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Smart Home · head to head

Node-RED vs Shelly

Node-RED logo

Node-RED

Smart Home

Flow-based programming tool for IoT and home automation

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Shelly logo

Shelly

Smart Home

Powerful WiFi smart home devices with local control

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • 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; Shelly premium features limited to cloud-based functionality; local control requires separate setup
  • They diverge on capability: Node-RED covers Visual Editor, Shelly covers Local Control.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Node-RED and Shelly actually diverge.

Attributes where Node-RED and Shelly differ
AttributeNode-REDShelly
Pricing modelopen-sourceUnknown
PlatformsNode.js, Docker, Cloud, Edge devicesWeb, Mobile app, Cloud, Local network
Founded20132016

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (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
  • MQTT
  • REST API
  • WebSocket
  • Database

Only in Shelly

  • Local Control
  • Open API
  • MQTT Support
  • Energy Monitoring
  • Home Assistant
  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • SmartThings

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Node-RED

  • Low-code event-driven application developmentnot Shelly
  • IoT and device integration workflowsnot Shelly
  • Visual programming for server-side integrationsnot Shelly

Shelly

  • Smart home automation and controlnot Node-RED
  • Energy monitoring and managementnot Node-RED
  • WiFi/Bluetooth/Matter device 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

Shelly

  • Premium features limited to cloud-based functionality; local control requires separate setup
  • Device-specific capabilities vary; not all features available across entire product range

Pricing, plan by plan

Node-RED

Free
  • Community EditionFree
    • Visual editor
    • Extensible
    • REST API

Shelly

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Shelly review.

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.
Node-RED review

Choose Shelly if

  • You need local control.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile app, Cloud, Local network.
  • You also want open api.
Shelly review

Questions people ask

Is Node-RED or Shelly better?
Neither clearly leads. Node-RED starts at Free and Shelly at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Node-RED or Shelly?
Node-RED starts at Free and Shelly at Free.
Does Node-RED or Shelly run on more platforms?
Node-RED runs on Node.js, Docker, Cloud, Edge devices. Shelly runs on Web, Mobile app, Cloud, Local network.
Can I use Node-RED for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Node-RED best used for?
Node-RED is most often used for low-code event-driven application development, iot and device integration workflows, visual programming for server-side integrations. Of those, low-code event-driven application development and iot and device integration workflows are not what Shelly is typically brought in for.
What can Node-RED do that Shelly cannot?
Node-RED covers Visual Editor, Flow-Based Programming, Extensible, HTTP Integration. Shelly covers Local Control, Open API, MQTT Support, Energy Monitoring.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Node-RED: Is Node-RED free?

Yes, Node-RED is completely free and open source. It is available under the MIT License through GitHub and npm package manager. The project is maintained by the OpenJS Foundation.

Source
Shelly: Does Shelly offer a free tier or paid premium service?

Shelly offers a free service with an option to upgrade. The site mentions Go Premium in the Shelly app, which provides more automation and control capabilities. A Shelly Cloud Premium Voucher is available for purchase.

Source
Node-RED: Does Node-RED offer commercial support?

Node-RED itself is free and community-supported. FlowFuse, Inc. was founded in 2021 as a separate commercial entity offering enterprise support and a professional platform for Node-RED deployment, but FlowFuse is not Node-RED.

Source
Shelly: What is the difference between free Shelly and Shelly Cloud Premium?

The free version provides basic functionality, while Premium unlocks more automation options and additional control features. Specific pricing for Premium is not disclosed on the homepage.

Source
Node-RED: What is Node-RED pricing model?

Node-RED has no pricing model. It is completely free open source software. Commercial support and hosting options may be available separately through third-party providers like FlowFuse, but the core software is not sold.

Source
Shelly: Can I purchase Shelly Cloud Premium directly?

Yes. Shelly Cloud Premium Vouchers are available for purchase through the Shelly shop. Pricing details are available on the product shop page.

Source
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