n8n vs Torq
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | n8n | Torq |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Developers, IT Ops, and security teams building custom automations with AI agents, especially those needing self-hosted or low-cost solutions. | SOC teams and security operations automating alert triage, incident response, and threat hunting with purpose-built AI workflows. |
| Pricing | Freemium: Community (self-hosted, free), Starter ($20/mo, 5 workflows), Pro ($50/mo, unlimited workflows). Execution-based pricing. | Enterprise only: custom pricing (contact sales). No free tier or self-serve plans published as of 2026. |
| Setup complexity | Moderate: visual builder with code nodes, but requires some technical know-how for self-hosting or complex integrations. Cloud setup is simpler. | Low for security ops: no-code builder with pre-built security integrations and AI agents. Designed for quick deployment in existing SOC stacks. |
| Strongest differentiator | Open-source, self-hostable, 400+ integrations, and native AI agent nodes for general-purpose automation with full data control. | Purpose-built for security operations with agentic AI for autonomous triage and threat hunting, plus deep security stack integrations. |
n8n vs Torq: For most automation use cases, n8n is the clear winner due to its open-source flexibility, 400+ integrations, and low-cost pricing. However, for security operations teams specifically, Torq wins because it is purpose-built for SOC workflows with agentic AI triage and deep security tool integrations that n8n lacks. n8n is better for general-purpose automation including IT Ops, DevOps, and AI agents, while Torq is the superior choice for security-specific hyperautomation in mid-to-large enterprises.
Feature-by-feature
Core capabilities: n8n vs Torq workflow automation
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n8n is a general-purpose workflow automation platform with a visual builder and code nodes (JavaScript, Python, npm packages). It supports 400+ integrations and native AI agent nodes for LLM calls, RAG, and multi-agent setups. Torq is a security-specific automation platform with a no-code builder designed for SOC workflows – alert triage, incident response, and threat hunting. Torq includes AI agents for autonomous triage and natural language query via Socrates. While n8n can handle security workflows with its HTTP Request node and code, Torq provides out-of-the-box security workflows and integrations that n8n lacks. Torq wins for security operations because it is purpose-built with pre-built runbooks and AI agents tailored for SOC teams. n8n wins for general-purpose automation and AI agents.
AI/model approach: Comparing native AI capabilities
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n8n offers native AI nodes for OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, and LangChain, allowing users to build complex AI agents, RAG pipelines, and multi-agent systems. You can incorporate custom Python code and leverage npm packages for advanced AI functionality. Torq embeds agentic AI directly into its security workflows – AI agents can autonomously triage alerts, enrich threat data, and conduct agentic threat hunting. Torq also provides natural language query via Socrates. Both tools integrate AI, but n8n provides more flexibility for general AI agent development, while Torq optimizes AI for security-specific tasks. n8n wins for general AI agent building; Torq wins for security AI automation.
Integrations & ecosystem: n8n vs Torq
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n8n boasts 400+ pre-built integrations covering almost every popular app (Google Workspace, Slack, OpenAI, databases, CRMs, etc.) plus HTTP Request and Webhook nodes for any API. Torq integrates with 150+ security tools such as CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Palo Alto Cortex XDR, Splunk, ServiceNow, and Jira. While n8n's integration count is larger and more diverse, Torq's integrations are deeper and purpose-built for security operations. For non-security use cases, n8n's ecosystem is far broader. n8n wins for breadth of integrations; Torq wins for depth in security-specific integrations.
Performance & scale: Workflow execution and scalability
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n8n can handle complex automations with multiple branches, loops, error handling, and parallel execution. It offers multiple environments (dev/prod) on cloud and Git version control for self-hosted instances. The platform scales by adding more workers for self-hosted setups, and cloud plans handle increasing execution volumes. Torq emphasizes real-time API monitoring, parallel workflow execution, and automated deduplication to handle high alert volumes in SOC environments. Public benchmarks are not available for either tool. Both tools are scalable, but n8n offers more flexibility for scaling horizontally via self-hosting, while Torq is optimized for high-throughput security event processing.
Developer experience: n8n vs Torq
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n8n appeals to developers with its code nodes (JavaScript, Python, npm), expression language (Tournament for dynamic parameters), and open-source nature (full source on GitHub). It supports Git version control, self-hosting via Docker, and 9,500+ community templates. Torq is more no-code, targeting SOC analysts with a drag-and-drop builder and natural language query. Torq provides a custom integration builder for extending integrations but lacks the open-source flexibility of n8n. n8n wins for developer experience due to its code extensibility, version control, and community templates.
