Node RED

Self-Hosted

Open-source visual flow editor for IoT and automation

Overview

Node RED is a low-code visual tool for wiring together hardware devices, APIs, and online services. It uses a drag-and-drop interface to create flows (automations) without extensive coding. Deployable on local servers, edge devices (like Raspberry Pi), or cloud instances via Docker, npm, or pre-built images. Supports MQTT, HTTP, WebSockets, and integrates with IoT platforms (AWS IoT, Azure IoT Hub) and devices (Arduino, Raspberry Pi). Ideal for rapid prototyping of IoT solutions, home automation, and data pipelines, with a large library of community-contributed nodes extending functionality.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  node_red:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: node-red
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Visual drag-and-drop flow editor for low-code automation
Extensible via 1000+ community-contributed nodes
Supports edge (Raspberry Pi) and cloud deployment
Integrates with MQTT, IoT platforms, and hardware devices

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Node RED hard to install?

No—Node RED is easy to install via npm (npm install -g node-red), Docker (docker run -p 1880:1880 nodered/node-red), or pre-built images for Raspberry Pi. It runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, and edge devices with minimal setup for basic use.

? Is it a good alternative to IFTTT for IoT automation?

Yes—Node RED offers more flexibility and control than IFTTT, especially for local/edge deployments (no cloud dependency). It supports advanced IoT protocols like MQTT and custom logic, making it better for complex IoT projects, though IFTTT is simpler for basic cloud-based automations.

? Is Node RED completely free?

Yes—Node RED is open-source under the MIT License, so it’s completely free to use, modify, and distribute. All core features and community-contributed nodes are available at no cost with no hidden fees.

Top Alternatives

IFTTT Search Google

Azure Logic Apps Search Google

Zapier Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Internet of Things (IoT)

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (self-hosted, no cloud dependency for local flows)
⊕ No subscription fees or paid tiers
⊕ Large, active community for support and extensions

Cons

⊖ Requires basic setup of a server or edge device
⊖ Advanced custom logic may need JavaScript knowledge
⊖ Needs manual security configuration for production use