Node-RED vs FlowiseAI: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Node-RED and FlowiseAI 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:
Node-RED
Flow-based programming for IoT
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Node-RED is a flow-based programming tool for wiring IoT and APIs
- • It creates automation flows with a visual browser-based editor
FlowiseAI
Visually build, deploy, and scale AI agents and chatbots with an open-source, low-code platform.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.9/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • Visually build AI agents and chatbots with a drag-and-drop interface.
- • Supports single and multi-agent systems with RAG, tool calling, and human-in-the-loop features.
| At a Glance |  Node-RED |  FlowiseAI |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Low-Code Backend | Low-Code Backend |
Rating | 80/100 | 89/100 |
| Feature | Node-RED | FlowiseAI |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 89 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Low-Code BackendAutomation | Low-Code BackendChatbots |
How Node-RED and FlowiseAI Compare
Node-RED
Flow-based programming for IoT
Free · 80/100 score
FlowiseAI
Visually build, deploy, and scale AI agents and chatbots with an open-source, low-code platform.
Free tier available · 89/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Node-RED is free. FlowiseAI is freemium.
Go with: Node-RED
Want the highest-rated option?
Node-RED: 80/100. FlowiseAI: 89/100.
Go with: FlowiseAI
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: FlowiseAI
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Node-RED is free. FlowiseAI is freemium. Go with Node-RED if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are low-code backend tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
FlowiseAI scores higher: 89/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
FlowiseAI
- Higher score: 89/100 vs 80
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Node-RED
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
FlowiseAI (89/100) is our pick. That said, Node-RED is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Node-RED or FlowiseAI better?
FlowiseAI scores 89/100 in our evaluation. Node-RED is free and FlowiseAI is freemium.
What are Node-RED and FlowiseAI used for?
Node-RED: Flow-based programming for IoT. FlowiseAI: Visually build, deploy, and scale AI agents and chatbots with an open-source, low-code platform..
What does Node-RED cost vs FlowiseAI?
Node-RED is completely free. FlowiseAI is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.