Pricing compared
n8n pricing (2026)
n8n offers a freemium model with three published plans:
- Community ($0): Self-hosted, unlimited workflows, all features. Requires technical setup.
- Starter ($20/mo): Cloud-hosted, limited to 5 workflows, includes basic integrations.
- Pro ($50/mo): Cloud-hosted, unlimited workflows, sharing and collaboration features.
Pricing is based on workflow executions, not steps or users, making it cost-effective for teams with high user counts but moderate execution volumes. There are no hidden costs for self-hosting, but cloud users may incur overage fees if they exceed execution limits (details not published). No free trial period is specified, but the Community edition provides full functionality at no cost.
Torq pricing (2026)
Torq does not publicly disclose pricing details. As of 2026, Torq offers an Enterprise plan with custom pricing: contact sales for a quote. The plan includes security automation, AI workflows, incident response, and integrations. There is no free tier, no self-serve option, and no per-seat or per-execution pricing published. This makes budgeting straightforward but requires a sales conversation, which may be a barrier for smaller teams.
Value-per-dollar: n8n vs Torq
For teams with a limited budget or those wanting to try automation without commitment, n8n provides exceptional value with its free Community edition and low-cost Pro plan at $50/mo for unlimited workflows. Torq's custom enterprise pricing is likely cost-prohibitive for small teams or non-enterprise organizations.
n8n wins for cost-conscious teams, startups, and developers. Torq's value proposition lies in its security-specific capabilities and AI agents, which may justify the enterprise price for SOC teams in mid-to-large enterprises. Torq wins for security operations teams that need purpose-built automation and have the budget.
Who should pick which
- Developer or IT Ops lead at a startup (1-10 team members)Pick: n8n
n8n's free Community (self-hosted) or $20/mo Starter plan provides unlimited workflows and 400+ integrations at low cost. Torq's enterprise-only pricing is unaffordable.
- SOC manager at a mid-size enterprise (50+ team members, CrowdStrike/Splunk in use)Pick: Torq
Torq offers purpose-built security automation with AI agents for triage, deep integrations with CrowdStrike and Splunk, and compliance automation. n8n lacks these security-specific features.
- Automation engineer building customer support AI agentsPick: n8n
n8n's native AI nodes (OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini) and code nodes enable building RAG chatbots and multi-agent systems. Torq is limited to security use cases.
- Security analyst at a large enterprise needing autonomous threat huntingPick: Torq
Torq's agentic threat hunting with AI-run runbooks and autonomous triage reduces analyst workload. n8n would require custom coding to replicate.
- CTO of a data-sensitive company requiring self-hosted automationPick: n8n
n8n is open-source and can be self-hosted via Docker, providing full data control. Torq is cloud-only with no self-hosting option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between n8n and Torq?
n8n is a general-purpose open-source workflow automation platform with AI agents, while Torq is a security-specific automation platform built for SOC teams. n8n is better for broad automation needs, and Torq is specialized for security operations.
Does n8n have a free plan?
Yes, n8n offers a free Community edition that you self-host. It includes unlimited workflows and all features with no time limit.
Does Torq have a free tier or free trial?
No, Torq does not offer a free tier or free trial. Pricing is custom enterprise only, requiring a sales conversation.
Can n8n be used for security automation?
Yes, n8n can automate security workflows via HTTP Request nodes, code nodes, and integrations with tools like Slack and email. However, it lacks out-of-the-box security-specific integrations and runbooks that Torq provides.
Which tool is easier for non-technical users?
Torq is more accessible for non-technical SOC analysts with its no-code builder and natural language query. n8n's visual builder is also user-friendly, but its code nodes and expression language are geared toward developers.
Can I self-host n8n?
Yes, n8n is open-source and can be self-hosted using Docker or from source on GitHub. This gives you full control over data and infrastructure.
What integrations does Torq support?
Torq integrates with 150+ security tools including CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Palo Alto Cortex XDR, Splunk, ServiceNow, Jira, Slack, Okta, AWS, Azure, Wiz, and more.
How does n8n pricing work?
n8n pricing is based on workflow executions, not per user or per step. The Starter plan is $20/mo for 5 workflows, and Pro is $50/mo for unlimited workflows. Self-hosted Community is free.
Which tool is better for AI agents?
n8n is better for building custom AI agents because it supports multiple LLM providers, code nodes, and RAG pipelines. Torq's AI agents are purpose-built for security triage and threat hunting.
Is Torq a SOAR replacement?
Yes, Torq is positioned as a hyperautomation layer that replaces traditional SOAR with AI-powered security automation, including incident response, alert triage, and threat hunting.
Last reviewed: May 12, 2026