Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Tasmota VS Node-RED

Compare Tasmota VS Node-RED and see what are their differences

Tasmota logo Tasmota

Alternative firmware for ESP8266 with easy configuration using webUI, OTA updates, automation using timers or rules, expandability and entirely local control over MQTT, HTTP, Serial or KNX.

Node-RED logo Node-RED

Node-RED is a programming tool for wiring together hardware devices, APIs and online services in new and interesting ways.
  • Tasmota Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-12
  • Node-RED Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-07-23

Tasmota features and specs

  • Open Source
    Tasmota is open-source, meaning users can view, modify, and improve the code. This enhances transparency and allows for customization tailored to individual needs.
  • Community Support
    Tasmota has a large and active community that provides support, shares ideas, and offers solutions to common issues, making it easier for new users to get help.
  • Platform Independence
    Compatible with various platforms and works independently of any specific cloud service, ensuring users have flexibility in selecting their ecosystem.
  • Increased Security
    By enabling offline operation and local control of devices, Tasmota reduces dependency on cloud services, which can be potential security vulnerabilities.
  • Customizable Features
    Users have control over a wide range of settings and features that can be tailored to specific needs, enhancing overall utility and user experience.

Possible disadvantages of Tasmota

  • Complex Setup
    The initial setup and configuration of Tasmota can be complex and intimidating for inexperienced users who are not familiar with flashing firmware onto devices.
  • Limited Manufacturer Support
    Since Tasmota is a third-party firmware, using it typically voids warranties and can result in a lack of official support from device manufacturers.
  • Firmware Compatibility
    Not all devices are compatible with Tasmota, which may limit its adoption for users who have a wide range of IoT devices from different manufacturers.
  • Potential for Bricking
    Incorrectly flashing the firmware can potentially 'brick' a device, rendering it non-functional and possibly creating additional costs for the user.
  • Steeper Learning Curve
    The need to understand networking, MQTT, and custom configurations can present a steep learning curve for some individuals just getting started with smart home technology.

Node-RED features and specs

  • Visual Programming
    Node-RED offers a flow-based development interface which allows users to create applications by wiring together pre-built nodes, making it intuitive and easier to understand, especially for non-programmers.
  • Extensibility
    The platform is highly extensible with a large library of pre-built nodes available and support for creating custom nodes. This makes it adaptable to a wide range of use cases.
  • Event-Driven
    Node-RED is designed around an event-driven architecture, which is beneficial for handling asynchronous events and real-time data.
  • Cross-Platform
    Node-RED is based on Node.js and runs on various platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, and even low-resource devices like Raspberry Pi.
  • Integrations
    It offers extensive integration capabilities with various protocols (like MQTT, HTTP, and WebSockets) and a wide variety of services (like databases, cloud services, and IoT platforms).

Possible disadvantages of Node-RED

  • Performance
    Being a higher-level tool built on Node.js, it may not match the performance of systems built directly using lower-level languages and tools, particularly for very resource-intensive applications.
  • Complexity with Large Flows
    As the number of nodes and flows increases, the visual representation can become cluttered and harder to manage. This might make debugging and maintenance more difficult.
  • Scalability
    While suitable for small to medium-sized projects, Node-RED may face challenges in scaling to very large, enterprise-level applications without significant architectural adjustments.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    Although it simplifies basic tasks, there can be a steep learning curve to unlock its full potential, particularly when dealing with sophisticated integrations or custom node development.
  • Security
    The out-of-the-box security features may not be sufficient for all applications. Additional measures such as authentication, encryption, and network security must be implemented for deployment in sensitive environments.

Analysis of Node-RED

Overall verdict

  • Node-RED is generally considered a good tool, particularly for non-programmers and those looking to quickly prototype and deploy IoT solutions. Its visual interface simplifies the development process and can handle a wide variety of integration tasks.

Why this product is good

  • Node-RED is an open-source flow-based programming tool primarily intended for wiring together hardware devices, APIs, and online services as part of the Internet of Things (IoT). It is visually driven, allowing users to create and deploy complex workflows and automation processes with minimal programming knowledge. Its extensive library of pre-built nodes and its active community contribute to its flexibility and ease of use.

