Node-RED

Open-source alternative · mapped from 2 paid tools. Fit is not feature parity.

Facts

License

Apache License 2.0 A permissive license whose main conditions require preservation of copyright and license notices. Contributors provide an express grant of patent rights. Licensed works, modifications, and larger works may be distributed under different terms and without source code. May Commercial useModificationDistributionPatent usePrivate use Must License and copyright noticeState changes No Trademark useLiabilityWarranty Summary from GitHub's choosealicense.com

Paid-feature tier A

Self-host

Paid-feature limitsNone established

Tier A: Node-RED editor/runtime are Apache-2.0, self-hostable and commercially hostable. No paid core edition identified in official product documentation. FlowFuse hosting and enterprise fleet management are a separate platform, outside this record. Third-party nodes have independent licenses. License source. Repository: node-red/node-red. Self-host: server; hosted offer from the project: yes.

Replaces 2 paid tools

MakeEntry price Usage-based

Fit:

Rebuild triggers/actions as Node-RED flows; JSON flow import/export is native, but no Zap/Make importer verified. Connector availability, OAuth setup and runtime operations need checking. Best for technical operators.

Sources: nodered.org, www.make.com · checked 2026-10-21
Full comparison: Make vs Node-RED
ZapierEntry price USD 19.99 / account / month

Fit:

Rebuild triggers/actions as Node-RED flows; JSON flow import/export is native, but no Zap/Make importer verified. Connector availability, OAuth setup and runtime operations need checking. Best for technical operators.

Sources: nodered.org, zapier.com · checked 2026-10-21
Full comparison: Zapier vs Node-RED