EMQX vs Node-RED: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between EMQX and Node-RED comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
EMQX
The unified MQTT platform for real-time AI and IoT data streaming.
Best for you if:
- • You need iot platforms features specifically
- • Unifies MQTT pub/sub and durable message queuing in a single platform.
- • Provides high scalability and reliability for IoT and AI data streaming.
Node-RED
Flow-based programming for IoT
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need low-code backend features specifically
- • Node-RED is a flow-based programming tool for wiring IoT and APIs
- • It creates automation flows with a visual browser-based editor
| At a Glance |  EMQX |  Node-RED |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | IoT Platforms | Low-Code Backend |
Rating | —/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | EMQX | Node-RED |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IoT Platforms | Low-Code BackendAutomation |
How EMQX and Node-RED Compare
EMQX
The unified MQTT platform for real-time AI and IoT data streaming.
Free tier available
Node-RED
Flow-based programming for IoT
Free · 80/100 score
EMQX is a iot platforms tool. Node-RED is in low-code backend.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Node-RED is free. EMQX is freemium.
Go with: Node-RED
Want the highest-rated option?
Node-RED scores 80/100. EMQX is unrated.
Go with: Node-RED
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Node-RED
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
EMQX is freemium. Node-RED is free. Go with Node-RED if free matters most.
What's your use case?
EMQX is a iot platforms tool. Node-RED is in low-code backend. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Node-RED
- Higher score: 80/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
EMQX
- Better fit for iot platforms
The Bottom Line
Node-RED (80/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EMQX or Node-RED better?
Node-RED scores 80/100 in our evaluation. EMQX is freemium and Node-RED is free.
What are EMQX and Node-RED used for?
EMQX: The unified MQTT platform for real-time AI and IoT data streaming.. Node-RED: Flow-based programming for IoT.
What does EMQX cost vs Node-RED?
EMQX is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Node-RED is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.