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NocoBase adds an AI knowledge base retrieval API, connecting no-code workflows to external knowledge sources.
Alternatives · project management tools
ActiveCollab alternatives
The best ActiveCollab alternatives in project management tools, ranked by Sparkpulse's velocity_score.
Updated Sep 16, 2026
Looking for the best alternatives to ActiveCollab? Sparkpulse tracks and ranks 12 alternatives in project management tools by shipping velocity — how frequently each ships meaningful updates, verified from official changelogs. For reference, ActiveCollab shipped 0 meaningful updates in the last 30 days and carries a velocity score of 5.0 out of 10 in 2026. The alternatives below are ranked the same way, so you're comparing real release momentum, not marketing claims.
About ActiveCollab
ActiveCollab adds a smarter MCP server and 2FA for self-hosted — AI-agent and security foundations in one release.
ActiveCollab is a project management platform with both cloud and self-hosted versions targeting agencies and teams. Recent releases have focused on two threads: AI agent connectivity (MCP server improvements, task ID visibility for API/AI use, Limit MCP Tools) and security hardening for the self-hosted offering (2FA, IP firewall). The product also ships quality-of-life updates — dark mode, task list reordering, rebuilt desktop apps, and chat conversation controls — at a steady pace.
Velocity 5.0 · Last update 8d ago
Top 12 alternatives to ActiveCollab
Ranked by recent ship velocity. Tap any card for the full editorial breakdown, or pivot to a head-to-head.
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Rize pivots from solo time tracker to agency operations platform with invoicing, profitability reporting, and a ChatGPT integration.
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Aha! ships MCP connectors for Elle and opens Builder to 3,000+ integrations, deepening AI product workflows
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Tracecat hits 1.0 RC with open-source agent presets, agent-case @mentions, and 20+ new security integrations.
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SmartSuite ships viewer-interactive linked record filters and conditional automation branching in rapid succession.
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Asana embeds AI into Slack threads and closes the rich-text gap with Notion
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Hive is building shared AI automation infrastructure into the core of its PM platform.
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Atarim cuts AI action costs 40% and plugs in live SEO search data, tightening the value case for its agency AI.
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My Hours launches a Claude MCP connector, making AI-driven time logging a first-class workflow
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Fibery's Custom Apps go GA, completing its turn from work tracker to embedded app platform
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Papertrail's most significant product change in years: a rebuilt checklist engine with conditional logic and structured sections, launched September 2026.
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OpenProject's MCP Server gains write access — AI agents can now create tasks, add comments, and manage relations.
ActiveCollab vs alternatives — shipping velocity at a glance
Velocity score (0–10) and meaningful releases shipped in the last 30 days, from official changelogs. Higher = shipping faster.
| Product | Velocity | Sparks · 30d | Focus areas | Latest release |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ActiveCollab (baseline) | 5.0 | 0 | project-managementcollaborationself-hosted | — |
| NocoBase | 8.8 | 2 | no-codeai-workflowsknowledge-base | v2.3.0-beta.8 |
| Rize | 8.8 | 2 | time-trackingagenciesinvoicing | Rize Is Now an Official ChatGPT Partner |
| Aha! | 8.8 | 2 | product-managementai-assistantmcp | Connect AI applications created with Aha! Builder to 3,000+ tools |
| Tracecat | 7.5 | 2 | security-automationsoarmcp | Tracecat 1.0.0-rc.1 |
| SmartSuite | 7.5 | 1 | project-managementautomationsno-code | Linked Records: Dynamic Filters |
| Asana | 6.3 | 0 | project-managementai-integrationenterprise-compliance | 🎉 @mention Asana in Slack to create tasks and get answers |
| Hive | 6.3 | 0 | project-managementai-automationworkflow | — |
| Atarim | 6.3 | 1 | web-agencyai-automationseo | AI actions 40% cheaper, SEO gets live search data |
| My Hours | 6.3 | 1 | time-trackingmcpai-native | My Hours MCP for Claude |
| Fibery | 6.3 | 0 | work-managementcustom-appsmcp | August 13, 2026 / Custom Apps, See how each change was made (UI, API, automation, AI) |
| Papertrail | 6.3 | 1 | asset-managementinspectioncompliance | Papertrail launches conditional checklist logic — rebuilt from scratch |
| OpenProject | 6.3 | 1 | project-managementmcpai-integration | OpenProject 17.8.0 |
The 12 best ActiveCollab alternatives, in depth
1. NocoBase · velocity 8.8
NocoBase adds an AI knowledge base retrieval API, connecting no-code workflows to external knowledge sources.
