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If you're navigating the complexities of IoT cloud platforms, you're not alone. Many tech experts face challenges like managing vast data, ensuring security, and maintaining connectivity. The right IoT cloud platform can make these tasks easier.

In my experience, finding a reliable solution is crucial. I've tested and reviewed various platforms to give you an unbiased view of the best options. This article will guide you through top picks, highlighting features that can make a difference for your team.

You'll discover how these platforms can address your specific needs, from data management to security. Let's explore the solutions that might just be the perfect fit for your tech challenges.

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Best IoT Cloud Platform Summary

This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top IoT cloud platform selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.

Best IoT Cloud Platform Reviews

Below are my detailed summaries of the best IoT cloud platform that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.

Best for multi-cloud management

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.6/5

Nutanix is a versatile cloud platform designed for businesses needing multi-cloud management solutions. It serves IT teams by integrating cloud infrastructure, virtualization, and disaster recovery to enhance operational efficiency.

Why I picked Nutanix: The platform excels in multi-cloud management, allowing you to manage different cloud environments seamlessly. Nutanix Central and Cloud Manager are key features that provide centralized control and monitoring. Its Unified Storage offers scalable storage solutions, ensuring your data is always accessible. The platform's ability to integrate with various hybrid cloud solutions makes it ideal for businesses looking to expand their cloud capabilities.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include cloud infrastructure management that simplifies your team's operations, virtualization capabilities that enhance resource utilization, and disaster recovery solutions that safeguard your critical data.

Integrations include AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, VMware, Kubernetes, Citrix, Red Hat, Oracle, SAP, and ServiceNow.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Scalable storage options
  • Multi-cloud management capabilities
  • Centralized control features

Cons:

  • Requires technical expertise
  • Limited community support

Best for mobile app integration

  • Free plan available
  • From $99/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.6/5

Blynk is an IoT platform that caters to developers and businesses looking to build IoT applications with a focus on mobile app integration. It enables users to create and manage IoT solutions that enhance connectivity and control through mobile devices.

Why I picked Blynk: It offers a user-friendly interface for building custom mobile apps, making it ideal for those who prioritize mobile integration. The drag-and-drop app builder allows you to design apps without extensive coding knowledge. It supports a variety of hardware platforms, providing flexibility for your IoT projects. Its cloud-based platform ensures you can manage devices and data efficiently.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include real-time data monitoring, which keeps you informed about your devices' status. The event-driven architecture lets your team automate responses to specific triggers. Customizable dashboards allow you to tailor data visualization to meet your specific needs.

Integrations include Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP8266, ESP32, Particle, NodeMCU, Intel, Micro:bit, and Linux.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Easy mobile app development
  • Wide hardware compatibility

Cons:

  • Mobile focus may limit features
  • Basic coding still needed

Best for cloud-native security

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 3.8/5

Panoptica is a cloud-native security platform designed for IT professionals and businesses focused on enhancing their security posture. It provides tools to secure applications and manage vulnerabilities across cloud environments.

Why I picked Panoptica: It specializes in cloud-native security, offering in-depth vulnerability management and threat detection. The platform supports automated security checks, ensuring your applications remain secure without needing constant manual oversight. Its comprehensive dashboard gives you a clear overview of your security status. Panoptica's integration with multiple cloud services helps your team maintain consistent security policies across various platforms.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated compliance checks that simplify regulatory adherence. The threat intelligence feature helps your team stay informed about emerging security risks. A centralized management interface allows you to oversee security measures across all your cloud deployments.

Integrations include AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, Kubernetes, Docker, GitHub, GitLab, Jenkins, and Bitbucket.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive security dashboard
  • Focused on cloud-native security
  • Automated security checks

Cons:

  • Requires security expertise
  • Limited offline capabilities

Best for open-source flexibility

  • Free trial available
  • From $10/user/month (billed annually)

ThingsBoard is an open-source IoT platform aimed at developers and businesses seeking customizable IoT solutions. It enables you to collect, process, and visualize data from connected devices.

Why I picked ThingsBoard Open-source IoT Platform: Its open-source nature offers unparalleled flexibility for customization. You can tailor the platform to fit specific project needs, making it ideal for developers. The rule engine allows you to define complex data processing workflows with ease. With its ability to handle multiple devices, it suits teams looking for scalable solutions.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include data visualization tools that let you create custom dashboards. The telemetry data storage feature ensures your team can keep detailed records of device data. Built-in device management tools allow you to efficiently oversee all connected devices.

