Galaxy Store, US storefront); no Google Play listing177 | March 31, 2026 (version 5.0.01.52)7 |
| Tasker | $4.49 one-time; 7-day trial9 | 4.0 (56,136 ratings, Google Play US)9 | Nov 2, 20269 |
| Google Pixel Rules | No separate charge (built into Pixel Settings)14 | Not published (system feature, no app listing)14 | Not published (part of Pixel system software)14 |
Automate: every feature works free up to 30 running blocks, with no ads35. MacroDroid's free version runs 5 macros with ads1.
The pages checked for this site publish no battery-use figures for either app, and this site has not measured them. Both run a background service with a persistent notification1819, and LlamaLab's FAQ lists flow designs in Automate that drain the battery20.
No, for most features. Tasker's Play listing says the majority of functions need no root9, and Shizuku runs root-level actions without root in Tasker 6.6 and later11. MacroDroid needs ADB, Shizuku or root only for secure settings such as airplane mode and mobile data21.
See the full ranking: Best phone automation apps in 2026