Node-RED vs The Things Network: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Node-RED and The Things Network side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Node-RED
Flow-based programming for IoT
The Things Network
Build and scale IoT applications with a global, open LoRaWAN network.
Best for you if:
- • You want a tool that leverages an open and global LoRaWAN network
| At a Glance | Node-RED | The Things Network |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free 100% free |
Category | IoT Platforms Developer Tools | IoT Platforms Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.6/5 G2 4.5 · SourceForge 5.0 26 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Node-RED or The Things Network?
Choose Node-RED if
- You need IoT platforms features specifically.
Choose The Things Network if
- You want a tool that leverages an open and global LoRaWAN network
- You want a tool that provides comprehensive tools for managing the entire IoT solution lifecycle
In-Depth Analysis
Node-RED
Flow-based programming for IoT
Node-RED's pricing is exceptionally generous, being entirely open-source and free.
Strengths
- Pro: Visual flow programming
- Pro: IoT friendly
- Pro: Good for automation
- Pro: Open source
- Pro: Active community
Weaknesses
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Performance limits
- Con: Not for complex apps
- Con: UI dated
- Con: Debugging harder
Key features
The Things Network
Build and scale IoT applications with a global, open LoRaWAN network.
The Things Network offers a highly generous Free tier, making it an excellent starting point for anyone exploring LoRaWAN.
Strengths
- Pro: Leverages an open and global LoRaWAN network.
- Pro: Provides comprehensive tools for managing the entire IoT solution lifecycle.
- Pro: Offers strong security features for device activation and data transmission.
- Pro: Supports a wide range of gateways, including DIY options.
- Pro: Extensive educational resources and certification programs available.
Weaknesses
- Con: Relies solely on LoRaWAN protocol, which may not suit all IoT use cases.
- Con: Requires understanding of LoRaWAN architecture for optimal use.
- Con: Specific pricing details for advanced features or larger deployments are not immediately clear.
Key features
Plans and prices: Node-RED vs The Things Network
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Node-RED |
| nodered.org read Sep 29, 2026 |
| The Things Network |
| thethingsnetwork.org read Sep 28, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Node-RED pricing and The Things Network pricing.
Key Takeaways
Node-RED
- Worth considering for IoT platforms
The Things Network
- Choose The Things Network if you want to build and scale IoT applications with a global, open LoRaWAN network
What the data shows
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
- Only Node-RED has a published user rating (4.6/5 from 26 reviews); The Things Network has none we can show.
- Both have a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Node-RED and The Things Network compare in 2026?
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair. Only Node-RED has a published user rating (4.6/5 from 26 reviews); The Things Network has none we can show. Both have a free plan.
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 free. The Things Network is free. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Sep 29, 2026.
What's the main difference between Node-RED and The Things Network?
Node-RED's main strength: visual flow programming. The Things Network's main strength: leverages an open and global LoRaWAN network.
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