Microsoft Power Automate Review 2024: The Hidden Costs of 'Free' Enterprise Automation
Overview
An honest examination of Microsoft Power Automate revealing why this 'free with Office 365' automation platform often costs enterprises $150+ per workflow. Based on real implementation data, licensing analysis, and experiences from organizations managing 1000+ flows.
Key Features
Pros
- Included with Office 365 (basic features)
- Unmatched Microsoft ecosystem integration
- Combines RPA and API automation
- Enterprise security and compliance
- AI capabilities through AI Builder
- Strong SharePoint/Teams integration
- Desktop automation for legacy systems
Cons
- Complex licensing model with hidden costs
- Steep learning curve despite 'low-code' claims
- Platform organization becomes chaotic at scale
- Premium connectors expensive ($15/user/month)
- Performance limits cause throttling issues
- Non-Microsoft integrations often limited
- Shadow IT governance challenges
Pricing
Pricing Model: Freemium - Starting at $15/user/month
Office 365 Included
Free with O365
- Standard connectors only
- 750 runs/month/user
- Cloud flows only
- Basic features
Power Automate Premium
$15/user/month
- Premium connectors
- 5,000 API requests/day
- Attended RPA
- AI Builder credits
- Process mining
Process License
$150/bot/month
- Unattended RPA
- No user limits
- Cloud + desktop flows
- Premium connectors
Hosted Process
$215/bot/month
- Includes Azure VM
- Unattended RPA
- Managed infrastructure
Best Use Cases
- SharePoint document workflows
- Microsoft Teams automation
- Email and calendar automation
- Legacy system RPA
- Dynamics 365 integration
- IT service management
- Employee onboarding
- Compliance monitoring
Screenshots
How Microsoft Power Automate Compares
vs. Industry Average
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Power Automate worth it?
Microsoft Power Automate scores 7/10 in our review. It's a solid option for sharepoint document workflows.
What are the main features of Microsoft Power Automate?
Key features include: 700+ connectors (standard and premium), Cloud flows for API automation, Desktop flows for RPA. See our full review above for a complete feature breakdown.
How much does Microsoft Power Automate cost?
Microsoft Power Automate uses a freemium pricing model, starting at $15/user/month. Check their website for current pricing details.
What are the best alternatives to Microsoft Power Automate?
Check our Automation category page for similar tools.
Final Verdict
Recommended
Microsoft Power Automate offers solid features and good value for sharepoint document workflows. With strong ratings in flexibility, it's definitely worth considering.
Start with their demo to see if it fits your needs