Node-RED vs The Things Network: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Node-RED and The Things Network 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.
Bottom line: Node-RED is our overall pick for automation workflows. Pick The Things Network if you need cloud & infrastructure.
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 automation 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
The Things Network
Build and scale IoT applications with a global, open LoRaWAN network.
Best for you if:
- • You need cloud & infrastructure features specifically
- • Provides an open, global LoRaWAN network for IoT applications.
- • Offers tools and resources for managing devices, gateways, and data.
| At a Glance |  Node-RED |  The Things Network |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Automation | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.7/5 | - |
Choose Node-RED or The Things Network?
Choose Node-RED if
Flow-based programming for IoT
- Visual flow programming
- IoT friendly
- Good for automation
- Your work is automation-shaped, not cloud & infrastructure-shaped
Choose The Things Network if
Build and scale IoT applications with a global, open LoRaWAN network.
- Leverages an open and global LoRaWAN network.
- Provides comprehensive tools for managing the entire IoT solution lifecycle.
- Offers strong security features for device activation and data transmission.
- Your work is cloud & infrastructure-shaped, not automation-shaped
| Feature | Node-RED | The Things Network |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 29 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | AutomationNo-Code | Cloud & InfrastructureIoT Platforms |
In-Depth Analysis
Node-RED
Flow-based programming for IoT
Strengths
- +Visual flow programming
- +IoT friendly
- +Good for automation
- +Open source
- +Active community
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Performance limits
- -Not for complex apps
- -UI dated
- -Debugging harder
Key features
The Things Network
Build and scale IoT applications with a global, open LoRaWAN network.
Strengths
- +Leverages an open and global LoRaWAN network.
- +Provides comprehensive tools for managing the entire IoT solution lifecycle.
- +Offers strong security features for device activation and data transmission.
- +Supports a wide range of gateways, including DIY options.
- +Extensive educational resources and certification programs available.
Weaknesses
- -Relies solely on LoRaWAN protocol, which may not suit all IoT use cases.
- -Requires understanding of LoRaWAN architecture for optimal use.
- -Specific pricing details for advanced features or larger deployments are not immediately clear.
Key features
Pricing: Node-RED vs The Things Network
| Plan | Node-RED | The Things Network |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | Free Free |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Node-RED pricing and The Things Network pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Node-RED
Want the highest-rated option?
Node-RED is rated 4.7/5. The Things Network has no ratings yet.
Go with: Node-RED
Value user reviews?
Node-RED: 29 reviews (4.7/5). The Things Network: no ratings yet.
Go with: Node-RED
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Node-RED is a automation tool. The Things Network is in cloud & infrastructure. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Node-RED is rated 4.7/5; The Things Network has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Node-RED
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
The Things Network
- Better fit for cloud & infrastructure
The Bottom Line
Node-RED is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Node-RED or The Things Network better?
Node-RED is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Node-RED and The Things Network used for?
Node-RED: Flow-based programming for IoT. The Things Network: Build and scale IoT applications with a global, open LoRaWAN network..
What does Node-RED cost vs The Things Network?
Node-RED is completely free. The Things Network is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.