Home Assistant Node Red Vs. (Native) Automations: Which Automation Will Be Better for You?

Both Node Red and native Home Assistant Automations are designed to simplify the creation of automated tasks within your Smart Home Setup.

The native Home Assistant automation allows users to create automation workflows using YAML syntax or User Interface (UI). Conversely, Node Red is a browser-based visual programming tool that integrates into the HA as an add-on. It allows users to create more complex automations using drag-and-drop nodes.

So, which one will be better for your home? Well, it will be easier to decide if only you know and understand the key differences between them. And today’s article will guide you by comparing these two side by side.  

Key Takeaway

Simplicity vs. Complexity: Node Red offers more complex automation capabilities, while native automations prioritize simplicity and ease of use.
Customization Options: Node Red provides extensive customization options through its visual programming interface, whereas native automations are more limited in customization but integrate seamlessly with Home Assistant’s core features.
Technical Skills: Node Red may require programming knowledge or a learning curve to utilize effectively, while native automations are accessible to users without coding experience.
Scalability: Node Red is highly scalable and can handle complex automation scenarios with ease, whereas native automations may struggle with more intricate setups.

Home Assistant Node Red Vs. Automations: What’s the Difference?

By comparing how these two automations practically work with Home Assistant, and what strengths or weaknesses they have, you will certainly be able to decide. 

So, check the key differences between Node Red and native HA automation below first_

Feature 1: Drag-and-drop Approach Vs. Structured Approach

When users automate through the Node Red interface, it utilizes a drag-and-drop approach and allows the users to connect nodes to create complex automation sequences

On the other hand, the native automation engine of the Home Assistant has a structured approach. It mainly divides the automations into three parts when creating complex automations:

  • Triggers: It can be something like pressing a particular button or changing the state of a certain sensor,
  • Conditions: use it to test if specific requirements are met before carrying out a certain action, and
  • Actions: It can be anything such as opening the blinds, turning the lights or, sending an alert notification to your connected smart device (Smart Watch or mobile phone).

Even the new Home Assistant (HA) automation upgrades allow users to transfer basic or less-complex Node Red automations to Home Assistant. This latest HA improvement especially benefits those who are more comfortable with the native Home Assistant interface and automation-creating process.

When you are using the native HA automation engine, it allows you to manage the automations from your mobile devices and gives you more ease. Unfortunately, you won’t get the same advantage while automating with Node Red.

Feature 2: Example of How Nod Red Works Vs. How Native HA Automation Works

The following example will help you understand how these two practically work with the Home Assistant:

Assume that the main purpose of the automation is “to open the blinds of your home in the morning (at the set time) while also ensuring that everyone gets out of bed.

Here the consideration factors for the automation will be the set time, motion detection, or analyzing the movements and away mode

Now, let’s see how each of them will implement the task_

Node Red Automation’s Implementation:

  • So, as shown in the above image, every morning at 11:30, the system will fire and go straight into these 4 nodes to open the blinds.
  • Here you will see the “Guest Node” option; it works as the “Condition.” So, make sure to turn it off. 
  • Next, set a 15-minute timer, (means if there’s no motion detected within that 15 minute by the sensor, it will indicate everyone is out of bed). Then, make sure the sensor is set as a group.
  • After that, verify the “Time Range Node” as shown in the above image. Then the last thing you need to check is to verify the “Time” (when the system will trigger to open the blinds every day).
  • If the “Away Mode” is on, it will automatically proceed and open the blinds. If not, it will verify whether there has been any movement detected within the last 15 minutes or not, and when it detects that there has been, it will open the blinds.

Home Assistant Automation Example

  • Now, when you are dealing with the same scenario on In Home Assistant’s native automation, you will see those 3 triggers for specific times and motion detection.
  • Next, you need to edit and confirm the conditions so that it can evaluate the triggers correctly. 
  • Then, when any of those conditions are met, it will automatically trigger the automation’s actions to open the blinds.

Feature 3: Separate System Vs. Single System

Since Node Red automation gives you open access to all entities and services within Home Assistant, it is considered to be more versatile.

However, there is still a potential risk of malfunctioning or communications issues that may arise while creating or managing the automations on Node Red. 

Contrarily, Home Assistant offers all components and services within a single system

As a result, it is way simpler and more convenient to troubleshoot and maintain the whole automation system. It also offers updates for individual automation just like Node Red offers.

Feature 4: Flowchart-based Interface Vs. Web-based Interface

Node Red offers a flowchart-based User Interface (UI), where you can simply drag and drop nodes to design and edit the automation flows. The visual approach of Node Red is simple and appealing for even non-programming users.

You can even create your own personalized UI for controlling the devices due to its provided dashboard module.

On the contrary, 

Home Assistant offers a unique web-based UI called Lovelace. It allows you to enjoy a next-level customization facility, where you can easily do the following:

  • personalize the dashboard, 
  • create custom cards, 
  • design your unique interfaces, and 
  • even have a more personalized smart home experience by leveraging the third-party plugins that Home Assistant offers.

Feature 5: Ability to Handle or Deal with Troubleshooting 

Node-Red is highly flexible and easy to use for building advanced or complex automations

However, it might not be able to handle the troubleshooting process as smoothly and effectively as the native Home Assistant automation engine can.

Conversely, if you use native automations, it will be easier to troubleshoot and integrate with the Home Assistant environment

You can even easily check out the details, like what might be triggering the automation directly from the dashboard. This works as an added advantage when dealing with complex systems.

FAQs

Home Assistant Node Red Vs. Automations: Which One to Choose?

If you are still not sure which one will be more suitable for you, the following pointer might help you to make the final decision:
1. Node-RED offers more visual flexibility with its drag-and-drop interface. That is why it is easier to create and modify automation. 
2. However, Home Assistant’s native automation engine offers more ease and flexibility to create automations with Python and YAML programming languages.
3. Even though YAML mode is more beneficial for power users, there are some limitations in the YAML method too
4. With HA automation, you can easily edit or modify tasks via your mobile devices. But you cannot do that while using Node Red. 
5. However, Node Red is ideal for advanced and complex automations that you may not be able to create properly on HA automation.

Node Red or Home Assistant Automation: Which one is beginner-friendly?

Home Assistant is more beginner-friendly, while Node Red is more suitable for advanced users since it allows users to create more complex automations.

Can I Use Node Red and Home Assistant Automation together?

Yes, you can combine them. 

What are the best alternatives to Home Assistant?

There are 3 best alternatives that you can try instead of Home Assistant:
1. Gladys Assistant, 
2. Zuli Smartplug, and 
3. Josh.ai

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