Activepieces vs Relay.app: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Activepieces and Relay.app comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Activepieces is our overall pick for automation workflows. Pick Relay.app if you need workflow automation.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Activepieces
Open-source automation with visual builder and self-hosting
Best for you if:
- • You need automation features specifically
- • Activepieces is an open-source automation platform that connects your apps and automates workflows
- • It offers a visual builder with numerous integrations and the ability to create custom pieces with code
Relay.app
Automate tasks and connect apps with AI-powered workflows
Best for you if:
- • You need workflow automation features specifically
- • Automates workflows across multiple apps with AI-powered actions
- • Supports sequences, tables, and MCP servers for advanced automation
| At a Glance |  Activepieces |  Relay.app |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Automation | Workflow Automation |
Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.9/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Activepieces or Relay.app?
Choose Activepieces if
Open-source automation with visual builder and self-hosting
- Open source
- Self-hostable
- Growing fast
- Your work is automation-shaped, not workflow automation-shaped
Choose Relay.app if
Automate tasks and connect apps with AI-powered workflows
- Automates repetitive tasks to save time and reduce errors
- Integrates with many popular apps and services
- AI capabilities enhance automation intelligence
- Your work is workflow automation-shaped, not automation-shaped
| Feature | Activepieces | Relay.app |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.8/5 142 reviews | ★4.9/5 89 reviews |
| Categories | AutomationWorkflow Automation | Workflow AutomationAutomation |
In-Depth Analysis
Activepieces
Open-source automation with visual builder and self-hosting
Strengths
- +Open source
- +Self-hostable
- +Growing fast
Weaknesses
- -Fewer integrations than Zapier
Key features
Value 85/100. Activepieces offers a very generous Free tier for self-hosting, making it highly accessible.
Watch out: Self-hosting requires technical expertise/resources
Relay.app
Automate tasks and connect apps with AI-powered workflows
Strengths
- +Automates repetitive tasks to save time and reduce errors
- +Integrates with many popular apps and services
- +AI capabilities enhance automation intelligence
Weaknesses
- -Shutting down, making it unsuitable for long-term use
- -Limited to integrations supported by the platform
Key features
Pricing: Activepieces vs Relay.app
| Plan | Activepieces | Relay.app |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | N/A |
| Tier 2 | $10 month Pro | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $500 month Platform | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Activepieces pricing and Relay.app pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Activepieces
Want the highest-rated option?
Activepieces: 4.8/5 (142 reviews). Relay.app: 4.9/5 (89 reviews).
Go with: Relay.app
Value user reviews?
Activepieces: 142 reviews (4.8/5). Relay.app: 89 reviews (4.9/5).
Go with: Activepieces
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Activepieces is a automation tool. Relay.app is in workflow automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Relay.app is rated higher: 4.9/5 vs 4.8/5.
Key Takeaways
Activepieces
- Larger review base (142 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Relay.app
- Higher user rating: 4.9/5 vs 4.8/5
- Better fit for workflow automation
The Bottom Line
Activepieces is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Activepieces or Relay.app better?
Activepieces is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Activepieces and Relay.app used for?
Activepieces: Open-source automation with visual builder and self-hosting. Relay.app: Automate tasks and connect apps with AI-powered workflows.
What does Activepieces cost vs Relay.app?
Activepieces is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Relay.app is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.