Unboxing The 25 Best IoT Cloud Platforms: A CTO’s Perspective
10 Best IoT Cloud Platforms Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 25 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
As a veteran in software development, I know firsthand how crucial the right IoT platform is for startups, healthcare, and various sectors. The world of IoT can be complicated, tangled in a web of protocols like MQTT, diverse operating systems, on-premises or SaaS models, and considerations around edge computing.
I understand that the pain points can be numerous: complicated interfaces, lack of interoperability, scalability issues, and security concerns, to name a few. This is why I've invested time to test, compare, and compile the most effective IoT cloud platforms that can address these challenges and help you build reliable IoT solutions. Let's dive into these options and find the one that fits your unique needs.
What Is An IoT Cloud Platform?
An Internet of Things (IoT) cloud platform is a suite of services designed to enable the connection, management, and interoperability of diverse IoT devices over the cloud. It primarily serves businesses, developers, and organizations that aim to efficiently manage their IoT ecosystem.
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Its use cases span across sectors and can range from facilitating real-time analytics for actionable insights, enabling predictive maintenance in manufacturing, driving home automation in consumer tech, to supporting smart city infrastructure, among others. By employing an IoT cloud platform, users can harness the power of big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to drive value, reduce cost, and create innovative solutions.
An effective IoT cloud platform can streamline your device management, provide insightful metrics, and enhance your overall customer experience. One of the greatest benefits of these tools is their ability to send out automatic notifications, offer templates for easier development, and provide REST APIs for seamless integration with other systems, including Android.
Best IoT Cloud Platforms Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Google Cloud | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Nutanix | From $24/user/month | Website |
| Blynk | From $4.99/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Panoptica | From $50/user/month | Website |
| IBM Watson IoT Platform (IBM Cloud) | From $200/user/month | Website |
| Kinetica | From $200/user/month | Website |
| ThingsBoard Open-source IoT Platform | From $10/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Google Cloud IoT Core (Google Cloud Platform) | From $50/user/month | Website |
| Azure IoT Hub (Microsoft Azure) | From $25/user/month | Website |
| AWS IoT Core (Amazon Web Services) | From $8/user/month | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareBest IoT Cloud Platforms Reviews
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is a comprehensive suite of cloud computing services provided by Google, designed to support various computing needs such as data storage, analytics, and machine learning.
Why I Picked Google Cloud: Google Cloud IoT Core is a strong IoT cloud platform that enables secure and efficient management of internet-connected devices. It offers essential features such as a Device Manager for device registration and authentication, and a Protocol Bridge that facilitates connectivity using standard protocols like HTTP and MQTT, minimizing the need for firmware changes.
The platform's scalability and automatic load balancing, in my opinion, make it ideal for handling thousands of devices. Additionally, its integration with other Google Cloud services allows for real-time data processing and visualization, helping it stand out as a top IoT cloud software.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Google Cloud's key features include generative AI applications, application development, application hosting, observability and monitoring, in-depth databases, data analytics and pipelines, cost management, migration services, and scalable storage.
The software integrates well with Active Directory, AlloyDB, Amazon S3, BigQuery, Cloud SQL, Trello, Zendesk, Gmail, Google Analytics, Google Calendar, Salesforce, SAP, and Snowflake.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- High productivity, handling thousands of users simultaneously
- Quick collaboration across different locations
- Advanced data analytics ideal for data warehousing and processing
Cons:
- Customization restrictions for certain products like BigQuery and Spanner
- Application engine limitations, only offering support for a few programming languages
Nutanix
Best for companies that require hybrid cloud infrastructure management
Nutanix provides a unified cloud platform that simplifies data center operations and allows organizations to run their applications in a hybrid environment. By merging public, private, and distributed cloud operations into one integrated workflow, Nutanix is particularly effective for companies that require hybrid cloud infrastructure management.
Why I Picked Nutanix: When comparing options for this list, I chose Nutanix for its robust handling of hybrid cloud environments. Many solutions offer either public or private cloud management, but Nutanix's ability to seamlessly integrate both sets it apart.
