n8n vs Workato

Workato is an iPaaS evolved into an agentic AI orchestration hub. Its Agent Studio lets you build custom AI agents, and AIRO (GA July 2026) provides a multi-agent system for the entire solution lifecycle — you can plan, build, fix, and ask questions from a single conversation. MCP Gateway secures AI-to-API connectivity, and MCP Apps bring interactive UI into AI clients like Claude. With the recent IDP upgrade (now handles 50-page PDFs and 50MB files) and pre-built Genies for departments (e.g., IT Support), Workato targets operational efficiency at scale. It also includes low-code app builder, RPA, and deep enterprise integrations (SAP, Workday, ServiceNow) that n8n doesn't match out-of-the-box.

n8n counters with open-source flexibility. You can insert JavaScript or Python anywhere, giving you code-level control that Workato's low-code may not offer to the same degree. Its AI agent builder supports multi-agent setups and RAG, with every reasoning step traceable on the canvas — ideal for debugging and compliance. n8n's 500+ integrations cover common tools but lack the deep enterprise breadth (no native SAP or Workday connectors listed). Human-in-the-loop approvals and guardrails are built in, and you can re-run single steps, replay, or mock data — features that appeal to developers iterating quickly. Self-hosting via Docker ensures full data control, auditable via Git-based version control and log streaming to SIEM.

In short, Workato is about breadth, governance, and no-code AI deployment for business teams; n8n is about depth, custom logic, and self-sovereignty for technical users.

Workato's pricing is 'contact sales' — typical for enterprise iPaaS, with costs likely based on integration volume and AI agent usage. There's no free tier, and the total cost of ownership includes potential overage fees and professional services. For a small or mid-sized business, this can be prohibitive.

n8n is freemium. You can self-host for free using the Community edition, which includes unlimited workflow executions and all core features — a huge advantage. For teams needing support and managed infrastructure, n8n Cloud offers paid tiers with execution-based pricing (not per step or per user), meaning you pay for what you actually run. This transparency makes n8n attractive for scaling from zero to production without upfront license fees. However, the free self-hosted option doesn't include official support, SSO/SAML, or audit logs — those are in the paid plans (source: n8n pricing page, current as of data above).

Bottom line: n8n democratizes automation with a zero-cost entry, while Workato's pricing aligns with enterprises that prioritize governance and require a vendor-managed, secure platform. If budget is a primary constraint and you have technical staff, n8n wins; if you need enterprise compliance and are willing to invest, Workato delivers.