n8n vs Node-RED
n8n and Node-RED are free apps you can use instead of Zapier. n8n is a workflow tool with a large integration list. It is not open source. Node-RED is Apache-2.0.
A full score means it matches our checklist. It is not a drop-in replacement. How this works
Instead of Zapier
Last checked October 24, 2026
n8n is #1 (91). Node-RED is #3 (74).
n8n
#1 · Closest
8 of 8 checked features. A full score means it matches our checklist. It is not a drop-in replacement.You only get part of: breadth of ready-made app connectors.
Node-RED
#3
8 of 8 checked features. A full score means it matches our checklist. It is not a drop-in replacement.You only get part of: breadth of ready-made app connectors, triggers and multi-step actions, and schedules, and 1 more.
Scroll sideways to see both apps.
| Feature | n8n#1 · 918 of 8 checked features | Node-RED#3 · 748 of 8 checked features |
|---|---|---|
| Breadth of ready-made app connectorsCounts for 10 | PartialHundreds of integrations, far fewer than Zapier. | PartialNodes exist for many systems. You assemble them. There is no Zapier-style app store of maintained SaaS connectors. |
| Triggers and multi-step actionsCounts for 10 | Full | Partial |
| Visual builderCounts for 7 | Full | Full |
| A server you runCounts for 8 | Full | Full |
| Code stepsCounts for 5 | Full | Full |
| SchedulesCounts for 4 | Full | Partial |
| Retries and error handlingCounts for 5 | Full | Partial |
| WebhooksCounts for 6 | Full | Full |
Where they differ
Triggers and multi-step actions
Worth 10 points. n8n does all of it. Node-RED does part of it.
Schedules
Worth 4 points. n8n does all of it. Node-RED does part of it.
Retries and error handling
Worth 5 points. n8n does all of it. Node-RED does part of it.
Both do all of these: visual builder, a server you run, code steps, and webhooks.
Also ranked: Activepieces is #2 (82). Huginn is #4 (71).
Instead of Make
Last checked October 29, 2026
n8n is #1 (89). Node-RED is #2 (89).
n8n
#1 · Closest
5 of 5 checked features. A full score means it matches our checklist. It is not a drop-in replacement.You only get part of: many ready-made app steps.
Node-RED
#2
5 of 5 checked features. A full score means it matches our checklist. It is not a drop-in replacement.You only get part of: many ready-made app steps.
Scroll sideways to see both apps.
| Feature | n8n#1 · 895 of 5 checked features | Node-RED#2 · 895 of 5 checked features |
|---|---|---|
| A visual builderCounts for 10 | FullA visual workflow canvas. | FullA flow canvas. |
| Many ready-made app stepsCounts for 8 | PartialA large node list. It is still smaller than Make's catalog. | PartialPalettes cover devices and HTTP more than SaaS apps. |
| A server you runCounts for 8 | FullDocker is the documented install. n8n Cloud is the hosted option. | Full |
| Free for your own company's useCounts for 6 | FullYour own workflows on your own server are allowed. Reselling hosting is not. | FullThe license is Apache-2.0. |
| A code step when a connector is missingCounts for 6 | FullA code node covers a missing app. | FullFunction nodes are JavaScript. |
Also ranked: Activepieces is #3 (82). Huginn is #4 (68).
n8n (#1) and Node-RED (#2) score 89 with the same share of the checklist checked. The order follows that tie.
The facts on file
n8n
A source-available workflow tool with a large integration list.
- Rules
- Code is public. Sustainable Use License
- Fair-code. Not open source. The Open Source Initiative decides which licenses count as open source. Business features on a copy you run yourself need a license key.
- Run it yourself
- Setup: medium. Docker Compose is the documented path. Queue mode and workers are optional once volume grows.
- Free plan
- The Community Edition is free to run on your own server for your own workflows.
- They host it
- Cloud plans are priced by monthly executions. We have not checked this price yet. Not checked.
- Where it runs
- Web, Run it yourself
Last checked October 29, 2026
Node-RED
A flow-based wiring tool for developers, Apache-2.0.
- Rules
- Open source. Apache-2.0
- Run it yourself
- Easy. A Node.js process. People run it on a small VPS, a NAS, or a Raspberry Pi.
- Free plan
- The software is free.
- They host it
- No hosted price on file.
- Where it runs
- Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Run it yourself
Last checked October 29, 2026
Which one to pick
n8n
Pick n8n if you want triggers, schedules, and retries marked full. The Community Edition is free to run for your own workflows. The license is the Sustainable Use License. It is not open source. Business features on a copy you run yourself need a license key. Setup is medium.
Node-RED
Pick Node-RED if you want an Apache-2.0 wiring tool. Triggers, schedules, and retries are partial. It is a Node.js process. People run it on a small VPS, a NAS, or a Raspberry Pi. Setup is easy.