# 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.

## 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 n8n: Business process and SaaS integration automation
- Best for Node-RED: IoT, MQTT, industrial and home automation on small devices

## Key differences

| Aspect | n8n | Node-RED |
|---|---|---|
| License | Sustainable Use License (fair-code); enterprise .ee files need an n8n Enterprise License | Apache-2.0, an OpenJS Foundation project |
| Language/stack | TypeScript on Node.js | JavaScript on Node.js |
| Architecture | Workflow engine with execution history, credential store and queue mode | Event-driven flow runtime; flows saved as JSON, extended through community nodes |
| Standout features | Hundreds of SaaS integrations, AI agent nodes, built-in OAuth credential handling | MQTT, serial, GPIO and Modbus nodes, dashboard UI nodes, runs on Raspberry Pi |
| Learning curve | Moderate, geared to business users and developers | Moderate, geared to makers and engineers comfortable with message passing |

## GitHub numbers

| Metric | n8n | Node-RED |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub stars | 206,738 | 23,716 |
| Forks | 61,010 | 3,894 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 9,029 | 684 |
| Last commit | Oct 6, 2026 | Oct 1, 2026 |
| Latest release | n8n@2.41.7 | 5.0.7 |
| License | Sustainable Use License 1.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| License type | Source-available | Open source |
| Language | TypeScript | JavaScript |
| Docker image | Yes | Yes |
| Repository | https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n | https://github.com/node-red/node-red |

App pages: [n8n](https://appsgit.com/apps/n8n), [Node-RED](https://appsgit.com/apps/node-red)

## FAQ

### 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.

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Canonical page: https://appsgit.com/compare/n8n-vs-node-red
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