When do I use Paths in Zapier and when a Filter?

Filter stops a Zap if the condition doesn't match. Paths runs different branches based on conditions. Wrong choice gives either duplicate Zaps or a Zap that does nothing.

Try this first

1. 1Filter: use for 'only do something if X'. No branch, no alternative, just stop on no-match. No task spend on filtered runs.
2. 2Paths: use for 'do X on A, do Y on B'. Max 3 paths on standard tier, premium feature.
3. 3Anti-pattern: 3 separate Zaps each with a filter on a different condition. That's expensive (3x trigger tasks) and hard to maintain. 1 Zap with paths is cheaper and clearer.
4. 4Anti-pattern: paths where the 'else' branch does nothing. A filter would be better, you're paying per trigger task even when nothing happens.
5. 5For more than 3 branches: consider Make or n8n. Their routing/switch is stronger and more visible.

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