Node-RED vs n8n.io

Struggling to choose between Node-RED and n8n.io? 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, n8n.io is a Development product tagged with automation, workflows, integration, api, web-services, open-source.

Its standout features include Graphical interface to create workflows, Over 250 prebuilt nodes/integrations, Ability to create custom nodes, Execute workflows via web UI, CLI, REST API, or cron, Open source and self-hosted, Built on Node.js, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Active development and community, Extensive node library, Self-hosted option increases customization, Visual workflow builder is easy to use.

Feature	Node-RED	n8n.io
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Development	Development

Product Overview

Node-RED

Description: 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.

n8n.io

Description: n8n.io is an open source workflow automation tool. It allows you to connect different services together with predefined or custom nodes and automate workflows between them. Useful for integrating APIs, web services, databases, and more.

Key Features Comparison

Node-RED Features

• 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

n8n.io Features

• Graphical interface to create workflows
• Over 250 prebuilt nodes/integrations
• Ability to create custom nodes
• Execute workflows via web UI, CLI, REST API, or cron
• Open source and self-hosted
• Built on Node.js

Pros & Cons Analysis

Node-RED

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

n8n.io

Pros

• Free and open source
• Active development and community
• Extensive node library
• Self-hosted option increases customization
• Visual workflow builder is easy to use

Cons

• Limited integrations compared to enterprise tools
• Initial learning curve to understand workflows
• Self-hosted option requires server management
• Not as robust as commercial options

Pricing Comparison

Node-RED

• Open Source

n8n.io

• Open Source
• Self-Hosted