Over the last 30 days NocoBase shipped 2 meaningful updates vs ActiveCollab's 0, most recently “v2.3.0-beta.8”. Its velocity score of 8.8/10 blends that with longer-term release cadence.
Where ActiveCollab leans on project management, collaboration and self hosted, NocoBase focuses on no code, ai workflows and knowledge base.
Over the last 30 days NocoBase has been shipping faster than ActiveCollab — a point in its favour if release momentum matters to you.
Full NocoBase trajectory → · Compare ActiveCollab vs NocoBase →
2. Rize · velocity 8.8
Rize pivots from solo time tracker to agency operations platform with invoicing, profitability reporting, and a ChatGPT integration.
Over the last 30 days Rize shipped 2 meaningful updates vs ActiveCollab's 0, most recently “Rize Is Now an Official ChatGPT Partner”. Its velocity score of 8.8/10 blends that with longer-term release cadence.
Where ActiveCollab leans on project management, collaboration and self hosted, Rize focuses on time tracking, agencies and invoicing.
Over the last 30 days Rize has been shipping faster than ActiveCollab — a point in its favour if release momentum matters to you.
3. Aha! · velocity 8.8
Aha! ships MCP connectors for Elle and opens Builder to 3,000+ integrations, deepening AI product workflows.
Over the last 30 days Aha! shipped 2 meaningful updates vs ActiveCollab's 0, most recently “Connect AI applications created with Aha! Builder to 3,000+ tools”. Its velocity score of 8.8/10 blends that with longer-term release cadence.
Where ActiveCollab leans on project management, collaboration and self hosted, Aha! focuses on product management, ai assistant and mcp.
Over the last 30 days Aha! has been shipping faster than ActiveCollab — a point in its favour if release momentum matters to you.
4. Tracecat · velocity 7.5
Tracecat hits 1.0 RC with open-source agent presets, agent-case @mentions, and 20+ new security integrations.
Over the last 30 days Tracecat shipped 2 meaningful updates vs ActiveCollab's 0, most recently “Tracecat 1.0.0-rc.1”. Its velocity score of 7.5/10 blends that with longer-term release cadence.
Where ActiveCollab leans on project management, collaboration and self hosted, Tracecat focuses on security automation, soar and mcp.
Over the last 30 days Tracecat has been shipping faster than ActiveCollab — a point in its favour if release momentum matters to you.
Full Tracecat trajectory → · Compare ActiveCollab vs Tracecat →
5. SmartSuite · velocity 7.5
SmartSuite ships viewer-interactive linked record filters and conditional automation branching in rapid succession.
Over the last 30 days SmartSuite shipped 1 meaningful update vs ActiveCollab's 0, most recently “Linked Records: Dynamic Filters”. Its velocity score of 7.5/10 blends that with longer-term release cadence.
Where ActiveCollab leans on project management, collaboration and self hosted, SmartSuite focuses on project management, automations and no code.
Over the last 30 days SmartSuite has been shipping faster than ActiveCollab — a point in its favour if release momentum matters to you.
Full SmartSuite trajectory → · Compare ActiveCollab vs SmartSuite →
6. Asana · velocity 6.3
Asana embeds AI into Slack threads and closes the rich-text gap with Notion.
Its velocity score of 6.3/10 reflects longer-term release cadence; its most recent meaningful update was “🎉 @mention Asana in Slack to create tasks and get answers”.
Where ActiveCollab leans on project management, collaboration and self hosted, Asana focuses on project management, ai integration and enterprise compliance.
Asana and ActiveCollab have shipped at a similar pace over the last 30 days, so the decision comes down to fit and feature depth.
