15 Best Free and Open Source RPA Tools

Rohit Rajpal

Senior Writer

15 Best Free and Open Source RPA Tools in 2023

Key Takeaways:

  1. Open-source robotic process automation (RPA) tools are software bots that automate repetitive digital tasks using publicly available source code that anyone can use, modify, or enhance.
  2. Choose a free RPA software that is flexible enough to accommodate various processes and requires less training to start working on.
  3. These RPA-free tools offer powerful automation capabilities without hefty price tags, making automation accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Robotic process automation (RPA) transforms organizations’ operations by automating repetitive, mundane digital tasks. Its basic purpose is to reduce human intervention in repetitive tasks that do not vary in each recurrence.

Looking for Robotic Process Automation Software? Check out SoftwareSuggest’s list of the best Robotic Process Automation Software solutions.

Around 80% of finance leaders have already implemented RPA or are planning to do so. Intelligent automation’s efficiencies and competitive edge are too significant to ignore. However, for many, the high licensing costs of proprietary RPA platforms remain prohibitively expensive. This is where robotic process automation open-source solutions come in.

But with so many open-source RPA tools now available, identifying the top solutions can be challenging. Each platform has distinct capabilities regarding the breadth of automation tasks supported, ease of use, community support, and integration with other tools. Let’s determine which robotic process automation open-source options can unlock intelligent automation for your business needs.

What Are Open Source RPA Tools?

Open-source robotic process automation (RPA) tools are software bots that automate repetitive digital tasks using publicly available source code that anyone can use, modify, or enhance. Unlike proprietary RPA platforms, free RPA tools can be downloaded and deployed without licensing fees or vendor lock-in.

The robotic process automation open-source code allows a global community of developers to continuously improve the tools. While RPA-free tools requires more technical skill to implement, it offers a free gateway to unlock the benefits of intelligent process automation at scale.

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Pro-tip

Carefully evaluate free RPA tools to control costs. While proprietary platforms offer more support, open-source options provide advanced capabilities at no licensing fee. Focus on tools with low-code options and active communities for ease of use and ongoing enhancements. Though some developer skills are required, open-source RPA tools enable small to mid-sized companies to unlock intelligent automation. With the right platform choice and implementation approach, open-source bots can deliver significant efficiency gains across document processing, data entry, and other rules-based workflows.

What Is the Difference Between RPA and Automation?

The difference between traditional automation and RPA is pretty simple. Traditional automation removes the need to perform the whole task manually. It allows you to automate certain steps of the operational processes. RPA sticks to the application’s front end and carries on with the tasks without human intervention on the back end.

The best part is that RPA technology is system-agnostic and can be deployed across various application types. Besides, RPA enables you to take action quickly as it can mimic the role of an agent, while traditional automation can take months to implement.

Despite that, traditional automation can be quite useful for several tasks, including helping with simple calculations and linking one system to another that does not require advanced programming or handling multiple systems.

So, it merely boils down to your business requirement – whether traditional automation will be enough for your business or you need to open your applications for RPA.

However, it is noteworthy that RPA is scalable. With its capability to integrate, you can easily expand its accessibility.

How to Choose the Best Free RPA Tools?

If you are ready to embrace the RPA technology, you must know how to choose the right one.

1. Speed

This is pretty obvious. You want to employ an RPA tool to increase the efficiency of your business processes (along with speed, of course). So, if your selected RPA tool can help you complete your tasks quickly, that is your clue.

2. Ease of Use

Most importantly, the RPA tool you choose should be intuitive enough to be used by a business analyst who has no programming knowledge.

Choose a system that is flexible enough to accommodate various processes and requires less training to start working on.

3. Scalability

Regarding scalability, the right RPA software should work with other RPA robots.

Besides, the tool should be able to easily integrate with new technologies to expand its accessibility.

4. Vendor Support:

Always choose a reliable provider that supports its clients strongly. A good vendor will help with its implementation, training, and user’ certifications. When starting with Robotic Process Automation (RPA), there are two approaches: building and buying. On the build side, you can create your bots from scratch, while on the buy side, commercial software vendors offer pre-built RPA solutions.

