Whether an active or passive cooling pad will work best depends on your specific needs. If serious cooling performance is most important, then an active cooling pad will work better than a passive cooling pad.
If cooling performance is only a piece of the puzzle, consider going for a passive cooling pad. With a significantly lower price point and simpler constructions, passive cooling pads are more accessible. The wider variety of models available means it will be easier to find a cooling pad that suits your unique combination of needs as a sleeper.