Top 14 IoT app development platforms you should use in 2026

17 min read
November 24, 2024

Building a stunning IoT app is the best way to stand out in a crowded market like IoT.

But, that’s easier said than done.

First, you need to make sure you have the right tools for the job – and this means choosing an IoT platform that meets your requirements.

Here, we’ll discuss the top 14 IoT app development platforms you should use in 2025 and why they might be the right choice for you.

Let’s dive in!

What is an IoT platform?

An IoT platform is a suite of tools and components that helps you manage and connect devices in your IoT ecosystem.

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They’re a key part of IoT development. Think of them like the glue between the hardware (sensors and devices) and application (IoT app) layers in your IoT ecosystem.

IoT platforms allow your devices to communicate with your app – and vice-versa.

Here’s a few of their key functions:

  • Device management – Helping you manage, configure, and maintain your fleet of IoT devices
  • Data collection and processing – Gathering, processing, and analyzing data from IoT devices
  • Connectivity – Ensuring reliable communication between devices and your app using various network protocols
  • Application enablement – Providing tools and frameworks for developing apps that use IoT data

In short, IoT platforms are an essential part of every IoT ecosystem and are key to successful IoT app development.

So, picking the right one is key – next, we’ll cover the top 14 platforms in more detail to help you make the right choice.

IoT platforms: comparison at a glance

Before you read through all 14 platforms in detail, here’s a quick side-by-side so you can shortlist the ones worth a closer look.

PlatformBest forStarting price
AWS IoTEnterprises already on AWS wanting a broad service catalogPay-as-you-go, usage-based
Microsoft Azure IoTTeams standardized on Microsoft and Azure infrastructurePay-as-you-go, usage-based
OCI IoT PlatformOracle Cloud customers wanting a built-in database and AI analyticsConsumption-based, contact Oracle Sales
GoliothHardware teams wanting flexible, developer-first device connectivityUsage-based, from $0.25/device/month
BalenaFleets of Linux edge devices needing container-based OTA updatesFree tier for 10 devices, $159/mo Prototype
CumulocityRapid, low-code IoT builds spanning simple sensors to complex machineryFree trial, custom paid tiers
ThingWorxIndustrial and manufacturing teams needing model-based development and ARCustom pricing
ParticleTeams wanting hardware, connectivity, and cloud from a single vendorFree tier, $299/mo per block for Basic
ThingsBoardTechnical teams wanting full ownership through open sourceFree (open source), paid cloud/hosting available
BlynkConsumer IoT apps (smart home, wearables) needing a no-code builderFree tier, $29/mo Starter
TuyaConsumer and white-label smart device brands needing fast go-to-marketFree trial tier, custom paid plans
Kaa Next IoT CloudTeams wanting modular, protocol-agnostic architecture with built-in AIFree plan (5 devices), $99/mo Cloud 100
Siemens Industrial IoTManufacturing, energy, and logistics running on Siemens XceleratorCustom, depends on services used
LosantEnterprise low-code builds with visual workflowsCustom, contact for quote

Use this table to narrow your list to three or four contenders, then read the full entries below before you commit to one.

Top IoT app development platforms

Here, we’ll cover their most important features, pros and cons, and pricing.

AWS IoT

AWS IoT is a comprehensive suite of managed cloud services offered by AWS that helps businesses build, deploy, and manage IoT solutions. 

And the suite goes beyond just AWS IoT Core, which is the most well-known service.

AWS IoT services

It includes a wide range of services designed to support IoT devices, data processing, and IoT app development.

And that’s why it’s one of the most popular IoT platforms on the market.

Important features

  • AWS IoT Core

Connects your devices over MQTT, HTTP, or WebSocket, with built-in integration for Lambda and DynamoDB.

  • AWS IoT Greengrass

Runs edge computing workloads so devices keep working offline.

  • AWS IoT Device Management

Indexes and manages your device fleet, including over-the-air updates.

  • AWS IoT Device Defender

Audits your fleet’s security on an ongoing basis.

  • AWS IoT TwinMaker

Builds digital twins of your physical systems.

Pros and cons of AWS IoT

Pros


  • Scalability
  • Seamless integration with other AWS services
  • Flexibility

Cons


  • Risk of vendor lock-in
  • High costs with large-scale deployments

Pricing

Just like their regular cloud service, AWS’ IoT services operate on a pay-as-you go model, i.e. you pay for the resources you actually use.

So, prices vary significantly depending on the type of IoT app you’re building, its complexity, and the services you end up using.

You can use their pricing calculator for AWS IoT Core to get a rough idea of the price.