15 Best Free and Open Source RPA Tools

While many RPA solutions come with a price tag, a world of free RPA tools offers powerful automation capabilities without breaking the bank. Below, we’ll explore 15 free and open-source RPA tools that empower organizations to streamline processes, eliminate repetitive tasks, and achieve a new level of workflow optimization:

Software NameFree Trail PeriodFeatures
14 daysBuild customized automation plug-ins using Python
30 daysAPI and intelligent automation, Ad hoc analysis
14 daysSupport for multiple languages, Image and text recognition
UnlimitedTask capture, Automation ops
30 daysFlow and error handling, Fast and accurate support
14 daysIndiNLP (Natural Language Processing) and AI-powered platform, Exception handlingvidual
Free and open-source, no free trialWeb automation, Visual automation of desktops and websites
14 daysMachine learning and artificial intelligence, Automate HR tasks
14 daysOptical character recognition, Test case tagging
14 daysExecution engine, Blue Prism runtime resource
14 daysMulti-machine execution, Machine learning capabilities
30 daysAI-powered decisioning, Attended and unattended RPA
Free and open-source, no free trialNLP (natural language processing), Unattended & attended automation
7 daysAutomagica portal dashboard, Automatic reporting
14 daysWorkflow recording, Custom automation

1. Argos Labs

Argos Labs

Agro Labs has one of the best yet most effective RPA open-source tools that uses a core technology called “user behavior automation tool.” This solution includes all the functionality needed to carry out various business processes.

What sets it apart is that it can combine bot management (orchestration) systems, and you can integrate Argos with third-party OCR and ML/AI services.

Features

  • Real-time monitoring
  • Bot analytics
  • Intelligent automation
  • Build customized automation plug-ins using Python.
  • Multi-platform

Pricing

  • Custom pricing
Pros
  • It can be customized per your business requirements by implementing Python SDK.
  • Compatible with almost all platforms, such as Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, and MacOS.
  • It can be operated via any device, including virtual machines, mobiles, and tablets.
  • It can create an all-inclusive database to gather insights via business analytics.
Cons
  • One drawback is that it’s limited to the Windows operating system.
  • The solution is exclusively offered as an on-premise option.
  • There’s room for enhancement in optimizing and executing processes within IQ Bot.

2. Automation Anywhere

Automation Anywhere

Automation Anywhere has one of the best RPA open-source tools and offers organizations the option to function with unprecedented productivity and efficiency. It can automate the whole or any part of the business, as the enterprise requires. The primary platform used by Automation Anywhere is called “The Intelligent Digital Workforce.

Features

  • AI/machine learning
  • API and intelligent automation
  • Ad hoc analysis
  • Business process automation
  • Code-free development

Pricing

  • Custom pricing
Pros
  • It can create bots within a span of a few weeks and be scaled as and when the demand increases.
  • Seamlessly integrates with existing business processes, systems, or applications.
  • A major advantage is the ability to automate manual tasks seamlessly across multiple departments and systems.
  • Centralized monitoring, management, and control room to track all functions from a single location.
Cons
  • One downside is that it may lead to limited job scheduling capabilities.
  • It may have limitations in enhancing the scalability and functionality of current bots.
  • It might not fully address the need for improving queue management and functionalities.

3. Taskt

Another name among the list of popular and powerful open-source RPA tools is Taskt. Compatible with both conventional systems and web applications, it enables you to quickly create tasks without writing codes.

Offering comprehensive support for advanced features, its customer service team guides businesses in implementing custom codes and executing OCR and image recognition. Web designers and developers can utilize its visual UI testing and browser automation commands to ensure the accuracy and validity of websites and canvas elements, encompassing photos, videos, and text.

Features

  • Support for multiple languages
  • Image and text recognition
  • Automate workflows
  • Business rule automation
  • Automate Data Capture

Pricing

  • Custom pricing
Pros
  • The package includes a gamut of commands for fast operation.
  • Its advanced features include custom code, OCR, and image recognition.
  • Its screen recorder (which has multiple recording options) ensures you keep track of all your actions on your screen.
  • Available as both personal and commercial RPA tools.
Cons
  • A limitation to be aware of is its exclusive support for the Windows operating system.
  • It lacks a centralized management system and limited functionality.
  • Successful utilization may necessitate a certain level of technical expertise.

4. UiPath Community Edition

UiPath Community Edition

UiPath’s desktop automation product caters to the needs of all companies, irrespective of their size and industry. t. One of the fastest-growing RPA providers, UiPath has around 5MM+ robots working in over 5,000 global enterprises.

The best part is that it can support Excel and provide SAP and Citrix integration. Moreover, it offers 100% playback accuracy and is technology-agnostic.

