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Automation & Workflows comparison

n8n vs Node-RED: which should you self-host in 2026?

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.

Both are open source and run on your own server. Below: a side-by-side of license, stack and features, live GitHub activity, and our verdict on who should pick which.

n8n

n8n-io/n8n

207k GitHub starsLast commit Oct 6, 2026

Free node based Workflow Automation Tool. Easily automate tasks across different services.

  • Sustainable Use License
  • TypeScript
  • Docker
  • Actively maintained
n8n detailsDeploy guide

Node-RED

node-red/node-red

24k GitHub starsLast commit Oct 1, 2026

Browser-based flow editor that helps you wiring hardware devices, APIs and online services to create IoT solutions.

  • Apache-2.0
  • JavaScript
  • Docker
  • Actively maintained
Node-RED details

Head-to-head

n8n vs Node-RED, side by side

Hand-checked differences first, then live numbers from GitHub, refreshed with every catalog update.

n8n compared with Node-RED
Aspectn8nNode-RED
LicenseSustainable Use License (fair-code); enterprise .ee files need an n8n Enterprise LicenseApache-2.0, an OpenJS Foundation project
Language/stackTypeScript on Node.jsJavaScript on Node.js
ArchitectureWorkflow engine with execution history, credential store and queue modeEvent-driven flow runtime; flows saved as JSON, extended through community nodes
Standout featuresHundreds of SaaS integrations, AI agent nodes, built-in OAuth credential handlingMQTT, serial, GPIO and Modbus nodes, dashboard UI nodes, runs on Raspberry Pi
Learning curveModerate, geared to business users and developersModerate, geared to makers and engineers comfortable with message passing
GitHub stars206,73823,716
Commits, last 12 months9,029684
Last commitOct 6, 2026Oct 1, 2026
Latest releasen8n@2.41.7Oct 5, 20265.0.7Sep 8, 2026
Main languageTypeScriptJavaScript
Official Docker imageYesYes
Repositoryn8n-io/n8nnode-red/node-red

Swipe the table sideways to see both apps. GitHub figures come from the public API. Highlighted values are the higher of the two.

Verdict

n8n is built for business automation: it connects SaaS APIs, handles credentials and runs AI agent workflows. Node-RED is a general flow-based programming tool that shines with devices, MQTT and hardware, and its Apache-2.0 license has no commercial restrictions.

Best for

Choose n8n for

Business process and SaaS integration automation.

Best for

Choose Node-RED for

IoT, MQTT, industrial and home automation on small devices.

Deploy either in minutes

Not sure yet? Spin up a small VPS or a managed instance, try both for a week, and keep the one that fits.

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FAQ

n8n vs Node-RED: FAQ

Still curious? Email info@appsgit.com.

Is Node-RED better than n8n for home automation?

Usually yes. Node-RED has mature MQTT and device nodes and integrates closely with Home Assistant, while n8n focuses on web apps and APIs.

Can n8n run on a Raspberry Pi?

Yes, n8n publishes ARM Docker images. Node-RED is lighter and is officially documented for Raspberry Pi installs.

Which one can I use commercially without restrictions?

Node-RED, under Apache-2.0. n8n allows internal business use but restricts offering it to others as a paid service.

Which is more popular on GitHub, n8n or Node-RED?

n8n has 206,738 GitHub stars against 23,716 for Node-RED. Over the last twelve months n8n received 9,029 commits and Node-RED received 684, so n8n is the more actively developed of the two right now. Stars measure interest, not fit, so weigh them against the differences above.

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