This versatility makes it, in my opinion, the best tool for companies that need comprehensive hybrid cloud infrastructure management.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Nutanix offers several key features, such as automated infrastructure management and one-click simplicity for deploying and scaling applications. It integrates well with several third-party services, including leading databases, enterprise applications, and DevOps tools, creating a robust ecosystem for diverse cloud operations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- One-click simplicity for application deployment
- Robust third-party integrations
- Comprehensive hybrid cloud infrastructure management
Cons:
- The pricing structure may be confusing for some users due to a variety of factors affecting final cost
- Might be more complex than needed for companies only requiring single cloud management
- Higher starting price than some alternatives
Blynk
Best for developers wanting quick prototyping for IoT applications
Blynk is an IoT platform that offers a suite of software tools for the rapid development of IoT applications. The platform's focus is to provide developers with a fast track to IoT application prototyping and development.
Why I Picked Blynk: I selected Blynk because it provides an exceptional environment for quick and efficient prototyping. What differentiates it from others is its comprehensive suite of modular software blocks that significantly speed up the app development process.
Therefore, it's a standout choice for developers needing to rapidly prototype IoT applications and get them to the testing phase quickly.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Key features of Blynk include a mobile app builder, hardware connectivity options, and a range of widgets for function customization. These contribute to its quick prototyping capabilities. Blynk integrates with a plethora of hardware models and connectivity types, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GSM, which provide users with ample flexibility when developing their IoT applications.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive set of software blocks for function customization
- Wide range of hardware integration options
- Fast prototyping environment
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to extensive feature set
- May lack advanced features for complex IoT deployments
- Pricing might be high for individual developers
Best for firms prioritizing cloud-native application security
Panoptica is an IoT platform designed with an emphasis on cloud-native application security. Offering robust security features in a highly scalable environment, Panoptica positions itself as an optimal choice for firms that have a strong focus on safeguarding their cloud-based IoT applications.
Why I Picked Panoptica: Panoptica struck me as a standout choice for this list due to its robust, cloud-centric security capabilities. Given the increasing threats in today's digital environment, it becomes essential for businesses to ensure the safety of their IoT applications.
This is where Panoptica, with its security-centric design, shines and makes it the best option for firms prioritizing cloud-native application security.
Standout Features & Integrations:
One of the key features of Panoptica is its ability to provide real-time threat detection, which enhances the overall security of the system. It also offers a comprehensive API for integration, making it compatible with numerous third-party services, including AWS, Azure, and many more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integration options with third-party services
- Real-time threat detection capabilities
- Strong emphasis on security features
Cons:
- A steeper learning curve for those new to cloud-based security systems
- The pricing structure may not suit all businesses
- Might be overkill for small-scale or less security-sensitive applications
Best for firms requiring advanced analytics in their IoT solutions
IBM Watson IoT Platform is a managed, cloud-hosted service designed to simplify and derive value from your IoT devices. It collects, organizes, and interprets data from a wide range of IoT devices, providing companies with valuable insights. It's particularly effective for firms that require advanced analytics in their IoT solutions.
Why I Picked IBM Watson IoT Platform: Among the various IoT platforms I considered, IBM Watson IoT Platform stood out due to its powerful analytics capabilities. Its ability to efficiently organize and interpret vast amounts of data from IoT devices sets it apart from the crowd. The platform's advanced analytics functionality makes it the ideal choice for firms that want to extract meaningful insights from their IoT data.
Standout Features & Integrations:
IBM Watson IoT Platform provides key features like real-time data exchange, secure communication, and IoT device management. Furthermore, it offers advanced data analytics, helping businesses make informed decisions based on their IoT data. The platform integrates well with a wide range of IoT devices and other IBM services, including IBM Cloud Functions and IBM Watson Studio, providing users with a comprehensive suite of tools for their IoT needs.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust integration with other IBM services
- Secure, real-time data exchange
- Advanced analytics capabilities
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with IBM services
- Higher starting price point compared to some competitors
- More complex than some other IoT platforms
Kinetica is an Active Analytics Platform that merges artificial intelligence, analytics, and data to provide businesses with location-based insights. Given its sophisticated algorithms for analyzing location data, it's especially suited for businesses focusing on modern location intelligence.