7. Hive · velocity 6.3
Hive is building shared AI automation infrastructure into the core of its PM platform.
Its velocity score of 6.3/10 reflects longer-term release cadence.
Where ActiveCollab leans on project management, collaboration and self hosted, Hive focuses on project management, ai automation and workflow.
Hive and ActiveCollab have shipped at a similar pace over the last 30 days, so the decision comes down to fit and feature depth.
8. Atarim · velocity 6.3
Atarim cuts AI action costs 40% and plugs in live SEO search data, tightening the value case for its agency AI.
Over the last 30 days Atarim shipped 1 meaningful update vs ActiveCollab's 0, most recently “AI actions 40% cheaper, SEO gets live search data”. Its velocity score of 6.3/10 blends that with longer-term release cadence.
Where ActiveCollab leans on project management, collaboration and self hosted, Atarim focuses on web agency, ai automation and seo.
Over the last 30 days Atarim has been shipping faster than ActiveCollab — a point in its favour if release momentum matters to you.
9. My Hours · velocity 6.3
My Hours launches a Claude MCP connector, making AI-driven time logging a first-class workflow.
Over the last 30 days My Hours shipped 1 meaningful update vs ActiveCollab's 0, most recently “My Hours MCP for Claude”. Its velocity score of 6.3/10 blends that with longer-term release cadence.
Where ActiveCollab leans on project management, collaboration and self hosted, My Hours focuses on time tracking, mcp and ai native.
Over the last 30 days My Hours has been shipping faster than ActiveCollab — a point in its favour if release momentum matters to you.
Full My Hours trajectory → · Compare ActiveCollab vs My Hours →
10. Fibery · velocity 6.3
Fibery's Custom Apps go GA, completing its turn from work tracker to embedded app platform.
Its velocity score of 6.3/10 reflects longer-term release cadence; its most recent meaningful update was “August 13, 2026 / Custom Apps, See how each change was made (UI, API, automation, AI)”.
Where ActiveCollab leans on project management, collaboration and self hosted, Fibery focuses on work management, custom apps and mcp.
Fibery and ActiveCollab have shipped at a similar pace over the last 30 days, so the decision comes down to fit and feature depth.
11. Papertrail · velocity 6.3
Papertrail's most significant product change in years: a rebuilt checklist engine with conditional logic and structured sections, launched September 2026.
Over the last 30 days Papertrail shipped 1 meaningful update vs ActiveCollab's 0, most recently “Papertrail launches conditional checklist logic — rebuilt from scratch”. Its velocity score of 6.3/10 blends that with longer-term release cadence.
Where ActiveCollab leans on project management, collaboration and self hosted, Papertrail focuses on asset management, inspection and compliance.
Over the last 30 days Papertrail has been shipping faster than ActiveCollab — a point in its favour if release momentum matters to you.
Full Papertrail trajectory → · Compare ActiveCollab vs Papertrail →
12. OpenProject · velocity 6.3
OpenProject's MCP Server gains write access — AI agents can now create tasks, add comments, and manage relations.
Over the last 30 days OpenProject shipped 1 meaningful update vs ActiveCollab's 0, most recently “OpenProject 17.8.0”. Its velocity score of 6.3/10 blends that with longer-term release cadence.
Where ActiveCollab leans on project management, collaboration and self hosted, OpenProject focuses on project management, mcp and ai integration.
Over the last 30 days OpenProject has been shipping faster than ActiveCollab — a point in its favour if release momentum matters to you.
Full OpenProject trajectory → · Compare ActiveCollab vs OpenProject →
Frequently asked questions
What are the best alternatives to ActiveCollab?
The top ActiveCollab alternatives we currently track in project management tools are NocoBase, Rize, Aha!, Tracecat, SmartSuite, ranked by recent ship velocity.
How is this list of ActiveCollab alternatives ranked?
Alternatives are ranked by Sparkpulse's velocity_score — release cadence + 30-day spark count + sector-relative ship rate.
Can I compare ActiveCollab directly with one of these alternatives?
Yes — every card has a "Compare with ActiveCollab" link to a side-by-side /compare page.