Features

  • In-built integration
  • Task capture
  • Automation ops
  • Process mining and task mining
  • UiPath community

Pricing

  • Custom pricing
Pros
  • It has a user-friendly and intuitive interface along with a large community forum.
  • The primary technologies used by UiPath include Desktop Automation, Web Automation, GUI Automation, Screen Scraping, Citrix Automation, Mainframe Automation, SAP Automation, SAP S/4HANA Migration, Excel Automation, Macro Recorder, etc
  • It allows easy automation via desktop or web browser while ensuring 100% accuracy and fast speed
  • The processes included in the package comprise Accounts payable Automation, Claims Processing Automation, Contact Center Automation, Finance, and Accounting Automation, Healthcare Payer Automation, Human Resources Automation, and Legal Automation
Cons
  • The latest version exhibits significant sluggishness in its performance.
  • Managing bulk updates for activity properties can be challenging.
  • Once a package is updated, users lose the ability to edit its properties, which can be restrictive.e.

5. Visualcron

Visualcron

Curated for Windows-based computers, Visualcron is an automation, integration, and task-scheduling tool. It lets you set your jobs or tasks for a specific time or event.

This open-source robotic process automation software requires no programming skills to learn and build tasks. It lets you control the action flow based on the error type and output.

Features

  • Flow and error handling
  • Fast and accurate support
  • Programming interface
  • Visual editor
  • Extended logging

Pricing

  • Custom pricing
Pros
  • It has a user-friendly and intuitive interface, along with great customer service.
  • It has more than 300 custom tasks created with distinct technologies based on customer requirements and feedback.
  • Other included functions comprise audit, Task and Job logs, and output for each Task.
  • It can easily integrate with different systems through file transfer and conversion.
Cons
  • One potential downside is the lack of a failover option, making it vulnerable to server crashes without the ability to easily switch to an alternative server.
  • The absence of a comprehensive training module is a notable drawback.
  • Initially, there might be a steep learning curve, as the wide range of tasks and variables available can be overwhelming.

6. Workfusion

Workfusion

Workfusion is a comprehensive automation ecosystem that can be integrated and personalized to fit your needs. It offers both paid and free versions. 

The free version is perfect for individuals building a desktop RPA. It has a recorder that captures user actions. Besides, it can be successfully used by both small and large enterprises.

Features

  • NLP (Natural Language Processing) and AI-powered platform
  • Exception handling
  • Machine learning
  • Optical character recognition (OCR)
  • Analytics and BPM

Pricing

  • Custom pricing
Pros
  • It is easy to use and easily scalable.
  • Gives access to monitoring tools to help evaluate the performances of the bots.
  • Comes with a drag-and-drop function for easy transferability of objects.
  • Comes well-equipped with ready-made automation templates.
Cons
  • One drawback is the absence of support for saving images directly into a variable.
  • The licensing costs associated with OCR features can be considerably high.
  • Users have reported that the tool’s documentation and available courses can be confusing and unclear.

7. TagUI

TagUI

Another name among the commonly used free RPA tools is TagUI, a command-line tool that enables digital process automation. Maintained by AI Singapore, this government-funded application helps create local artificial intelligence capabilities.

It can be used to automate Chrome in both visible and invisible modes. Besides, you can integrate it with Python and R integration for big data, AI, and ML.

Features

  • Natural language, like syntax
  • Cross-platform
  • Web automation
  • Visual automation of desktops and websites
  • Debugging

Pricing

  • Custom pricing
Pros
  • It has an easy-to-use interface and can manage projects with ease.
  • It promotes the visual automation of websites and desktops.
  • You can use TagUI to write in over 20 human languages and JavaScript.
  • It offers the option of an extension for recording web actions.
Cons
  • TagUI’s main drawback is its absence of advanced features found in other automation tools, particularly those related to machine learning.
  • The process implementation with TagUI can become quite complex, posing a challenge to users.
  • It offers limited integration options with third-party tools, which may limit its adaptability in certain workflows.

8. Automai

Automai 

Automai is the perfect RPA tool for automating high-volume repetitive tasks. Robotic automation platform users can apply the same automation scenarios across the entire lifespan of any business application. The code-free program offers an intuitive scenario developer utilizing user actions and a recorder. It can access your applications precisely as a human does via the user interface within an established framework.

Moreover, it doesn’t use APIs that can affect your applications’ quality, security, or data integrity.

