Our Verdict
AI-powered workflow automation platform with native Human-in-the-Loop controls, built-in AI credits, and an exceptionally intuitive interface rated 9.4 on G2.
Rating Breakdown
Why Trust This Review
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Native Human-in-the-Loop controls let workflows pause for human approvals, reviews, or data input
- Rated 9.4 on G2 for ease of use — the most intuitive AI workflow builder available
- Built-in AI credits on every plan remove the friction of setting up separate AI providers
- Multiplayer collaboration lets team members co-build and manage automations together
Cons
- Smaller integration ecosystem compared to Zapier and Make
- Relatively new platform (founded 2022) with a smaller team and less mature feature set
- Mobile app has limited features, particularly for integrations and workflow sharing
- AI credit bundles may need to be purchased separately for heavy AI usage
Full Review
Overview
Relay.app is a modern automation platform that distinguishes itself through two key differentiators: native Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) controls and best-in-class ease of use. While most automation tools treat human oversight as an afterthought, Relay.app makes it a core design principle — workflows can pause for human approvals, data inputs, or compliance checks before proceeding. The platform combines AI-powered agents with collaborative workflow building, making it accessible to non-technical teams while still powerful enough for complex automation needs.
Key Strengths
- Human-in-the-Loop (Native): Unlike competitors that require workarounds for human approval steps, Relay.app builds HITL directly into the workflow engine. Workflows can pause for team member approvals, data review, or input before continuing.
- Exceptional Ease of Use: Rated 9.4 on G2 for ease of use, Relay.app is consistently praised as the most intuitive automation builder available. Non-technical users can build complex workflows quickly.
- Built-in AI Credits: Every plan includes AI credits for built-in AI actions, removing the friction of setting up separate AI provider accounts. Multi-model support lets you choose the right model for each task.
- Multiplayer Collaboration: Built-in collaborative workflow building lets team members co-create and manage automations together, unlike single-user-focused competitors.
- Predictable Pricing: Step-based pricing with included AI credits provides more predictable costs than task-based models where AI actions can consume multiple tasks.
Pricing Analysis
Relay.app offers a Free plan with 200 steps/month and 500 AI credits. Pro plans start at $38/month with 2,000 steps and 5,000 AI credits for up to 10 users. All plans include all workflow automation features — pricing scales with steps and AI credits, not feature gating. Additional AI credit bundles can be purchased as needed. This approach is simpler and more predictable than Zapier's task-based model.
Who Is It Best For?
Relay.app is ideal for small to mid-size teams that need AI automation with human oversight, particularly in regulated industries, compliance-sensitive workflows, or any process where a human needs to approve or verify before actions are taken. It excels for teams that want the power of AI automation without giving up control.
The Bottom Line
Relay.app hits a sweet spot between Zapier's simplicity and Make's power, with a unique emphasis on human-AI collaboration. Its native HITL controls solve a real problem that other tools handle poorly, and its ease of use is genuinely best-in-class. The trade-off is a smaller integration ecosystem and less advanced data transformation compared to Make. For teams that value human oversight in their AI automation, Relay.app is the standout choice.
Alternatives to Relay.app
Frequently Asked Questions
Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) means workflows can pause at specific steps to wait for a human team member to review, approve, modify, or provide input before the automation continues. This is critical for compliance-sensitive processes, financial approvals, content review, or any workflow where AI decisions need human verification.
Each Relay.app plan includes a monthly allotment of AI credits. When you use AI actions in your workflows, they consume credits based on the complexity and model used. Visual indicators throughout the platform show credit costs. The Free plan includes 500 credits/month, and Pro includes 5,000. Additional credit bundles can be purchased if needed.
Relay.app is best suited for small to mid-size teams currently. While it handles structured workflows with approvals well, larger enterprises with complex security requirements, advanced governance needs, or thousands of users may need more mature platforms. Relay.app is growing rapidly and adding enterprise features, but as of 2026 it is strongest for teams of 2-50 people.
Written by
Marcus has spent over a decade in SaaS integration and business automation. He specializes in evaluating API architectures, workflow automation tools, and sales funnel platforms. His reviews focus on implementation details, technical depth, and real-world integration scenarios.
Co-written by
Emily brings 7 years of data-driven marketing expertise, specializing in market analysis, email optimization, and AI-powered marketing tools. She combines quantitative research with practical recommendations, focusing on ROI benchmarks and emerging trends across the SaaS landscape.
Final Verdict
Relay.app scores 8.3/10
With a score of 8.3 out of 10, Relay.app is a strong performer that delivers great value. It's particularly well-suited for those looking for small to mid-size teams needing ai automation with human oversight, approvals, and compliance controls.