PURPOSE: To provide a compensating thread brake capable of approximately constantly maintaining thread tension without applying an allowable amount or more of mechanical or thermal load to yarn by friction.

CONSTITUTION: This compensating thread brake to be arranged in a warping creel has a rotatable roller 3 whose circumference is at least partially surrounded by and drivable by a thread 1. The roller 3 is connected to a rotor 6 of a turbine T. A mechanical thread tension comparator 27 by way of its setting member, influences a throttle 26 in the path of the turbine inlet or outlet stream. The setting member may, preferably, be a throttle plate 24 which regulates an inlet port 13 or an outlet port of the turbine T. In this manner, the thread tension may be controlled without frictional load on the thread or the need to provide seals against oil or the like. Additionally, an eddy current brake 28 can be provided for the setting of the basic thread tension.