Node RED

Browser-based flow editor that helps you wiring hardware devices, APIs and online services to create IoT solutions.

GitHub stars: 23,737
License: Apache-2.0
Latest release: 5.0.8
8 October 2026
Last commit: 12 October 2026
Runs on: Node.js, Docker

Commits per month, last 12 months

724 commits

Replaces

Paid products Node RED can stand in for.

MakeVisual workflow automation, formerly Integromat.Microsoft Power AutomateMicrosoft's workflow automation service.IFTTTSimple if-this-then-that automations.ZapierConnect apps and automate workflows.

How to self-host Node RED

Node RED runs on Node.js and Docker. The project's own install guide is the place to start; most people put it on a small server with Docker and a reverse proxy for HTTPS.

Get a server: a home server, a VPS, or a managed app host.
Install it the way the project's docs describe, usually with Docker Compose.
Put it behind HTTPS and set up backups before you add real data.
Update it regularly. Watch the project's releases.

New to self-hosting? Start with the beginner's guide.

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Guides that cover it

Self-hosted Zapier alternatives: n8n, Activepieces and more

n8n, Activepieces, Node-RED, Huginn, Automatisch and Kestra compared as self-hosted Zapier alternatives, including what their licenses really allow.

Questions

Is Node RED free?

Yes. Node RED is open source under the Apache-2.0 license, so you can use it without paying for a license. You pay only for the server it runs on.

Can I self-host Node RED?

Yes. Node RED runs on Node.js and Docker. Follow the install guide in the project's documentation, or use a host that installs it for you.

What does Node RED replace?

People use Node RED instead of Make, Microsoft Power Automate, IFTTT or Zapier.

Is Node RED still maintained?

The last change to Node RED's code was on 12 October 2026, with 724 commits in the last 12 months.

Topics

App data from awesome-selfhosted (CC BY-SA 3.0), stars and activity from GitHub.