Zapier vs Node-RED

Zapier9.3Visit Node-RED8.4Visit

Higher score Zapier #1 in Task Automation Software 9.3/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Zapier

vs

Node-RED #6 in Task Automation Software 8.4/10 Open source ✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Node-RED

• Zapier fits best

  Maximum app connectivity with easy workflows

• Node-RED fits best

  Open-source flows for technical and IoT projects

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	Zapier 9.3/10 Visit ↗	Node-RED 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	8.4
Ranking	#1 in Task Automation Software	#6 in Task Automation Software
Best for	Maximum app connectivity with easy workflows	Open-source flows for technical and IoT projects
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free
Starting price	$19.99/mo	Open source
Free plan	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Free trial	14 days	—
Deployment	Cloud, Browser extension	Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms	Web, Chrome extension	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Support	Email, Live chat, Community, Docs · 24/7	Community, Docs
Integrations	9,000+ integrations	5 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Zapier 0/4 · Node-RED 0/4
Scheduled runs	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
App triggers	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Browser automation	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Desktop recorder	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Desktop support	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Monthly run limit	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Workflow step limit	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	More than 9,000 app integrations Multi-step workflows with filters, paths, and webhooks Free plan includes Zaps, Tables, Forms, and 100 tasks monthly	Browser-based visual editor with deployable flow nodes JavaScript functions and JSONata support data processing Runs across web, desktop, devices, Docker, cloud, and self-hosted environments
Cons	Professional starts at $19.99 per month Free workflows are limited to two steps Advanced team and enterprise controls require higher tiers	More technical than typical no-code SaaS automation tools Verified integrations center on MQTT, HTTP, TCP, GPIO, and Arduino No paid SaaS tiers with packaged plan-based features
Our verdict	Zapier is a cloud-based workflow automation platform for individuals, teams, and enterprises. It connects business applications through workflows called Zaps, which can trigger actions across services such as Google Sheets, Slack,… Read the review →	Node-RED is an open-source, flow-based programming tool for building event-driven applications. Its browser-based editor lets developers connect nodes into deployable flows that process messages from services, devices, protocols, and APIs.… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Zapier — where it wins

  • More than 9,000 app integrations
  • Multi-step workflows with filters, paths, and webhooks
  • Free plan includes Zaps, Tables, Forms, and 100 tasks monthly

  Where it doesn't

  • Professional starts at $19.99 per month
  • Free workflows are limited to two steps
  • Advanced team and enterprise controls require higher tiers

• Node-RED — where it wins

  • Browser-based visual editor with deployable flow nodes
  • JavaScript functions and JSONata support data processing
  • Runs across web, desktop, devices, Docker, cloud, and self-hosted environments

  Where it doesn't

  • More technical than typical no-code SaaS automation tools
  • Verified integrations center on MQTT, HTTP, TCP, GPIO, and Arduino
  • No paid SaaS tiers with packaged plan-based features

• Zapier9.3/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

  A broad workflow automation platform with more than 9,000 app integrations.

  Visit ZapierFull verdict →
• Node-RED8.4/10 · Open source

  A flexible open-source automation canvas for developers, IoT builders, and industrial teams.

  Visit Node-REDFull verdict →