Microsoft Azure IoT

Microsoft Azure IoT is a suite of managed and platform services designed to connect, monitor, and control IoT assets at scale.

It integrates devices, data, and analytics within the Azure cloud ecosystem.

Here’s what it includes:

Microsoft Azure IoT

Azure IoT is a great option if you want to build end-to-end IoT solutions. And if you’re an existing Azure user, you’ll have an easy time transitioning.

Important features

  • Azure IoT Hub

Handles two-way communication between your devices and the cloud.

  • Azure IoT Edge

Moves processing closer to your devices for lower latency.

  • Azure Digital Twins

Models physical environments so you can simulate and monitor them digitally.

  • Azure IoT Central

Gives you a managed, SaaS-style app experience without building one from scratch.

Pros and cons of Microsoft Azure IoT

Pros


  • Scalability
  • Robust security features
  • Easy integration with other Microsoft services

Cons


  • Steep learning curve
  • Daily message quotes

Pricing

Azure IoT operates on a pay-as-you-go model and depends on the exact services you choose.

So, the price varies significantly – consult their pricing calculator to get an estimate.

OCI IoT Platform

OCI IoT Platform is a native part of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), built to remove the separate extract-transform-load (ETL) step between devices and analytics by feeding telemetry straight into Oracle’s Autonomous AI Database.

Here’s a snapshot of how it works:

Screenshot 2026 09 01 at 12.10.47

With it, you can analyze real-time data and easily integrate it with your IoT app and other Oracle services.

So, if you already use Oracle’s other services in your business, it should be your top choice.

Important features

  • DTDL digital twins

Standardizes device data across formats using the Digital Twin Definition Language (DTDL).

  • Built-in Autonomous AI Database

Comes with Oracle’s Autonomous AI Database included, so you don’t buy one separately.

  • Direct data pipelines

Feeds device data straight into your database and analytics, cutting out traditional ETL.

  • AI-powered analytics

Includes AI Vector Search, anomaly detection, and pattern recognition, plus integration with OCI Generative AI.

  • Multilayered security

Covers device authentication, TLS encryption, and OCI Vault and Certificates.

Pros and cons of OCI IoT platform

Pros


  • Removes the ETL bottleneck
  • Built-in Autonomous Database
  • Strong security measures

Cons


  • Only 4 regions at launch
  • Requires an OCI account

Pricing

Consumption-based, tied to OCI usage rather than a flat published rate. Contact Oracle Sales for a quote sized to your workload.

Golioth

Golioth is a cloud-based IoT development platform designed to simplify the process of connecting hardware to the cloud. 

Golioth was acquired by Canonical in March 2026, with continuity of the platform, APIs, and roadmap confirmed post-acquisition.

Golioth dashboard

Golioth has robust fleet features and is compatible with a wide range of IoT hardware solutions.

Also, since it’s cloud-based, it can also easily connect your devices with your IoT companion app.

Important features

  • Hardware-agnostic support

Works with 100+ boards across manufacturers, so you’re not locked into one vendor.

  • Secure firmware SDK 

A software development kit (SDK) built for secure firmware development.

  • Remote console

You can manage your device fleet from a single remote console.

  • YAML-based data routing

Routes data between services using simple YAML configuration.

Pros and cons of Golioth

Pros


  • Flexibility
  • Developer-friendly tools
  • Lightweight SDK

Cons


  • Doesn’t have a mature ecosystem
  • Not as comprehensive

Pricing

Golioth moved to usage-based pricing in 2026, replacing its old fixed-tier plans.

Screenshot 2026 09 01 at 12.21.43

Connect starts at $0.25 per active device/month, with fleet management (OTA) at $0.0095/MB and data routing at $0.008/MB. New accounts get a $50 credit to start.

Balena

Container-based device management platform built for fleets of Linux edge devices.

Balena

If your team already works extensively with Docker containers, this is the platform that will feel the most familiar to onboard.

Important features

  • balenaOS

A container-optimized operating system built specifically for edge hardware.

  • balenaCloud dashboard

Monitors and manages your device fleet remotely from one dashboard.

  • Delta OTA updates

Pushes fleet-wide or per-device updates using delta technology to save bandwidth.

  • Remote SSH and logs

Gives you remote SSH access and real-time log viewing for troubleshooting.

  • Broad device support

Works with a wide range of device types, including Raspberry Pi and NVIDIA Jetson boards.

Pros and cons of Balena

Pros


  • Strong developer experience
  • Familiar container workflow
  • Proven at large-scale

Cons


  • Built for Linux Edge devices
  • Assumes container experience

Pros: Strong developer experience, a container workflow most software teams already know, proven at large-scale device fleets.

