Our Verdict
An open-source, AI-first no-code automation platform that lets teams build workflows connecting 600+ apps, with both cloud and self-hosted deployment options.
Rating Breakdown
Why Trust This Review
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Truly open-source with MIT license — no vendor lock-in and free self-hosting
- Intuitive drag-and-drop flow builder praised by G2 reviewers for ease of use
- Unlimited task executions with predictable per-flow pricing model
- Native AI agent support with MCP integration for autonomous workflows
- SOC 2 Type II compliant with embeddable SDK for SaaS products
Cons
- Smaller integration library (600+) compared to Zapier (7,000+) or Make
- Self-hosted setup requires technical skills and Docker knowledge
- Relatively young platform (founded 2022) — some advanced features still in development
- Enterprise features like SSO and RBAC only available on custom-priced Ultimate plan
Full Review
Overview
Activepieces is an open-source automation platform founded in 2022, backed by Y Combinator, that positions itself as a no-code alternative to tools like Zapier and Make. Built with an MIT license, it offers both a managed cloud service and full self-hosting via Docker, giving teams complete control over their data and infrastructure. With 600+ integrations and an intuitive visual flow builder, Activepieces makes workflow automation accessible to non-technical users while still offering code steps for developers.
Key Strengths
- Truly Open Source (MIT License): Unlike many competitors, Activepieces uses the permissive MIT license, meaning you can self-host with zero licensing fees and full access to the source code.
- AI-First Approach: Native AI agent capabilities with MCP (Model Context Protocol) support, letting AI tools interact with your connected apps autonomously.
- Unlimited Runs Pricing: The cloud pricing model charges per active flow rather than per task execution, making costs predictable regardless of volume.
- 600+ Integrations: A growing library of pre-built connectors (called Pieces) covering popular tools like Gmail, Slack, OpenAI, and more.
- Embeddable: Activepieces can be embedded into your own SaaS product, enabling you to offer automation to your customers.
Pricing Analysis
Activepieces stands out with its generous free tier and unique pricing model. The cloud Standard plan starts free with 10 active flows and unlimited runs, then scales at $5 per additional active flow per month. This per-flow pricing is far more predictable than per-task models used by Zapier or Make. The self-hosted Community Edition is completely free under the MIT license. Enterprise features like SSO, RBAC, and audit logs require the Ultimate plan with custom pricing.
Who Is It Best For?
Activepieces is ideal for startups, SMBs, and tech-forward teams who want powerful automation without vendor lock-in. Its self-hosting option makes it perfect for organizations with strict data sovereignty requirements. The no-code builder suits business users, while code steps and the open-source nature appeal to developers.
The Bottom Line
Activepieces delivers an impressive combination of ease-of-use, openness, and modern AI capabilities. While its integration library is still smaller than established players like Zapier, its MIT license, predictable pricing, and rapid development pace make it a compelling choice for teams that value transparency and control.
Alternatives to Activepieces
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Activepieces offers two free options. The self-hosted Community Edition is completely free under the MIT license with no limitations on usage. The cloud Standard plan starts free with 10 active flows and unlimited task executions, then charges $5 per additional active flow per month.
Activepieces is open-source (MIT license) while Zapier is proprietary. Activepieces charges per active flow with unlimited runs, whereas Zapier charges per task execution which can get expensive at scale. Activepieces currently has 600+ integrations compared to Zapier's 7,000+, but its library is growing rapidly with community contributions.
Yes, Activepieces offers an embeddable SDK that lets you integrate its automation builder directly into your own application. This enables you to offer workflow automation capabilities to your customers without building the infrastructure yourself.
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
Activepieces scores 8.2/10
With a score of 8.2 out of 10, Activepieces is a strong performer that delivers great value. It's particularly well-suited for those looking for startups and smbs wanting open-source automation with self-hosting options.