The Things Network vs Node-RED: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between The Things Network 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.
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:
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.
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
| At a Glance |  The Things Network |  Node-RED |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | Free |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Automation |
Rating | - | - |
Choose The Things Network or Node-RED?
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
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
| Feature | The Things Network | Node-RED |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.7/5 29 reviews |
| Categories | Cloud & InfrastructureIoT Platforms | AutomationNo-Code |
In-Depth Analysis
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
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
Pricing: The Things Network vs Node-RED
| Plan | The Things Network | Node-RED |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Open Source |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on The Things Network pricing and Node-RED pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: The Things Network
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: The Things Network
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews 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?
The Things Network is a cloud & infrastructure tool. Node-RED is in automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews 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 The Things Network or Node-RED better?
Node-RED is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are The Things Network and Node-RED used for?
The Things Network: Build and scale IoT applications with a global, open LoRaWAN network.. Node-RED: Flow-based programming for IoT.
What does The Things Network cost vs Node-RED?
The Things Network is completely free. Node-RED is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.