Prefect vs Workato: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Prefect and Workato comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Prefect
Modern workflow orchestration platform
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Prefect is a modern data workflow orchestration platform
- • It schedules and monitors Python data pipelines with observability
Workato
Enterprise automation and integration platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • iPaaS for enterprise integration
- • Pre-built connectors to SaaS apps
| At a Glance |  Prefect |  Workato |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Automation | Automation |
Rating | 84/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Prefect | Workato |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AutomationWorkflow Automation | AutomationWorkflow Automation |
How Prefect and Workato Compare
Prefect
Modern workflow orchestration platform
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Workato
Enterprise automation and integration platform
Paid · 85/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Prefect has a free tier. Workato is paid only.
Go with: Prefect
Want the highest-rated option?
Prefect: 84/100. Workato: 85/100.
Go with: Workato
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Workato
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Prefect is freemium. Workato is paid. Prefect lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are automation tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Workato scores higher: 85/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Workato
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 84
- Our pick for this comparison
Prefect
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Workato (85/100) is our pick. Prefect has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prefect or Workato better?
Workato scores 85/100 in our evaluation. Prefect is freemium and Workato is paid.
What are Prefect and Workato used for?
Prefect: Modern workflow orchestration platform. Workato: Enterprise automation and integration platform.
What does Prefect cost vs Workato?
Prefect is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Workato is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.