Why I Picked Kinetica: In the process of selecting tools for this list, Kinetica stood out due to its unique emphasis on location intelligence. Not every platform offers such specific geographic insights, and this point of difference positions it as an appealing choice. It's because of this focus, coupled with its advanced analytic capabilities, that I think Kinetica is the best for businesses honing in on location intelligence.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Among Kinetica's key features is its geo-analytics capability, providing businesses with in-depth insights into their location data. In addition, it integrates well with existing systems, including popular data visualization tools such as Tableau and PowerBI, allowing for easy data interpretation.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced geo-analytics capability
- Supports integration with popular data visualization tools
- Specializes in location intelligence
Cons:
- Its focus on location intelligence may not suit every business
- The learning curve for using advanced features
- Higher starting price compared to some competitors
Best for organizations seeking extensive customization options
ThingsBoard is an open-source IoT platform that provides a comprehensive set of features to connect, process, manage, and visualize IoT data. It's specifically designed to cater to organizations that require extensive customization options in their IoT deployments.
Why I Picked ThingsBoard: I chose ThingsBoard primarily because of its extensive customization capabilities. It stands out from the crowd due to its open-source nature, which offers greater flexibility and adaptability to align with diverse organizational needs. It excels as a platform best suited for organizations requiring extensive customizability, allowing them to tailor the tool to fit specific use cases effectively.
Standout Features & Integrations:
The platform shines with features like multi-tenancy, robust data analysis and visualization tools, and a rules engine for data processing. These allow for customization of data handling and presentation based on unique needs.
ThingsBoard also integrates well with popular databases like Cassandra, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server, enhancing its data storage and retrieval capabilities.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective integrations with popular databases
- Offers robust data visualization tools
- Open-source allows high customization
Cons:
- Limited pre-built integrations compared to some competitors
- Annual billing may not suit all organizations
- Learning curve might be steep due to extensive customization options
Best for organizations using machine learning in IoT applications
Google Cloud IoT Core is a fully managed service that enables you to securely connect, manage, and ingest data from globally dispersed devices. Being a part of the Google Cloud Platform, it provides seamless integration with other GCP services, making it a powerful choice for organizations leveraging machine learning in IoT applications.
Why I Picked Google Cloud IoT Core: In selecting tools for this list, Google Cloud IoT Core caught my attention for its strong emphasis on machine learning integration. Its connection to Google's machine-learning capabilities is what makes it different from others. I deem this tool best for organizations applying machine learning to IoT data due to its ability to seamlessly integrate with Google's sophisticated machine-learning tools.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Google Cloud IoT Core provides secure device connectivity, robust data ingestion, and seamless integration with other GCP services for further data processing and analysis. Notably, it provides tight integration with Google Cloud Machine Learning Engine, making it a powerful tool for IoT applications that rely on machine learning.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Fully managed service, reducing operational load
- Secure connectivity and robust data ingestion
- Strong integration with Google Cloud Machine Learning Engine
Cons:
- Machine learning applications may require additional costs
- Higher starting price compared to some competitors
- Less straightforward to use for those not familiar with GCP
Best for businesses requiring integration with existing Microsoft infrastructure
Azure IoT Hub is a managed service, part of the Microsoft Azure cloud service, that acts as a central message hub for bi-directional communication between your IoT application and the devices it manages. It is a powerful platform backed by IBM’s Bluemix and hybrid cloud PaaS (platform as a service) development platform. For businesses already integrated with the Microsoft infrastructure, Azure IoT Hub will easily blend into their existing system, offering a cohesive and unified approach.
Why I Picked Azure IoT Hub: I chose Azure IoT Hub for this list as it offers a standout feature of seamless integration with existing Microsoft infrastructure, which is a vital component for many businesses. It is flexible and includes several tools that cover every facet of IoT development and design, from connecting the device to providing decision-makers insight.
