Activepieces vs Automatisch
Both are free/open-source alternatives to Zapier. Here's how they stack up — verified facts, no spin.
Activepieces
No-code automation with a Zapier-like UI and an MIT-licensed core.
Activepieces is a no-code automation platform whose builder feels close to Zapier: pick a trigger, add action steps, connect apps. Its core is MIT-licensed and self-hostable via Docker, and it has a growing catalog of community "pieces" (integrations) plus AI steps. Some advanced/enterprise features sit under a separate commercial license, so read the LICENSE if you need those. For teams that want a familiar no-code experience they can host themselves, it is a strong balance of openness and ease.
Automatisch
AGPL-licensed, self-hosted automation focused on data privacy.
Automatisch is an open-source automation tool that positions itself as a privacy-focused, self-hosted alternative for connecting apps and building workflows. Its core is AGPL-3.0 licensed and runs on your own server via Docker, keeping data in the EU or wherever you host. Some enterprise files are under a separate commercial license. Its connector library is smaller and its release cadence has been slower than the busiest projects here, so check that it covers the apps you need.
Side by side
| Activepieces | Automatisch | |
|---|---|---|
| Sovereignty Score | 88 | 85 |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hostable | Yes | Yes |
| Local-first | Yes | Yes |
| License | MIT (core); enterprise modules under a separate commercial license | AGPL-3.0 (core); enterprise (.ee) files under a separate commercial license |
| Pricing | Free to self-host (MIT core); paid cloud and enterprise tiers available | Free to self-host; paid cloud tier available |
Activepieces edges it on the Sovereignty Score, but the right pick depends on the trade-offs below.
Activepieces
Strengths
- +MIT-licensed core, OSI-approved and genuinely open
- +No-code builder that is close in feel to Zapier, easing the transition
- +Self-hostable with Docker; workflows and data stay on your infrastructure
- +Active project with a fast-growing library of community integrations and AI steps
Trade-offs
- −Some advanced/enterprise features are under a separate commercial license, not MIT
- −Integration catalog, while growing quickly, is smaller than Zapier's
- −Self-hosting means you run and update the stack yourself
- −Younger project than Node-RED, so some pieces are still maturing
Automatisch
Strengths
- +Core is AGPL-3.0, a strong copyleft OSI-approved license
- +Self-hosted by design, with an explicit data-privacy and data-residency focus
- +Straightforward Docker deployment; your data stays on your infrastructure
- +Clear, approachable no-code interface for common app-to-app flows
Trade-offs
- −Noticeably smaller integration catalog than Zapier, n8n, or Activepieces
- −Slower development cadence than the busiest projects here (last major repo activity earlier in 2026)
- −Some enterprise features sit under a separate commercial license
- −AGPL-3.0 copyleft terms may need review for certain commercial redistribution scenarios
Facts verified 2026-07-06. Licenses and pricing change — spotted something out of date? That's a correction we want.