Cons: Geared toward Linux-based edge devices rather than lightweight microcontrollers, and it assumes comfort with containers.

Pricing

Balena offers a free tier for up to 10 devices.

Screenshot 2026 09 01 at 12.33.09

And they offer paid plans based on device number: Prototype is $159/mo (30 devices), Pilot is $329/mo (60 devices), Production is $1,439/mo (110 devices), and custom Enterprise.

Cumulocity

Cumulocity is a rapid, low-code IoT app development platform.

It’s ideal if you want to connect, monitor, and manage IoT devices without having to do a lot of coding. 

Cumulocity

Its zero-code integration tools and pre-configured dashboards make it easy to get started.

It supports multi-tenancy, which is ideal if you need to manage IoT solutions across multiple clients or departments. 

Cumulocity completed a management buyout from Software AG in January 2025 and now operates as an independent company backed by private capital, which is worth knowing if vendor stability is part of your evaluation.

Important features

  • Broad device connectivity

Connects everything from simple sensors to complex machinery.

  • Device lifecycle management

Provides features for monitoring, controlling, and managing devices throughout their lifecycle, including deployment, updates, and retirement.

  • Data normalization and enrichment

Cleans up and enriches your data for a unified view.

  • Zero-code integration

Comes with pre-configured dashboards you can use without writing code.

Pros and cons of Cumulocity

Pros


  • Faster development
  • Multi-tenancy support
  • Zero-code tools

Cons


  • Limited customization

Pricing

Most of Cumulocity’s pricing information isn’t publicly available.

Starter plan is published at €215/mo (billed annually, up to 2.5M messages/month). Business and Enterprise tiers are custom-priced.

ThingWorx

ThingWorx is an IoT platform tailor-made for industrial applications with advanced tools for building connected systems.

ThingWorx IoT

It stands out for its integration with augmented reality (AR), making it ideal if you want to create an immersive, data-driven experience.

Worth noting: PTC agreed in November 2025 to sell ThingWorx and Kepware to private equity firm TPG. If you’re evaluating it today, confirm current roadmap and support commitments before signing anything long-term.

Important features

  • Model-based development 

Builds apps in a drag-and-drop, model-based environment.

  • Wide device and system integration

Connects to a broad range of devices and existing systems.

  • Built-in analytics and dashboards 

Visualizes real-time data without extra tooling.

  • Device lifecycle management

Manages your devices from deployment through retirement.

  • Enterprise system integration

Plugs into your existing enterprise IT infrastructure.

Pros and cons of ThingWorx

Pros


  • AR integration
  • Flexible deployment options
  • Built-in analytics

Cons


  • Resource-intensive

Pricing

ThingWorx’s pricing isn’t publicly available – you’ll have to contact PTC Sales for an estimate.

Particle

Particle is a full-stack IoT platform that simplifies hardware, connectivity, and cloud integration for developers. 

Particle was acquired by Digi International in January 2026 for roughly $50 million and now operates inside Digi’s IoT Solutions business unit, with brand and product continuity confirmed.

Particle dashboard

Particle excels in providing seamless integration between connected devices and the cloud, so you can quickly deploy your IoT apps.

Ideal if you want to quickly launch your IoT product with minimal technical barriers.

Important features

  • Production-ready hardware

Offers dev kits, gateways, systems on module (SoMs), and single-board computers (SBCs) ready for production.

  • Stable device OS 

Runs a stable operating system built specifically for IoT devices.

  • Multi-network Connectivity 

Connects over Wi-Fi, cellular, satellite, and LoRaWAN.

  • Centralized command center

Manages your whole fleet from one IoT command center, including OTA software updates and real-time data collection and monitoring. 

  • Developer tools

Provides professional-grade IDEs, SDKs, and libraries to develop edge software.

Pros and cons of Particle

Pros


  • Full-stack platform
  • Excellent community support
  • Developer-friendly tools

Cons


  • Possible ecosystem dependency
  • Pricey with large fleets of devices

Pricing

Particle is free for prototyping and personal projects.

But, for serious IoT projects, they also offer several paid tiers.

Particle pricing

The paid tiers are:

  • Basic – $299/month per block, meant for simple IoT products with limited data automation, like remote sensors and diagnostics
  • Plus – $599/month per block, suited for more complex IoT products that need advanced features like machine learning or high-resolution sensor data
  • Professional – Custom pricing, suitable for professional-grade IoT deployments with premium support and connectivity options
  • Enterprise – Custom pricing, meant for enterprise-grade IoT deployments with a dedicated support team and advanced security and compliance features

ThingsBoard

ThingsBoard is an open-source IoT platform known for its flexibility and customization.

