n8n vs Runtime
Which Agents AI tool is better in 2026?
n8n
Open-source, fair-code workflow automation platform with native AI agent building blocks.
Runtime
Sandboxed coding agents for everyone on your team — with guardrails and observability.
Side-by-side
n8n is the more established option (raised $254M); pricing is comparable on both sides.
| Metric | n8n | Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Open-source, fair-code workflow automation platform with native AI agent building blocks. | Sandboxed coding agents for everyone on your team — with guardrails and observability. |
| Foundedi | 2019🏆 | 2026 |
| HQi | Berlin, DE | San Francisco, US |
| Employeesi | 501-1000🏆 | 1-10 |
| Neuron scorei | 67🏆 | 47 |
| Total fundingi | $254M🏆 | $500K |
| Latest roundi | Series C · Oct 2025 | Seed · Mar 2026 |
| Valuationi | — | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | — |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✓ Free |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | — |
| Pricing summaryi | Pricing not listed | 1 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for n8n and Runtime.
| Capability | n8n | Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| 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 $500K)
- Higher Neuron score (67 vs 47)
- More mature (2019)
🔵 Strengths of Runtime
- Offers a free plan
- Newer company (2026)
Which should you choose?
Choose Runtime if price matters most — it starts at Free, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Agents 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 Runtime — which is better?
It depends on your priority. n8n has raised more capital and is the more established option; Runtime has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is n8n cheaper than Runtime?
No — Runtime's cheapest paid plan is Free, while n8n's is Pricing not listed.
Do n8n and Runtime offer free plans?
n8n: Paid only. Runtime: Yes, has a free plan.
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