IoT & Smart Home · head to head
Node-RED vs Hubitat Elevation
Node-RED
IoT & Smart Home
Flow-based programming tool for IoT and home automation
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
Hubitat Elevation
IoT & Smart Home
Local home automation hub for advanced users
- From
- $189.95/one-time
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Node-RED has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Node-RED the Node-RED editor ships unsecured: anyone who can reach its IP address can open the editor and deploy changes until adminAuth is configured; Hubitat Elevation limited app ecosystem compared to Amazon Alexa or Google Home platforms
- They diverge on capability: Node-RED covers Visual Editor, Hubitat Elevation covers Local Processing.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Node-RED and Hubitat Elevation actually diverge.
| Attribute | Node-RED | Hubitat Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $189.95/one-time |
| Pricing model | open-source | Unknown |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Node.js, Docker, Cloud, Edge devices | Local hub (Model C-8), Local hub (Model C-7), Mobile app (iOS and Android) |
| Founded | 2013 | 2016 |
Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (IoT & Smart Home).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Node-RED
- Visual Editor
- Flow-Based Programming
- Extensible
- HTTP Integration
- REST API
- WebSocket
- Database
- Social services
Only in Hubitat Elevation
- Local Processing
- Rule Machine
- Z-Wave Plus
- Zigbee 3.0
- Dashboard
- Voice assistants
- Custom apps
- Physical hub support
Both cover
- MQTT
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Node-RED
- Wiring together devices, APIs and online services with a visual flow editornot Hubitat Elevation
- Building home and industrial automation logic on a local servernot Hubitat Elevation
- Prototyping MQTT and HTTP integrations without writing full applicationsnot Hubitat Elevation
Hubitat Elevation
- Advanced automationnot Node-RED
- Local controlnot Node-RED
- Complex rulesnot Node-RED
- Multi-protocol integrationnot Node-RED
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Node-RED
- The Node-RED editor ships unsecured: anyone who can reach its IP address can open the editor and deploy changes until adminAuth is configured
- HTTPS is off by default and must be enabled through the https setting
- HTTP endpoints and dashboards exposed by flows are unauthenticated unless httpNodeAuth is configured separately
- All three security layers are optional additions the administrator must implement by editing the settings file
Hubitat Elevation
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Amazon Alexa or Google Home platforms
- Requires purchase of hub hardware; no free tier
Pricing, plan by plan
Node-RED
Free- Community EditionFree
- Visual editor
- Extensible
- REST API
Hubitat Elevation
$189.95/one-time- Hub Hardware$189.95/one-time
- Z-Wave Plus 800 and Zigbee 3.0
- Matter 1.5 support
- Local automation engine
- Cloud Backup (optional)$30/year
- Cloud backup of automations
- Automatic backups
- Remote Admin (optional)$36/year
- Remote access via cloud
- Mobile app remote control
Which should you pick?
Choose Node-RED if
- You need visual editor.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Node.js, Docker, Cloud, Edge devices.
- You also want flow-based programming.
Choose Hubitat Elevation if
- You need local processing.
- You work on Local hub (Model C-8), Local hub (Model C-7), Mobile app (iOS and Android).
- You also want rule machine.
Questions people ask
- Is Node-RED or Hubitat Elevation better?
- Neither clearly leads. Node-RED starts at Free and Hubitat Elevation at $189.95/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Node-RED or Hubitat Elevation?
- Node-RED has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Node-RED and $189.95/one-time for Hubitat Elevation.
- Does Node-RED or Hubitat Elevation run on more platforms?
- Node-RED runs on Node.js, Docker, Cloud, Edge devices. Hubitat Elevation runs on Local hub (Model C-8), Local hub (Model C-7), Mobile app (iOS and Android).
- Can I use Node-RED for free?
- Yes. Node-RED has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Hubitat Elevation starts at $189.95/one-time.
- What is Node-RED best used for?
- Node-RED is most often used for wiring together devices, apis and online services with a visual flow editor, building home and industrial automation logic on a local server, prototyping mqtt and http integrations without writing full applications. Of those, wiring together devices, apis and online services with a visual flow editor and building home and industrial automation logic on a local server are not what Hubitat Elevation is typically brought in for.
- What can Node-RED do that Hubitat Elevation cannot?
- Node-RED covers Visual Editor, Flow-Based Programming, Extensible, HTTP Integration. Hubitat Elevation covers Local Processing, Rule Machine, Z-Wave Plus, Zigbee 3.0. Both handle MQTT.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Hubitat Elevation: Does Hubitat require a cloud connection or subscription?
No. All automations and device control run locally without cloud dependency. Hubitat does not require subscriptions for core features; optional cloud backup ($30/year) and remote admin ($36/year) are available.
SourceHubitat Elevation: How many devices can Hubitat control?
The Hubitat Elevation Model C-8 supports 1,000+ devices across 100+ brands through Zigbee, Z-Wave 800 Long Range, Matter 1.5, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi protocols.
SourceHubitat Elevation: Does Hubitat work with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit?
Yes. Hubitat integrates with Alexa and Google Home for voice control, and also supports Apple HomeKit via direct integration for HomeKit devices.
SourceHubitat Elevation: What is the difference between the C-7 and C-8 models?
The C-8 ($189.95) features Z-Wave Plus 800, Zigbee 3.0, and expanded memory for handling complex automation. The C-7 is an older model with fewer protocol options and lower performance.
SourceHubitat Elevation: Can I access my hub remotely?
Yes. Local area network (LAN) access is always available. Remote access via the Hubitat mobile app and cloud services requires an optional subscription ($36/year for remote admin).
Source