WorkAist vs n8n
n8n is the closest direct comparable — both are self-hostable. WorkAist is agent-first (LLMs as the orchestration layer), n8n is node-first (developers as the orchestration layer).
Comparing for 2026. About n8n: Self-hostable workflow automation — open-core, developer-friendly node editor.
Feature-by-feature
| WorkAist | n8n | |
|---|---|---|
| Building block | AI agents (plain language) | Nodes (visual workflow) |
| License | Cloud + Self-Hosted | Fair-Code (Sustainable Use License) |
| Self-hosted by default | ✓ (Docker Compose) | ✓ (Docker) |
| AI orchestration | Native — agents are the primary primitive | Via LLM nodes (you wire them in) |
| MCP support | Native — every connector is MCP | Optional via MCP node |
| Audit log / permissions | Built-in | Enterprise tier only |
| Pricing model | Flat plan from €290/mo; Self-Hosted on Business | Free self-host + paid cloud + paid enterprise |
Choose WorkAist if
- You want AI agents to OWN workflows, not just be steps in them
- You need audit log and permission isolation without an enterprise upsell
- On-prem / self-hosted deployment matters to you
- MCP-native is important for ecosystem reasons
Stick with n8n if
- You prefer a visual node editor for debugging
- Your team is already invested in n8n workflows
- You want Fair-Code license (more permissive for SaaS resale)
- Your use cases are deterministic — no LLM in the loop
Migration path
n8n workflows can be exported as JSON and translated into WorkAist processes through the AI Wizard. The main work is re-thinking complex workflows as agents (less imperative, more declarative).
FAQ
Are WorkAist and n8n addressing the same buyer?▼
Overlapping but not identical. n8n is best for developer-led automation. WorkAist is best for businesses that want AI agents handling decisions, not just data routing.
Can I run both?▼
Yes. Many teams use n8n for non-AI workflows and WorkAist for AI-driven ones. Both run as Docker containers; they can share the same Postgres.
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