It’s a good choice if you want full control over your IoT app’s architecture. 

ThingsBoard dashboard

ThingsBoard also supports robust device management, real-time data visualization, and has a flexible rules engine for event processing. 

Also, its open-source nature means you can self-host and avoid vendor lock-in.

Important features

  • Device and asset monitoring

Tracks your devices and assets in one place.

  • Flexible rules engine 

Processes events and automates responses to your rules.

  • Customizable dashboards 

Builds customizable dashboards and widgets for effective data visualization and easier monitoring and analysis.

  • Security features

Covers authentication, access control, and encryption.

  • Integration capabilities

Supports integration with external systems and services via REST APIs, MQTT, and other protocols.

Pros and cons of ThingsBoard

Pros


  • Open-source
  • Rich widget library
  • Full ownership

Cons


  • Requires strong technical expertise
  • Performance issues with large-scale projects

Pricing

ThingsBoard is open-source, so it’s completely free to use.

But, they also have a bunch of different subscription options for both cloud-based and self-hosted deployments if you want the extra support.

They also offer a perpetual license, meaning you just make a one-time purchase, for self-managed deployment.

Blynk

Blynk is a developer-friendly platform designed for creating IoT apps with minimal coding.

It’s ideal for building consumer-facing IoT apps like smart home devices or wearables. 

You can quickly design mobile apps using Blynk’s drag-and-drop interface and pre-built widgets.

Blynk IoT app workflow

Their focus on ease of use extends to its device provisioning features, which simplifies the onboarding for connected devices. 

Important features

  • Drag-and-drop app builder 

Builds apps using over 60 GUI elements, no code required.

  • Broad hardware support

Works with 400+ hardware models over Wi-Fi, Ethernet, cellular, and LoRaWAN.

  • BLE-assisted provisioning

Sets up new devices using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)-assisted provisioning.

  • Reusable product templates

Speeds up new builds with templates you can reuse across products.

  • Multi-tenant support

Manages multiple customer accounts from one setup.

Pros and cons of Blynk

Pros


  • Drag-and-drop app builder
  • White-label option
  • Real-time data visualization

Cons


  • Advanced features only in paid tiers
  • Potential scalability challenges

Pricing

Blynk offers a free tier you can use to explore the platform and see if it meets your needs.

Blynk pricing

They also offer several paid plans: Starter is $29/mo, Prototype is $99/mo, Production ranges $199-1,099/mo depending on device count, and Enterprise is custom.

Tuya

Global white-label platform for building and shipping connected consumer products, from smart plugs to full smart-home ecosystems.

Tuya

If you’re a hardware brand that needs a product on shelves fast rather than a fully custom stack, this is built for exactly that.

Important features

  • IoT Core cloud services

Runs on IoT Core cloud services across Trial, Flagship, and Corporate tiers, each with its own API call and device quotas.

  • White-label app SDKs

Builds co-branded consumer apps using white-label mobile app SDKs.

  • Hardware and module ecosystem

Draws on a broad hardware and module ecosystem for smart home devices.

  • Built-in AI

Adds voice and vision features using built-in AI capabilities.

  • Multi-region data centers

Supports international rollouts with data centers across regions.

Pros and cons of Tuya

Pros


  • Fast time-to-market
  • Mature hardware ecosystem
  • White-label

Cons


  • Most pricing isn’t public
  • Better suited for consumer products

Pricing

Trial edition is free for individual developers (non-commercial use).

Flagship and Corporate editions are priced on request based on device count, API volume, and region. Contact Tuya Sales for a quote.

Kaa Next IoT Cloud

Kaa Next IoT Cloud is a modular IoT platform built on a microservice architecture.

next hero

It adds built-in identity and access management, an “Ask AI” assistant, and beta anomaly detection and forecasting.

Important features

  • Protocol-agnostic connectivity

Connects devices regardless of the communication protocol they use.

  • Independent microservice deployment

Deploys and manages microservices independently of each other.

  • Built-in identity and access management

Controls permissions with role-based, policy-driven access management.

  • Anomaly detection and forecasting

Flags anomalies and forecasts data using statistical and deep learning models, currently in early beta.

  • Ask AI assistant

Helps you use and analyze the platform, running on open-source models like Llama3 and Mistral or commercial models via OpenAI and Anthropic.

Pros and cons of Kaa Next IoT Cloud

Pros


  • Modular architecture
  • Protocol-agnostic design
  • AI features

Cons


  • Complex to learn
  • Limited support compared to larger platforms

Pricing

Kaa has a huge number of different subscription plans – you can explore them in more detail here.