It's my opinion that Microsoft Azure IoT Hub is best for businesses requiring integration with existing Microsoft infrastructure due to the cohesive environment it provides within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Azure IoT Hub offers features such as bi-directional communication, a queryable store for device metadata, and synchronized state information. Integrations with other Microsoft services such as Azure Logic Apps, Azure IoT Edge, Event Grid, and Power BI make it a powerful tool for building complex IoT solutions within a Microsoft-focused infrastructure.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scalable to suit businesses of various sizes
- Provides a secure and reliable communication channel between IoT devices and applications
- Seamless integration with existing Microsoft infrastructure
Cons:
- Complexity of the Azure platform can lead to a steep learning curve
- Higher starting price point compared to some alternatives
- Might be challenging to utilize for those unfamiliar with the Microsoft Azure platform
Best for companies wanting scalable and secure connectivity with devices
AWS IoT Core is part of Amazon's vast array of cloud-based solutions, facilitating connectivity between devices and cloud applications. Its primary function is to allow devices to interact securely and efficiently with cloud applications and other devices.
For businesses seeking scalable and secure connections with their devices, AWS IoT Core offers a robust solution with a substantial suite of features designed to address such needs.
Why I Picked AWS IoT Core: In my evaluation, AWS IoT Core stood out for its extensive capabilities in enabling secure device connectivity at scale. Its difference lies in its potent combination of Amazon's cloud prowess and IoT-specific functionality.
I determined that AWS IoT Core is best for companies wanting scalable and secure connectivity with devices, given its impressive scalability and rigorous security measures.
Standout Features & Integrations:
AWS IoT Core offers features like secure device connectivity, device authentication, and encryption, and a rules engine for message routing. Its ability to integrate with Cisco IoT Cloud Connect and other AWS services like AWS Lambda, Amazon Kinesis, Amazon S3, and Amazon SageMaker gives users a highly flexible and capable IoT platform.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integration with other AWS services
- Robust security features ensuring secure device connectivity
- Excellent scalability accommodating growing businesses
Cons:
- Lesser emphasis on user-friendly interfaces compared to some competitors
- Potential for costs to escalate due to numerous features and integrations
- Complexity of the AWS ecosystem may be daunting for newcomers
Other IoT Cloud Platforms
Below is a list of additional IoT cloud platforms that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.
- atma.io
Best for companies needing end-to-end supply chain visibility
- Particle
Best for firms that require device-to-cloud integration
- influxdata
Best choice for time series data management
- Altair SmartWorks
Good for data analytics in industrial IoT applications
- Cumulocity IoT
Good for businesses wanting a plug-and-play IoT solution
- Ubidots
Good for small businesses needing easy-to-use, customizable dashboards
- thinger.io
Good for developers in need of a straightforward, open-source IoT platform
- Helium IoT Platform
Good for businesses interested in decentralized IoT networks
- Arrayent Connect Platform
Good for consumer electronics companies seeking a reliable IoT platform
- Losant Enterprise IoT Platform
Good for enterprises seeking an all-in-one IoT solution
- Cisco IoT Solutions
Good for businesses requiring top-tier network connectivity solutions
- Ayla Networks IoT Platform
Good for companies in need of an IoT platform with a strong focus on security
- KaaIoT Platform
Good for IoT projects requiring open-source flexibility
- ThingWorx (PTC)
Good for rapid IoT application development
- Salesforce IoT Cloud
Good for businesses that want to integrate IoT data directly into their CRM
More Cloud Solutions Reviews
- Cloud Service Providers
- Cloud Platform as a Service
- IoT Operating Systems
- Cloud Communication Platforms
- Cloud Helpdesk Software
Selection Criteria For IoT Cloud Platforms
In my journey to identify the best IoT cloud platforms, I evaluated dozens of software tools. My focus was on core functionality, specific key features, and usability aspects that make these platforms stand out. The criteria I used to select these tools are detailed below:
Core Functionality
The chosen IoT cloud platform should enable the user to:
- Connect and manage a large number of IoT devices efficiently
- Process and analyze the data collected from these devices in real-time
- Integrate with existing IT infrastructure and other cloud services
- Provide robust security to protect the data and devices from potential threats
Key Features
Certain features are critical for an IoT cloud platform. They include:
- Device Management: This feature allows users to register, organize, monitor, and remotely manage connected devices.
- Data Processing and Analytics: These capabilities enable users to analyze data from connected devices to gain actionable insights.
- Security and Privacy: Features such as encryption, authentication, and access control are crucial for protecting sensitive device data.
