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Node-RED

Free#67 of 110 in Integration Platform as a Service SoftwareTask Automation Software

Node-RED: A flexible open-source flow builder for developers who want control over orchestration and runtime. Ranked #67 of 110 in Integration Platform as a Service Software by our editors (5.2/10); pricing: Open source; best for developers wanting free open-source flow orchestration.

5.2/10Editor score

Visit Node-RED

Node-RED5.2 Visit Node-RED

At a glance

Editor score
5.2 / 10
Pricing
Open source
Best for
Developers wanting free open-source flow orchestration
Paid from
Free
Founded
2013
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Browser editor connects deployable nodes into visual flows
- JavaScript functions and JSONata support custom processing
- Git-backed projects, HTTP APIs, and an extensible node palette
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosting places runtime and operational decisions on the team
- Named integrations focus on protocols and hardware connectivity
- No commercially structured paid tiers for managed product adoption

Our verdict on Node-RED

Node-RED is an open-source, flow-based programming tool for building event-driven applications. Its browser-based editor lets developers connect nodes into flows, deploy them to a runtime, and process messages from services, devices, protocols, and APIs. It is suited to hobbyists, developers, and industrial teams working on automation, IoT, data collection, transformation, and visualization. The platform runs on web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, through APIs, and in self-hosted environments, including local, device, Docker, and cloud deployments.

The core strength is flow orchestration with room for custom logic. JavaScript Function nodes support programmable behavior, while message and context processing handles state and data movement within flows. JSONata provides data transformation, and reusable flows can help standardize repeated patterns. Git-backed projects and version control add a practical development workflow, while HTTP endpoint creation plus Runtime and Admin HTTP APIs extend how applications can be operated and integrated. The extensible node palette also gives teams a way to broaden the environment beyond its starting components.

Node-RED is a strong fit for developers who value free, open-source tooling and control over where the runtime operates. Its named integrations cover MQTT, HTTP, TCP, GPIO, and Arduino, making it particularly relevant to event-driven, IoT, and device-connected work. Teams seeking a commercially structured SaaS experience, a prepackaged connector ecosystem, or less responsibility for hosting and runtime operations should consider a different integration platform. Choose Node-RED when flexibility, JavaScript-based customization, and self-managed deployment matter more than packaged commercial tiers.

Your product? Our editors can test Node-RED in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Node-RED pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on nodered.org

Node-RED fact sheet

Free plan	Not verified
Paid from	Free
Deployment model	Not verified
Connector count	Not verified
Workflow orchestration	Yes
Data transformation	Yes
Real-time sync	Yes
On-premises connectors	Not verified
API management	Yes
Deployment	Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Support	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Integrations	5 integrations: MQTT, HTTP, TCP, GPIO, Arduino
Pricing	Open source
Website	nodered.org
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

Node-RED integrations

Node-RED lists 5 integrations on its own site.

MQTT
HTTP
TCP
GPIO
Arduino

Alternatives to Node-RED

See all Node-RED alternatives →

Also Ranked In

Node-RED is ranked in 2 of our directories.

#6Task Automation Software35 tools ranked

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Featured on iTechGuides

Node-RED is listed in our Integration Platform as a Service Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update