Features

Pricing

  • Custom pricing
Pros
  • It has a user-friendly and intuitive interface along with great customer service.
  • Can be deployed across various industries, including healthcare, HR, accounting, supply chain, etc.
  • Removes the need to invest in expensive IT skills and other new platforms.
  • Intelligently copes with changing variables.
Cons
  • Effectively utilizing Automai demands a certain degree of technical proficiency, potentially challenging non-technical users.
  • Compared to other RPA tools, Automai falls short in offering some advanced AI capabilities, especially those related to machine learning.
  • Automai’s limited scalability might make it less suitable for extensive automation projects, potentially constraining its application in larger endeavors.

9. Another Monday

Another Monday is an end-to-end enterprise smart automation technology that takes care of all aspects of automation. It includes process analysis, bot management, and more.

It is easy to set up. What sets it apart is that the system is equipped with applications to better understand your process. You can then export all technical elements to create a workflow chart.

Furthermore, it can quickly accomplish all its tasks. Thus, Another Monday eliminates the need to deploy many software robots.

Features

  • Tabular data manipulation
  • Optical character recognition
  • Test case tagging
  • Bot scheduling
  • Reports and detailed logs

Pricing

  • Custom pricing
Pros
  • Another Monday has active customer service and is highly scalable.
  • Offers detailed software documentation to help unleash the true potential of the application.
  • Active vendor support for hassle-free implementation.
  • It seamlessly integrates AI to get intelligent bots.
Cons
  • It may prove less user-friendly for individuals who aren’t technically inclined.
  • The range of functions it offers is restricted.
  • Its suitability for large enterprises is questionable.

10. Blue Prism

Blue Prism

Blue Prism is an enterprise-grade ERP automation solution designed for business users and developed for IT governance.

The good news is that the system comes well-equipped with top-tier security technologies. It guarantees data integrity by implementing strict user-access control and multi-level change approval.

It can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, as a hybrid, or as an integrated

SaaS solution. No wonder more than 1650 customers use Blue Prism, including Fortune 500 and top brands. 

Features

  • Visual process designer
  • Advanced analytics
  • Execution engine
  • Blue Prism runtime resource
  • Machine learning

Pricing

  • Custom pricing
Pros
  • Blue Prism facilitates integration and it has an easy implementation process.
  • It can build process automation via a drag-and-drop interface.
  • Protects privacy by enabling individual system credentials, no sharing.
  • Can scale task and digital worker volume on-demand.
Cons
  • One area of concern lies in the scalability of the product.
  • The size and activity of the user community might be limited.
  • There may be a shortage of comprehensive training materials for this particular product.

11. Automate Plus

Automate Plus 

Automate Plus is a useful, open-source RPA tool that provides powerful automation.

You can easily build, manage, and monitor multiple machines and drive workflows using the tool. It integrates your workflow process and helps you build a successful RPA strategy.

Plus, it’s quite simple to install. You just need to fill up a form on its site, and you will receive download instructions on how to start using the RPA software.

Features

  • Drag-and-drop task development
  • Event and task execution logging
  • Error condition handling and recovery
  • Multi-machine execution
  • Machine learning capabilities

Pricing

  • Custom pricing
Pros
  • It can build bots with form-based development.
  • Automate Plus offers 600+ pre-built automation actions.
  • Stays compliant with role-based access and detailed audit logs.
  • Gives you deep visibility and control over your workflows.
Cons
  • There is room for enhancement in the dashboard reporting functionality.
  • Another significant challenge encountered was the potential for failures due to resolution changes.
  • For newcomers, there might be a learning curve involved in getting accustomed to the platform, as some menus can sometimes be confusing.

12. Pega System

Pega System

Pega System is a user-friendly robotic automation platform designed to improve the speed and efficiency of various business processes. Its built-in workforce intelligence helps identify where and when to automate for maximum impact.

Besides, its unattended bots can handle the high volume of repetitive and complex tasks and bridge systems and data integration gaps at scale. 

The best thing is that it is very well-structured. Anyone with the tool can learn to use it with minimal effort. Their active forum is readily available for any query or issue. The workforce intelligence tool utilizes AI to determine the optimal areas and timing for automation to achieve maximum impact.