- Integration Capabilities: The ability to integrate with other enterprise systems and third-party applications is essential for seamless data flow.
Usability
When it comes to usability, these are the factors I considered:
- Intuitive Interface: For an IoT platform, it's crucial that the interface makes it easy to connect and manage devices, view data, and configure settings.
- Easy Onboarding: The platform should offer clear documentation, tutorials, and training materials to help new users get started.
- Customer Support: A responsive and knowledgeable customer support team is critical, especially when dealing with complex IoT deployments.
- Scalability: As IoT deployments grow, it's important that the platform can easily scale to accommodate more devices and higher data volumes.
Remember, the best IoT platform for your needs will depend on your specific use case, the types of devices you're working with, and your existing IT infrastructure.
Most Asked Questions Regarding IoT Cloud Platforms
What are the benefits of using IoT cloud platforms?
IoT cloud platforms offer numerous benefits:
- Scalability: These platforms are highly scalable and can manage thousands to millions of devices, depending on the specific business needs.
- Data Management: IoT platforms facilitate real-time data collection, processing, and analysis from various devices, enabling businesses to make informed decisions.
- Security: IoT platforms provide robust security measures, including encryption and authentication, to ensure the safety of the device data.
- Integration: These platforms can integrate with other enterprise systems, which enables efficient data flow across different business segments.
- Reduced Complexity: By providing ready-to-use services and functionalities, IoT platforms simplify the complex process of developing and managing IoT systems.
How much do these IoT cloud platforms typically cost?
The cost of IoT cloud platforms can vary widely based on the specific features, number of connected devices, data volume, and other factors. Prices can range from free for basic, limited functionality platforms, to several thousands of dollars per month for enterprise-grade solutions.
What are the pricing models for IoT cloud platforms?
Most IoT cloud platforms offer subscription-based pricing models that are usually tiered according to the features offered. Some providers charge based on the number of connected devices or the volume of data processed. Others may offer pay-as-you-go pricing where you pay only for what you use.
Which are the cheapest and most expensive IoT cloud platforms?
The pricing for IoT cloud platforms can vary significantly based on the services and features offered. On the lower end of the spectrum, platforms like ThingSpeak and thinger.io offer free tiers or relatively cheap plans. On the higher end, platforms like AWS IoT Core, Azure IoT Hub, and Google Cloud IoT Core have more expensive plans that offer extensive features and capabilities.
Are there any free IoT cloud platforms?
Yes, some IoT platforms offer free tiers or trial periods. ThingSpeak and thinger.io, for instance, have free options with certain limitations on data volume or the number of connected devices. However, these free options are generally intended for smaller-scale applications or for evaluation purposes and may not provide all the features and capacities needed for larger, commercial IoT deployments.
Summary
In conclusion, choosing the right IoT cloud platform can significantly impact the success of your IoT deployment. These platforms provide a critical infrastructure that allows you to connect, manage, and gain insights from your IoT devices.
Here are three key takeaways from this guide:
- Match the platform to your needs: Evaluate your specific use case, the types of IoT devices you have, and your existing IT infrastructure. Then, select the platform that best matches these requirements. Whether you need strong device management, advanced analytics, robust security, or seamless integration capabilities, there's an IoT platform out there that's ideal for your situation.
- Focus on usability and support: The best IoT platforms not only offer powerful features but also provide an intuitive interface, easy onboarding, and strong customer support. These elements can drastically reduce the time and effort needed to manage your IoT environment.
- Understand the pricing model: IoT platform pricing can vary widely, so be sure to understand the pricing model before you commit. Consider factors such as the number of devices, data volume, and additional services like support or training.
Armed with this information, you can make a more informed decision about the IoT platform that's best for your organization. Remember, the success of your IoT deployment relies heavily on the cloud platform you choose. Take the time to do your research, evaluate multiple options, and choose the platform that best fits your needs and budget.
What Do You Think?
I hope this guide has provided a valuable starting point in your search for the right IoT platform. If you're using a platform that isn't included in this list and you find it effective, I'd love to hear about it. Your experiences and suggestions could help others make a more informed decision. Please feel free to share your recommendations and thoughts.