Node-RED vs Windmill: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Node-RED and Windmill 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
Windmill
Open-source developer platform for scripts
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • Windmill is an open-source developer platform for internal tools
- • It runs scripts and workflows with a visual builder
| At a Glance |  Node-RED |  Windmill |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Low-Code Backend | Low-Code Backend |
Rating | 80/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Node-RED | Windmill |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Low-Code BackendAutomation | Low-Code BackendWorkflow Automation |
How Node-RED and Windmill Compare
Node-RED
Flow-based programming for IoT
Free · 80/100 score
Windmill
Open-source developer platform for scripts
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Node-RED is free. Windmill is freemium.
Go with: Node-RED
Want the highest-rated option?
Node-RED: 80/100. Windmill: 82/100.
Go with: Windmill
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Windmill
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Node-RED is free. Windmill 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?
Windmill scores higher: 82/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Windmill
- Higher score: 82/100 vs 80
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Node-RED
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Windmill (82/100) is our pick. That said, Node-RED is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Node-RED or Windmill better?
Windmill scores 82/100 in our evaluation. Node-RED is free and Windmill is freemium.
What are Node-RED and Windmill used for?
Node-RED: Flow-based programming for IoT. Windmill: Open-source developer platform for scripts.
What does Node-RED cost vs Windmill?
Node-RED is completely free. Windmill is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.