n8n vs Node RED
Both n8n and Node RED are self-hosted alternatives to IFTTT, Make, Microsoft Power Automate and Zapier.
Side by side
| Field | n8n | Node RED |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Free node based Workflow Automation Tool. Easily automate tasks across different services. | Browser-based flow editor that helps you wiring hardware devices, APIs and online services to create IoT solutions. |
| GitHub stars | 209,308 | 23,804 |
| License | Apache-2.0, Commons-Clause | Apache-2.0 |
| Platforms | Nodejs | Nodejs, Docker |
| Latest release | stable, 30 October 2026 | 5.0.9, 21 October 2026 |
| Repository activity | 2 November 2026 | 26 October 2026 |
| Health | Active | Active |
| Categories | Automation | Internet of Things (IoT) |
| Website | https://n8n.io/ | https://nodered.org/ |
| Source code | https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n | https://github.com/node-red/node-red |
Where the records differ
Computed from the two records above: a line appears only where the dataset states a figure, a date or a set relation, and no line recommends one application over the other.
- n8n has more GitHub stars in the dataset, 209,308 against 23,804.
- n8n recorded repository activity more recently, 2 November 2026 against 26 October 2026.
- n8n has the newer release on record: stable, 30 October 2026, against 5.0.9, 21 October 2026.
- Licenses differ: n8n is listed under Apache-2.0, Commons-Clause; Node RED under Apache-2.0.
- Platforms differ: n8n lists Nodejs; Node RED lists Nodejs, Docker.
- n8n is filed under Automation; Node RED is filed under Internet of Things (IoT).