Features

  • Low-code app factory
  • Chatbots and virtual assistants
  • AI-powered decisioning
  • Attended and unattended RPA
  • X-ray vision & workforce intelligence

Pricing

  • Custom pricing
Pros
  • Pega System is highly scalable and offers seamless integration.
  • It offers open APIs to connect with existing services.
  • Captures insights and gets complete details of how work is executed.
  • It has a predictive analytics decision management mechanism.
Cons
  • There is room for improvement in the reporting capabilities, which can enhance the tool’s overall utility.
  • The initial setup process can be rather complex and necessitate training for effective implementation.
  • Locating resources related to Pega can prove challenging, making it harder for users to access valuable information and support.

13. Robot Framework Foundation

Robot Framework Foundation

Robot Framework Foundation is a free RPA tool that automates various business processes.

It can be integrated with virtually any other tool to expand its accessibility. This flexible RPA solution is quite popular in test automation. It has a huge active community of thousands of developers with many industry-leading companies.

Robot Framework is actively supported and continuously improving.

Features

  • Workload management
  • NLP (natural language processing)
  • Unattended & attended automation
  • Custom automation
  • Visual editor

Pricing

  • Custom pricing
Pros
  • It is easy to use and set up and offers reliable customer support.
  • It seamlessly supports iOS and Android applications.
  • Quite easy to create new libraries out of Python or Java code.
  • Can add orchestration functionality through Jenkins plugins.
Cons
  • One drawback is the inconsistency in results, as tests may unpredictably pass or fail.
  • It struggles with modern applications that frequently undergo substantial page changes without reloading.
  • It lacks a robust integrated development environment (IDE) solution, hindering development.

14. Automagica

Automagica

Automagica is a smart, robust RPA solution that comes with a comprehensive set of functionalities.

These no-code development tools offer a centralized platform to keep track of all your Automagica robots from a single dashboard. It enables you to monitor your robots and keep a close eye on the success of your automation running. Besides, its reporting functionality shares automated updates via email SMS.

With Automagica, you can easily automate cross-platform processes without any hassle.

Features

Pricing

  • Custom pricing
Pros
  • It provides end-to-end support in all your automation needs.
  • Enables scheduling of all automation in one place.
  • Can control the versions of your automation to go back to a previous version.
  • It provides a full audit trail and is easily extensible.
Cons
  • Automagica’s scalability is restricted, making it less suitable for extensive automation endeavors.
  • Regarding AI capabilities, Automagica falls short of some advanced features found in other RPA open-source tools, particularly in machine learning.
  • Utilizing Automagica demands a coding skill set, potentially posing challenges for non-technical users.

15. Robocorp

Robocorp

Robocorp is another powerful RPA tool relatively new in the market. This startup is creating cloud-based RPA-free software that is open-source in nature.

Though it is still in its early stages, you can submit your email address for early access. Besides, they have a resource library named ‘Robohub’ to help developers.

Robocorp works on a similar framework as that of the Robot Framework Foundation.

Features

  • Bot performance analytics
  • Workflow recording
  • Custom automation
  • Machine learning
  • Optical character recognition (OCR)

Pricing

  • Custom pricing
Pros
  • It has a user-friendly interface and is easy to deploy and scale.
  • It is the first cloud-native solution for RPA orchestration.
  • It can be deployed across any industry.
  • Robocorp can easily customize workflows from readily available components.
Cons
  • Additional inbuilt packages should be incorporated to enhance ease of building.
  • The tool consumes a large memory and space.
  • Developing log libraries for real-time monitoring during the development phase is necessary as it is unavailable.

Final Words

I know that searching for efficient RPA-free software can be a daunting task. For starters, it requires a lot of research and can burn a hole in your pocket. 

But it doesn’t have to be like that for you. 

This list of open-source and free RPA software will provide you with the necessary advanced functionality relevant to your organization. 

If I missed any name on this list, please tell us in the comment below. 

Are you using free RPA software? If not, let us help you to choose one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Open-source RPA tools are free and have publicly accessible source code, while proprietary solutions require licenses and keep their source code private.

Open-source RPA tools can automate repetitive digital tasks like data entry, extraction, and processing across applications.

To build automation, basic programming knowledge is required to work with RPA-free software.

The open-source community contributes updates and enhancements to the tools, which are reviewed and added to the codebase.

Limitations include a lack of vendor support, slower updates, and potentially fewer features than proprietary platforms.

Robotic process automation tools open-source can be secure with proper implementation, testing, and controls but lack vendor accountability for bugs and breaches.

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