n8n vs Node RED
n8n and Node RED side by side, using the facts we store for each app. Where a value is missing, we have no data for it.
What they share
- Both repositories were last updated on Oct 11, 2026.
- Both are tagged Automation Tools, Low Code Development, and Self Hosting Solutions.
Where they differ
- n8n's license is Apache-2.0 and commons-clause. Node RED's license is Apache-2.0.
- n8n has more GitHub stars than Node RED: 206,940 against 23,730.
- Only n8n is tagged AI Agents, Model Context Protocol, and AI Tooling.
- Only Node RED is tagged IoT Platforms.
| Fact | n8n | Node RED |
|---|---|---|
| Description | n8n is a fair-code platform for building and deploying AI agents and workflow automation with a visual canvas and custom code. | Low-code programming for event-driven applications. |
| License | Apache-2.0, commons-clause | Apache-2.0 |
| GitHub stars | 206,940 | 23,730 |
| Last repository update | Both: Oct 11, 2026 | |
| Runtime / stack | Nodejs | Nodejs, Docker |
| Install methods | docker, source | package-manager, source |
| Container deployment | docker run command in the README | Not scanned |
| Topic tags | Automation Tools, Low Code Development, Self Hosting Solutions, AI Agents, Model Context Protocol, AI Tooling | IoT Platforms, Automation Tools, Low Code Development, Self Hosting Solutions |
| Alternative to | Both: Make (Integromat) | |
| More | n8n on selfhostedworld.com | Node RED on selfhostedworld.com |