Recommended for

  • IoT enthusiasts
  • Quick prototyping of automation flows
  • Integrating various APIs and services
  • Users who prefer a visual programming interface
  • Educational purposes for teaching programming and IoT concepts

Tasmota videos

The COMPLETE Guide to Tasmota 2019

More videos:

  • Review - ESPHome vs Tasmota - Speedtests and Features | Which one should I choose?
  • Review - sonoff tasmota review

Node-RED videos

Intro to Node-RED: Part 1 Fundamentals

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Tasmota and Node-RED)
Automation
21 21%
79% 79
Home
100 100%
0% 0
DevOps Tools
5 5%
95% 95
Data Dashboard
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Tasmota and Node-RED

Tasmota Reviews

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Node-RED Reviews

10 n8n.io Alternatives
Node-RED is a flow-based development and programming tool for visual programming presented in the market by IBM for wiring together online services and hardware devices as part of the internet of things. Web browser-based flow editor is available over this software to create JavaScript functions, and elements of apps can be saved or shared for using reprocess. Back in 2016,...
Open Source Internet of Things (IoT) Platforms
Node-RED is a visual tool for lining the Internet of Things, i.e., wiring together hardware devices, APIs, and online services in new ways. Built on Node.js, Node-RED describes itself as “a visual means for wiring the Internet of Things.”
9 Home Automation Open-Source Platforms for Your projects
If you would like to know how to build your own home automation system with Node-RED, Raspberry Pi, ESP8266 and Arduino, I’ve just released a new course on this subject: Build an Home Automation System for $100.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Node-RED should be more popular than Tasmota. It has been mentiond 127 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Tasmota mentions (82)

  • Replace Philips Hue Automation with Home Assistant's
    Everything works pretty flawlessly with it. Conbee 2 ist still my current stick because I am experimenting with the Matter/Thread Support on the Home Assistant Yellow, sadly without success though. My best recommendation if you want to tinker with smart devices is get anything that you can flash Tasmota on. (List of Devices https://templates.blakadder.com/ ) Tasmota is an amazing piece of software that runs on... - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago
  • Printing emails based on Message Filters, does not seem possible
    All of my office devices are connected to Sonoff S31 smart plugs, flashed with Tasmota on their own locked-down VLAN, and can be controlled via voice, Alexa, Tasker automation on my Android, NFC tags at my office door and various scripts triggered via my StreamDeck (on Linux). This all works fantastic, and I can turn on or off my devices, including my printer, when I start or end my day at work. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Ask HN: I’m an FCC Commissioner proposing regulation of IoT security updates
    The best alternative firmware example for true IOT devices is Tasmota [1]. Erase manufacturer firmware for every ESP devices the day after purchase to avoid those careless manufacturer firmwares. [1] https://tasmota.github.io/docs/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Sonoff smart plugs
    The ESP8266 based Sonoff S31 and ESP32 based Switchbot plugs, both flashed with either Tasmota or ESPHome, are my go-to options for US WiFi smart plugs with power monitoring. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Add $4 WiFi Logging to IKEA’s $12 Air Quality Sensor (Wemos and Vindriktning)
    And if you want to turn your ESP8266 into a standalone appliance, with a web interface and directly editable config that doesn't need a build step, Tasmota is another great option. https://tasmota.github.io/docs/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
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Node-RED mentions (127)

  • Erlang-Red: Node-Red with an Erlang Back End
    Ahh, you didn't create Node-RED editor. That's an external project. https://nodered.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 19 days ago
  • Hardware Metrics Collection with IOT Devices
    Node Red is a unique application that provides a graphical programming environment. With this, you can define input to output transformation with any level of complexity, including reading, parsing, formatting, and output with optional conditionals. For example, here is a flow definition that parses MQTT JSON messages that communicate if a node is alive, and then store this information in InfluxDB:. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • Home Assistant and ESP Home: How to use MQTT Integration for Dynamic Device Configuration
    For a simple test, I created this Node Red flow that listens to homeassistant/status messages. HA itself will send messages that communicate when its started or when it is about to shutdown. These messages, and a custom message I send from within HA, could be seen:. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • Data Visualization on the e-RT3 using Node-RED, InfluxDB Cloud, and Grafana
    Node-RED (e-RT3) Flow-based, low code development tool. - Source: dev.to / 10 months ago
  • Top 15 Open-Source Low-Code Projects with the Most GitHub Stars
    GitHub Https://github.com/node-red/node-red GitHub Stars 19.1k Most Recent Update on GitHub 2 weeks ago Open Source License Apache 2.0 Number of Active Contributors This Year 13 Acceptance of External PRs Yes Official Website Https://nodered.org/ Documentation Https://nodered.org/docs/. - Source: dev.to / 11 months ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Tasmota and Node-RED, you can also consider the following products

ESPHome - ESPHome is a system to control your ESP8266/ESP32 by simple yet powerful configuration files and control them remotely through Home Automation systems.

n8n.io - Free and open fair-code licensed node based Workflow Automation Tool. Easily automate tasks across different services.

ESPEasy - The ESP Easy firmware can be used to turn the ESP module into an easy multifunction sensor device for Home Automation solutions like Domoticz.

Zapier - Connect the apps you use everyday to automate your work and be more productive. 1000+ apps and easy integrations - get started in minutes.

OpenMQTTGateway - OpenMQTTGateway project goal is to concentrate in one firmware different technologies and protocols, hiding the different technologies singularity behind a simple & wide spread communication protocol

ifttt - IFTTT puts the internet to work for you. Create simple connections between the products you use every day.