n8n vs Torq
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | n8n | Torq |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free (self-hosted) / paid cloud plans | Contact for pricing (enterprise) |
| Deployment | Self-hosted (Docker) or n8n cloud | Cloud-only |
| Primary Use Case | General-purpose workflow automation with AI agents | AI SOC platform for enterprise security teams |
| AI Approach | AI agent builder with multi-agent, RAG, and code support | Agentic triage/investigation with Context Graph & Recall |
| Integrations | 500+ including enterprise, CRM, IT tools | Security-focused (CrowdStrike, Wiz, etc.) |
| Target Audience | IT Ops, SecOps, developers, any technical team | Enterprise SOC teams (1000+ alerts/day) |
For enterprise SOC teams drowning in alerts, Torq offers a purpose-built AI SOC platform with autonomous triage and memory, though it's cloud-only and contact-priced. For technical teams needing flexible, self-hosted workflow automation with AI agents across any domain, n8n wins on cost and control. Choose Torq for security-first agentic operations; choose n8n for general automation with full data sovereignty.
Feature-by-feature
Torq is laser-focused on security operations: its agentic alert triage delivers AI verdicts on every alert, powered by a Context Graph that grounds decisions in your environment's model, and Torq Recall learns implicitly from resolved cases to improve future triage. It features HyperAgents for specialized investigations, natural language remediation via Socrates, and transparent audit logs with human-in-the-loop oversight. n8n, by contrast, is a general-purpose workflow engine: it offers a visual canvas with JavaScript/Python code, 500+ integrations, AI agent builder supporting multi-agent and RAG, human-in-the-loop approvals, MCP support, and agent-to-agent (A2A) orchestration. While Torq is purpose-built for SOC, n8n provides broader adaptability—e.g., IT Ops automating onboarding, sales generating insights from reviews. Notably, n8n's open-source nature means full code access and self-hosting; Torq is cloud-only. Both have strong audit capabilities, but Torq's audit logs are specifically for AI actions in a security context, while n8n's audit logs and workflow history are general-purpose. Recent news highlights n8n's new A2A protocol enabling cross-agent communication, and a community node for data leak prevention, showing its enterprise readiness. Torq's latest news emphasizes its leadership in the AI SOC space with Reflex learning from corrections.
Pricing compared
Torq uses a contact-based enterprise pricing model, typical for specialized security platforms, with no public tiers. This suggests high upfront costs and likely custom contracts based on alert volume and features. n8n follows a freemium model: self-hosted starting free (open-source) with cloud paid plans starting at $20/month for starter, scaling to enterprise with SSO, RBAC, etc. The open-source version includes most features, making n8n accessible for small teams or those with tight budgets. For organizations requiring on-prem deployment due to compliance or data residency, n8n's self-hosting is a clear advantage. Torq's enterprise-only pricing may be justified by its narrow focus on SOC efficiency, but it's a barrier for smaller teams. n8n offers flexibility: you can start free and scale, while Torq demands a bigger commitment. If budget is a primary concern, n8n wins easily. However, for large SOCs where alert triage automation can save millions, Torq's value proposition might offset its opaque pricing.
Who should pick which
- Enterprise SOC manager handling 1500+ alerts/dayPick: Torq
Torq's agentic triage, Context Graph, and implicit learning are purpose-built for high-volume security operations, reducing MTTR significantly.
- IT Ops lead automating employee onboarding and incident responsePick: n8n
n8n offers 500+ integrations, custom code, and self-hosting for data privacy, perfect for cross-department automation without vendor lock-in.
- Solo security analyst in a startupPick: n8n
n8n's free self-hosted version provides powerful automation without cost, and its flexibility allows building security workflows matching specific needs.
- CISO seeking vendor lock-in avoidance and full data controlPick: n8n
n8n's open-source nature and on-prem deployment ensure data sovereignty and no dependency on a single vendor's cloud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Torq be self-hosted?
No, Torq is cloud-only. n8n can be self-hosted via Docker or deployed on n8n cloud.
Which platform has more integrations?
n8n has 500+ pre-built integrations covering diverse domains; Torq integrates with security-focused tools like CrowdStrike, Wiz, and Okta.
Is Torq suitable for small security teams?
Torq is best for enterprise SOCs with high alert volume; small teams may find n8n more cost-effective and flexible.
Does n8n support AI agents?
Yes, n8n has an AI agent builder supporting multi-agent setups, RAG, MCP, and human-in-the-loop approvals.
Which platform offers better audit trails?
Both offer audit logs. Torq provides transparent audit logs specifically for AI actions in security context; n8n offers workflow history and audit logs.
Can I build custom integrations beyond pre-built ones?
n8n allows custom API nodes with code; Torq likely relies on its existing integration ecosystem.
How do Torq and n8n handle learning from past cases?
Torq has Torq Recall for implicit learning from resolved cases; n8n doesn't have a built-in memory of past executions but offers AI evaluation and optimization.
Which is better for compliance-sensitive environments?
n8n's self-hosting enables meeting strict compliance requirements; Torq's cloud-only model may be a barrier for some enterprises.
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