Node-RED vs ioBroker

Struggling to choose between Node-RED and ioBroker? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Node-RED is a Development solution with tags like nodejs, javascript, iot, flows, programming.

It boasts features such as Flow-based programming, Browser-based flow editor, Large library of predefined nodes, Connects APIs and online services, Integrates with hardware devices, Open-source and extensible and pros including Visual programming is easy to learn, Active open-source community, Integrates well with JavaScript and Node.js, Can be deployed locally or to the cloud, Extensive documentation and tutorials.

On the other hand, ioBroker is a Home & Family product tagged with opensource, home-automation, smart-home, protocols, standards, zwave, philips-hue, mqtt.

Its standout features include Modular architecture with many plugins/adapters, Supports a wide range of smart home devices and protocols, Open source and free, Web-based user interface for monitoring and control, Rules engine for automation, Data storage and visualization, Easy integration with other systems via REST API, Active community support and development, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Very flexible and extensible, Works with many devices and standards, Easy to set up and use, Feature-rich platform for home automation.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Node-RED

Node-RED

Node-RED is an open-source visual programming tool for wiring together hardware devices, APIs, and online services. It provides a browser-based flow editor that makes it easy to wire together flows using a wide range of predefined nodes.

Categories:
nodejs javascript iot flows programming

Node-RED Features

  1. Flow-based programming
  2. Browser-based flow editor
  3. Large library of predefined nodes
  4. Connects APIs and online services
  5. Integrates with hardware devices
  6. Open-source and extensible

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Visual programming is easy to learn

Active open-source community

Integrates well with JavaScript and Node.js

Can be deployed locally or to the cloud

Extensive documentation and tutorials

Cons

Steep learning curve for advanced features

Basic flows are easy but complex logic can get messy

Upgrading flows on new versions can cause breaks

Limited native debugging capabilities

Node performance impacts flow execution speed


ioBroker

ioBroker

ioBroker is an open-source home automation platform that allows you to integrate and control smart home devices. It works with a wide range of protocols and standards like Z-Wave, Philips Hue, MQTT, and more.

Categories:
opensource home-automation smart-home protocols standards zwave philips-hue mqtt

IoBroker Features

  1. Modular architecture with many plugins/adapters
  2. Supports a wide range of smart home devices and protocols
  3. Open source and free
  4. Web-based user interface for monitoring and control
  5. Rules engine for automation
  6. Data storage and visualization
  7. Easy integration with other systems via REST API
  8. Active community support and development

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Very flexible and extensible

Works with many devices and standards

Easy to set up and use

Feature-rich platform for home automation

Cons

Can be complex for beginners

Limited native mobile app support

Fragmented documentation

Relies on community for support