Extensible "pieces" framework for custom integrations
AI-generated starting workflows from plain-language descriptions
Free self-hosted tier with no usage caps
Managed cloud option for teams that don't want to self-host
BPMN 2.0, CMMN, and DMN engines for modeling processes, case management, and decision logic
Open-source Community Edition under Apache License 2.0
Low-code app builder for forms and task UIs
Agentic automation for combining AI agents with deterministic workflow steps
Built-in analytics and process-monitoring dashboards
Pros
Full self-hosting avoids vendor lock-in and per-task pricing anxiety
Open codebase allows custom integrations closed platforms won't build
Free tier is genuinely unlimited when self-hosted
Built on open standards (BPMN/CMMN/DMN), reducing vendor lock-in
Free, permissively licensed core engine available for production use
Handles complex, long-running case management alongside standard workflows
Cons
Self-hosting requires real infrastructure and maintenance effort
Smaller integration library than long-established closed competitors
Managed cloud pricing still applies for teams avoiding self-hosting
Enterprise pricing is not published, requiring a sales conversation for cost estimates
Steeper learning curve than no-code automation tools aimed at business users
Full enterprise feature set (high availability, advanced analytics) requires the paid edition
Company
Activepieces, founded 2022
Flowable, founded 2016
Prices come from each vendor's pricing page, last checked 20260810. Check the vendor before you buy.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Is Activepieces better than Flowable?
In our reviews Activepieces scores 4.5 and Flowable scores 4.2. The better pick depends on the job. Activepieces: Open-source, self-hostable, built for teams wary of vendor lock-in. Flowable: Open-source business process automation platform for modeling, running, and monitoring enterprise workflows.