Every pick works without paying, with no time limit. Ordered by overall score.
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 free phone automation app in 2026 is Apple Shortcuts: it costs nothing, comes built into iPhone and iPad, and scores 8.2 out of 103. On Android, MacroDroid (8.0) is free for 5 macros with ads4, and Automate (7.6) gives every feature free up to 30 running blocks with no ads67.
Requirement: a free version with no time limit. IFTTT (6.1) also qualifies, with 1,000 credits a month on its free plan14, and ranks below these five. Tasker has no free version beyond a 7-day trial15.
Pick Free on iPhone
Free and built in, with no paid tier; the Apple Intelligence cloud models inside it have daily usage limits12. Pick it on any iPhone.
Price Free and built into iPhone and iPad; Apple Intelligence cloud models in Shortcuts have daily usage limits132
Full review of Apple ShortcutsVisit Apple Shortcuts (opens the Apple Shortcuts website)
Pick Free for 5 macros
The free version runs 5 macros with ads; Pro removes both for a one-time payment whose price ArloSoft does not publish45. Pick it if a handful of automations covers what you want.
Price Free for up to 5 macros with ads; Pro is a one-time payment with no subscription4.
Full review of MacroDroidVisit MacroDroid (opens the MacroDroid website)
Pick Most free features
Every feature free with no ads, up to 30 running blocks and any number of stored flows; Premium is $4.99 once678. Pick it if you want many automations without paying.
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 US68
Full review of AutomateVisit Automate (opens the Automate website)
Pick Free on Galaxy
Free and preinstalled, with a free Routines+ add-on that adds Touch macro and Navigation Bar actions910. Pick it on a Galaxy before you install anything.
Price Free and preinstalled on Galaxy phones; the Routines+ add-on is also free910
Full review of Samsung Modes and RoutinesVisit Samsung Modes and Routines (opens the Samsung Modes and Routines website)
Pick Free on Pixel
No separate charge; two triggers and four sound actions1112. Pick it if you only want the phone quiet at work or at home.
Price No separate charge: Rules is part of the Settings app on Pixel phones11; the US Google Store lists Pixel 10a from $59913
Full review of Google Pixel RulesVisit Google Pixel Rules (opens the Google Pixel Rules website)
| App | Price | Runs on |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Shortcuts | Free, built in31 | iPhone and iPad; also Apple Watch, Apple Vision and Mac161 |
| MacroDroid | Free (5 macros, ads); Pro one-time, price not published4 | Android phones and tablets; Wear OS companion4 |
| Automate | Free; Premium $4.99 one-time (Google Play US)68 | Android only17 |
| Samsung Modes and Routines | Free, built in9 | Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets (Android)18 |
| Google Pixel Rules | No separate charge (built into Pixel Settings)11 | Google Pixel phones11 |
Yes. Automate gives every feature free up to 30 running blocks6, MacroDroid runs 5 macros free with ads4, and Galaxy and Pixel phones include Modes and Routines and Rules at no charge911.
See the full ranking: Best phone automation apps in 2026