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Head-to-head · BPM Software

jBPM vs Flowable

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score jBPM #1 in BPM Software 9.1/10 Open source ✓ 0 of 4 features Visit jBPM
Flowable #4 in BPM Software 8.8/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Flowable

jBPM leads on 0 checks, Flowable on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scorejBPM · 9.1/10
  • Free planonly Flowable
  • Free trialonly Flowable

jBPM scores higher on our rubric for bpm software: 9.1 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.

jBPM is the better fit for developers building self-hosted BPMN applications. Flowable is the better fit for teams combining BPM, case, and decision workflows.

  • jBPM fits best

    Developers building self-hosted BPMN applications

  • Flowable fits best

    Teams combining BPM, case, and decision workflows

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature jBPM 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Flowable 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.8
Ranking #1 in BPM Software #4 in BPM Software
Best for Developers building self-hosted BPMN applications Teams combining BPM, case, and decision workflows
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Open source —
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Self-hosted, Browser extension Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms Web Web
Support Community, Docs Tickets, Community, Docs
Integrations 7 integrations 30+ integrations
Built for Mid-market, Enterprise Mid-market, Enterprise
Features jBPM 0/4 · Flowable 0/4
Process modeling Not checked yet Not checked yet
Workflow automation Not checked yet Not checked yet
Process mining Not checked yet Not checked yet
Mobile apps Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Deployment Not checked yet Not checked yet
User limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Models and executes BPMN 2.0 processes with graphical web and IDE tools
  • Supports human tasks, DMN decisions, events, timers, and persistent processes
  • Includes process migration, monitoring, retries, and OpenTelemetry tracing
  • Combines BPMN, CMMN, and DMN automation engines
  • Includes visual design, debugging, testing, and audit trails
  • Offers cloud and self-hosted deployment options
Cons
  • Designed for developers, not as a standalone hosted SaaS product
  • In Apache KIE 10, the engine is delivered inside Kogito
  • Community and documentation are the listed support channels
  • Paid plan pricing requires contacting sales
  • Community Edition relies on community support
  • The 30-day free access applies to the cloud Case Platform
Our verdict

jBPM is an open-source workflow engine for developers who need to model and execute BPMN 2.0 business processes within Java applications. Its web-based and IDE-based graphical modelers support teams building domain-specific business…

Read the review →

Flowable brings process orchestration, case management, and decision modeling into one business process automation platform. Its audience is mid-market and enterprise teams managing complex, multi-step work, particularly operations that…

Read the review →
  1. jBPMBPM Software 9.1Open source
  2. FlowableBPM Software 8.8Free plan · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • jBPM — where it wins

    • Models and executes BPMN 2.0 processes with graphical web and IDE tools
    • Supports human tasks, DMN decisions, events, timers, and persistent processes
    • Includes process migration, monitoring, retries, and OpenTelemetry tracing

    Where it doesn't

    • Designed for developers, not as a standalone hosted SaaS product
    • In Apache KIE 10, the engine is delivered inside Kogito
    • Community and documentation are the listed support channels

  • Flowable — where it wins

    • Combines BPMN, CMMN, and DMN automation engines
    • Includes visual design, debugging, testing, and audit trails
    • Offers cloud and self-hosted deployment options

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid plan pricing requires contacting sales
    • Community Edition relies on community support
    • The 30-day free access applies to the cloud Case Platform
  • jBPM9.1/10 · Open source

    A developer-focused BPMN engine for building self-hosted process applications in Java.

    Visit jBPMFull verdict →
  • Flowable8.8/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    Flowable brings process, case, and decision automation together for enterprise teams.

    Visit FlowableFull verdict →

More comparisons

All BPM software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update