# NetworkOptimizer vs Node RED

> Two self-hosted projects, compared on the numbers selfhost.directory tracks live: score, popularity, release cadence and setup effort.

| | NetworkOptimizer | Node RED |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 56/100 | 81/100 ✓ |
| Rank in category | #17 of 48 in Network Monitoring | #1 of 26 in Automation |
| GitHub stars | 1 213 | 23 791 ✓ |
| Stars, last 30 days | +2 | +106 ✓ |
| Stable releases, 12 months | 23 ✓ | 21 |
| Latest release | v2.10.3 · 28 Oct 2026 ✓ | 4.1.17 · 21 Oct 2026 |
| Setup | Moderate | Easy ✓ |
| Official Docker image | Yes | Yes |
| License | Other | Apache-2.0 |
| Main language | C# | JavaScript |

## Which one should you pick?

Node RED scores 81/100 against 56/100 for NetworkOptimizer, so it is the safer default.

NetworkOptimizer ships more often: 23 stable releases in the past year, against 21 for Node RED.

If you want the quickest setup, Node RED is easier to run; NetworkOptimizer needs more configuration.

Node RED is growing faster right now (+106 stars in 30 days).

## Details

- [NetworkOptimizer](https://selfhost.directory/project/networkoptimizer) (markdown: https://selfhost.directory/project/networkoptimizer.md)
- [Node RED](https://selfhost.directory/project/node-red) (markdown: https://selfhost.directory/project/node-red.md)

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Source: https://selfhost.directory/compare/networkoptimizer-vs-node-red