# Node RED

> Node RED is a free, open-source app you can self-host in the home automation & IoT category. Browser-based flow editor that helps you wiring hardware devices, APIs and online services to create IoT solutions. It has 23,716 GitHub stars, is released under the Apache-2.0 license and ships a Docker image. It is a self-hosted alternative to Zapier, IFTTT, Nest / SmartThings and Google Home.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Repository | https://github.com/node-red/node-red |
| Website | https://nodered.org/ |
| GitHub stars | 23,716 |
| Forks | 3,894 |
| Open issues | 225 |
| License | Apache-2.0 |
| License type | Open source |
| Language | JavaScript |
| Docker image | Yes |
| Platforms | Nodejs, Docker |
| Categories | Home Automation & IoT |
| Commits, last 12 months | 684 |
| Last commit | Oct 1, 2026 |
| Latest release | 5.0.7 (Sep 8, 2026) |
| Created | Sep 5, 2013 |
| Maintenance | Actively maintained |
| Archived | No |

Topics: node-red, javascript, low-code, openjs-foundation, flow-based-programming, visual-programming

## Install

Node RED ships a Docker image; follow the README at https://github.com/node-red/node-red for the image name and environment variables.

Need it installed for you? [appsgit installation help](https://appsgit.com/services/install): a fixed quote by email, single app installs from $79.

## Node RED replaces

- [Zapier alternatives](https://appsgit.com/alternatives/zapier): A no-code automation service that connects thousands of web apps with triggers and actions.
- [IFTTT alternatives](https://appsgit.com/alternatives/ifttt): A consumer automation service that links apps and devices with simple if-this-then-that applets.
- [Nest / SmartThings alternatives](https://appsgit.com/alternatives/smartthings): Cloud-based smart home platforms from Google Nest and Samsung SmartThings.
- [Google Home alternatives](https://appsgit.com/alternatives/google-home): Google's smart speaker and smart home control ecosystem.

## Comparisons

- [n8n vs Node-RED](https://appsgit.com/compare/n8n-vs-node-red): Pick n8n to automate SaaS apps and AI workflows with ready-made integrations; pick Node-RED for IoT, MQTT and home automation flows on lightweight hardware like a Raspberry Pi.

## Similar apps in Home Automation & IoT

- [Home Assistant](https://appsgit.com/apps/home-assistant): Home automation platform. (91,266 stars, Apache-2.0, Python, Docker)
- [Tasmota](https://appsgit.com/apps/tasmota): Open source firmware for ESP devices. Total local control with quick setup and updates. Control using MQTT, Web UI, HTTP or serial. Automate using timers, rules or scripts. Integration with home… (24,800 stars, GPL-3.0, C)
- [Thingsboard](https://appsgit.com/apps/thingsboard): IoT Platform - Device management, data collection, processing and visualization. (22,512 stars, BUSL-1.1, source-available, Java, Docker)
- [EMQX](https://appsgit.com/apps/emqx): Scalable MQTT broker. Connect 100M+ IoT devices in one single cluster, move and process real-time IoT data with 1M msg/s throughput at 1ms latency. (16,777 stars, BUSL-1.1, source-available, Erlang, Docker)
- [evcc](https://appsgit.com/apps/evcc): Extensible Electric Vehicle Charge Controller and home energy management system. (7,331 stars, MIT, Go, Docker)
- [Scrypted](https://appsgit.com/apps/scrypted): Home video integration platform that connects cameras to HomeKit, Google Home and Alexa. (6,000 stars, license unverified, TypeScript, Docker)
- [Domoticz](https://appsgit.com/apps/domoticz): Home Automation System that lets you monitor and configure various devices like: Lights, Switches, various sensors/meters like Temperature, Rain, Wind, UV, Electra, Gas, Water and much more. (3,816 stars, GPL-3.0, C++, Docker)
- [Gladys](https://appsgit.com/apps/gladys): Privacy-first home assistant. (3,222 stars, Apache-2.0, JavaScript, Docker)

## Articles

- [The best open-source alternatives to n8n in 2026](https://appsgit.com/blog/n8n-alternatives-open-source): The best open-source n8n alternatives in 2026: Activepieces, Huginn, Node-RED, Windmill, Kestra and Automatisch, with honest licence notes and who each suits.
- [n8n vs Zapier vs Activepieces: open-source automation compared](https://appsgit.com/blog/n8n-vs-zapier-vs-activepieces): n8n vs Zapier vs Activepieces compared for 2026: licences, self-hosting, pricing per run, integrations, AI agents and MCP, with a clear pick for every team.

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