They offer cloud-based, KaaIoT-hosted, and self-hosted deployment and subscription options.

Siemens Industrial IoT

Siemens’ Industrial IoT platform combines tools like Industrial Edge, Mendix, Insights Hub, and digital connectivity for a comprehensive IoT solution.

It’s particularly well-suited for industries like manufacturing, energy, and logistics.

Siemens Industrial IoT

It’s ideal if you want to seamlessly integrate IT and OT and build data-driven industrial processes. 

And Siemens’ deep expertise in automation ensures its tools are reliable and industry-specific.

Important features

  • Industrial Edge

Enables real-time data processing at the edge, reducing latency and bandwidth costs.

  • Mendix 

A low-code development platform for quick and efficient IoT app development.

  • Insights Hub

Provides advanced analytics and visualization for connected assets and gives you better operational transparency.

  • Industry-specific solutions

Offers tailored tools for sectors like manufacturing, energy, and logistics.

Pros and cons of Siemens Industrial IoT

Pros


  • Strong suite of tools
  • Offers tailored solutions

Cons


  • Limited outside of industrial IoT

Pricing

The pricing of Siemens Industrial IoT will depend on the specific services and tools you choose.

You can reach out to them for more information.

Losant

Losant is a low-code enterprise IoT platform that helps developers quickly build and deploy IoT applications.

Its visual workflow engine simplifies the creation of complex IoT logic, so it’s accessible even if you have limited coding experience. 

Losant IoT platform

Losant supports creating end-user experiences, like branded web and mobile UIs, so it’s a great fit if you’re building a customer-facing IoT app.

Important features

  • Visual workflow engine

A low-code, drag-and-drop interface that simplifies the creation of complex IoT workflows.

  • Device and data management tools

Manages devices and data, including digital twins and secure communications.

  • Customizable dashboards and analytics 

Offers customizable dashboards and analytics tools to visualize and interpret IoT data through graphs, maps, and logs.

  • Multi-tenancy support

Manages multiple customer deployments from one setup.

Pros and cons of Losant

Pros


  • Pre-built templates
  • Multi-tenancy support
  • White-label option

Cons


  • Not as mature

Pricing

Losant offers customizable pricing, based on your specific business needs.

You can fill out their form and their representatives will contact you to get details and give you an estimate.

IoT app development platforms: FAQs

To choose the right IoT platform, you need to consider your project’s requirements, including:

  • Scalability
  • Security
  • Supported protocols
  • Ease of integration
  • Budget

Assess the platforms based on your specific industry, hardware compatibility, and the exact capabilities you need (cloud, edge, or hybrid).

Your IoT app development timeline depends on the complexity of the app, the number of features, and the types of devices involved. 

On average, developing a basic IoT app takes around 3 to 6 months. 

For more complex apps, especially those involving multiple devices, advanced analytics, or enterprise-grade security, development can stretch to 9-12 months or more.

There’s no straightforward answer on how much an IoT app costs to build.

The total cost of your IoT app’s development will depend on a number of factors:

  • IoT device type
  • Size and location of the development team
  • App type and features
  • The third-party integrations it needs
  • Security and compliance
  • Long-term maintenance costs

But, we can give you the typical cost ranges based on complexity:

  • Basic IoT apps – These apps are typically designed to manage a single device or a small number of straightforward tasks, like turning on smart lights or adjusting a thermostat. Costs for these apps typically range from $30,000 to $50,000.
  • Advanced IoT apps – If you’re building an app that connects to multiple devices or requires advanced features like real-time data analytics or geolocation, costs increase significantly. These apps generally fall within the $50,000 to $150,000 range.
  • Complex IoT apps – Enterprise-level solutions or apps that integrate with a wide variety of devices or use advanced technologies like AI, can easily cost $200,000+ to build.

Looking for an IoT app development partner?

Are you looking for a reliable partner to help you build a stunning IoT companion app?

Well, you’re in the right place.

We have 14+ years of experience building a variety of IoT apps, from healthcare to HVAC.

So, if you go with us, you’ll be in safe hands.

If you want to learn more, feel free to reach out and our team will be happy to set up a call to discuss your needs in more detail.

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Written by

Vladimir Kolbas

Engineering Manager

When something unusual happens, Vlado is the man with an explanation. An experienced iOS Team Lead with a PhD in Astrophysics, he has a staggering knowledge of IT. Vlado has a lot of responsibilities, but still has time to help everybody on the team, no matter how big or small the need. His passions include coffee brewing, lengthy sci-fi novels and all things Apple. On nice days, you might find Vlado on a trail run. On rainier days, you’ll probably find him making unique furniture in the garage.

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