Node-RED vs n8n: Features, Pricing and User Reviews 2026
Compare features, pricing, reviews, and more to make an informed decision
Node-RED
Node-RED is a free open-source visual programming tool for connecting devices, APIs, and services using a browser-based flow editor.
n8n
n8n is a workflow automation platform that combines visual building with code, offering 400+ integrations and native AI capabilities.
Node-RED
Node-RED is a free open-source visual programming tool for connecting devices, APIs, and services using a browser-based flow editor.
n8n
n8n is a workflow automation platform that combines visual building with code, offering 400+ integrations and native AI capabilities.
Node-RED
Visual drag-and-drop programming interface
Over 4,000 community nodes available
Industrial protocol support (MQTT, Modbus, OPC-UA)
Built-in debugging and testing tools
Git integration for version control
Dashboard and UI building capabilities
Function nodes for custom JavaScript
Cloud and edge device compatible
Real-time data processing
Open source and completely free
n8n
Visual workflow builder with 400+ integrations
Native AI capabilities and LangChain support
Self-hosting and cloud deployment options
JavaScript/Python coding when needed
Advanced debugging and testing tools
900+ community workflow templates
Enterprise security with SOC2 compliance
Git-based version control
High-performance execution (220 workflows/second)
Webhook triggers and cron scheduling
Node-RED
Node-RED is completely free to use. As an open-source project under the Apache 2.0 license, there are no subscription fees, usage charges, or hidden costs. You can install it on as many devices as you need, use it for personal or commercial projects, and modify the source code if desired.
Installation Options:
Self-Hosted: Download and install on your own hardware or cloud servers for free.
Hosted Services: Some companies like FlowFuse offer managed Node-RED hosting with additional enterprise features like team management, remote device management, and automated deployments. FlowFuse pricing starts at around $15-40 per month for hosted solutions.
Pre-installed Devices: Many industrial gateways, PLCs, and IoT devices come with Node-RED pre-installed at no additional cost.
The core Node-RED platform remains free regardless of how you choose to run it.
n8n
n8n offers flexible pricing to fit different needs and deployment preferences. The Community Edition is completely free and open-source, perfect for self-hosting with unlimited workflows.
For cloud hosting, n8n provides several plans:
Starter Plan – €20 per month (€24 monthly, €20 annually) with 2,500 workflow executions and 5 active workflows
Pro Plan – €50 per month (€60 monthly, €50 annually) with 10,000 executions and 15 active workflows
Enterprise Plan – Custom pricing with unlimited executions, advanced security features, dedicated support, and compliance tools
Special offer: Startup plan available for companies with up to 20 employees and under $5M funding.
Unlike competitors that charge per operation or task, n8n charges per complete workflow execution, making costs predictable regardless of workflow complexity. A single workflow with 100 steps costs the same as one with 5 steps, offering significant savings for complex automations.
