n8n vs Portkey
Which LLM Orchestration AI tool is better in 2026?
n8n
Open-source, fair-code workflow automation platform with native AI agent building blocks.
Portkey
The control plane for production AI
Side-by-side
n8n is the more established option (raised $254M); pricing is comparable on both sides.
| Metric | n8n | Portkey |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Open-source, fair-code workflow automation platform with native AI agent building blocks. | The control plane for production AI |
| Foundedi | 2019🏆 | 2023 |
| HQi | Berlin, DE | San Francisco, US |
| Employeesi | 501-1000 | 11-50🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 69🏆 | 57 |
| Total fundingi | $254M🏆 | $18M |
| Latest roundi | Series C · Oct 2025 | Seed |
| Valuationi | — | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Free plani | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | Free | Free |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for n8n and Portkey.
| Capability | n8n | Portkey |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of n8n
- Has raised more capital ($254M vs $18M)
- Higher Neuron score (69 vs 57)
- More mature (2019)
🔵 Strengths of Portkey
- Offers a free trial
- Newer company (2023)
Which should you choose?
Choose Portkey if price matters most — it starts at Free, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both LLM Orchestration tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose n8n if you want the most established option — it has raised $254M, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
Frequently asked questions
n8n vs Portkey — which is better?
It depends on your priority. n8n has raised more capital and is the more established option; Portkey has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is n8n cheaper than Portkey?
No — Portkey's cheapest paid plan is Free, while n8n's is Free.
Do n8n and Portkey offer free plans?
n8n: Yes, has a free plan. Portkey: Yes, has a free plan.
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