Integrations include MQTT, HTTP, CoAP, OPC-UA, Sigfox, LoRaWAN, AWS IoT, Azure IoT Hub, IBM Watson IoT, and Google Cloud IoT.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Scalable for large deployments
  • Highly customizable platform
  • Supports complex workflows

Cons:

  • Limited offline functionality
  • May need frequent maintenance

Best for time series data

  • Free plan available
  • From $20/month (billed annually)

influxdata is a time series database platform designed for developers and businesses that need to handle large volumes of time-stamped data. It offers tools to collect, store, and analyze data, making it a valuable asset for IoT projects where timing is crucial.

Why I picked influxdata: The platform excels in managing time series data, which is essential for IoT applications. It features a high-performance engine that efficiently processes time-stamped data. The ability to handle real-time analytics allows your team to make informed decisions quickly. With its intuitive query language, influxdata simplifies data retrieval and analysis, making it a top choice for time-sensitive projects.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a powerful data ingestion engine that supports high-speed data collection. The retention policy management helps you maintain control over your data storage. Its visualization tools enable you to create insightful dashboards that enhance data analysis.

Integrations include Grafana, Telegraf, Kapacitor, Chronograf, Prometheus, Kubernetes, Docker, AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Easy-to-use query language
  • Real-time data analytics
  • Efficient time series data handling

Cons:

  • May need frequent updates
  • Limited to time series data

Best for supply chain transparency

  • Free demo available
  • From $50/user/month

atma.io is an IoT cloud platform designed for businesses looking to enhance product connectivity and traceability. It assigns unique digital IDs to products, allowing users to track and manage items throughout their lifecycle, which is particularly beneficial for industries like apparel and quick-service restaurants.

Why I picked atma.io: Its focus on supply chain transparency sets it apart. The platform provides item-level traceability and real-time insights into supply chains, crucial for maintaining compliance and sustainability. Carbon footprint reduction tools support eco-friendly practices. Additionally, you can engage consumers by transforming products into communication channels, enhancing brand interaction.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include real-time supply chain insights that help you monitor product movement. The carbon footprint reduction tools assist in promoting sustainability. Consumer engagement features allow you to turn products into interactive communication channels.

Integrations include SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Salesforce, IBM, AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, Blue Yonder, and JDA.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Engages consumers interactively
  • Enhances supply chain transparency
  • Supports sustainability initiatives

Cons:

  • Limited offline functionality
  • Dependency on digital infrastructure

Best for AI-driven insights

  • Free plan available
  • From $200/user/month

IBM Watson IoT Platform is a cloud-based solution tailored for enterprises and developers who need to harness IoT data with AI capabilities. It offers data collection, analysis, and visualization tools to improve decision-making processes.

Why I picked IBM Watson IoT Platform (IBM Cloud): It excels in providing AI-driven insights, making it a top choice for advanced data analytics. The platform's AI capabilities help you identify patterns and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed. Its integration with Watson AI enables predictive maintenance and anomaly detection. The ability to process vast amounts of IoT data quickly is a key advantage for your team.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include real-time data processing that helps you react quickly to changes. The platform's analytics capabilities allow you to derive meaningful insights from complex datasets. Its user-friendly dashboards make data visualization straightforward and accessible.

Integrations include SAP, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, Cisco, Siemens, Honeywell, Intel, ARM, and Ericsson.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Handles large data volumes
  • Advanced AI capabilities
  • Supports predictive maintenance

Cons:

  • Requires technical expertise
  • Can be costly at scale

Best for scalable infrastructure

  • Free trial available
  • From $50/user/month

Google Cloud IoT Core is a fully managed service designed for organizations that need to connect, manage, and ingest data from globally dispersed devices. It provides a secure and scalable infrastructure to handle IoT data efficiently for analytics and insights.

Why I picked Google Cloud IoT Core: It offers scalable infrastructure, which is crucial for businesses expecting rapid growth in IoT device connections. The platform ensures secure device connectivity with features like device authentication. Its ability to integrate with other Google Cloud services allows your team to perform complex data analytics. The managed service aspect reduces the burden on your IT resources, letting you focus on business operations.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automatic device provisioning, which simplifies device onboarding. The data ingestion capabilities allow you to handle large volumes of IoT data seamlessly. Its real-time data processing supports immediate data analysis and decision-making.

Integrations include Google BigQuery, Google Cloud Pub/Sub, Google Cloud Dataflow, Google Cloud Functions, Google Cloud Storage, Google Cloud Machine Learning Engine, Google App Engine, Google Kubernetes Engine, Google Cloud IoT Edge, and Firebase.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrates with Google Cloud services
  • Scalable infrastructure for growth
  • Secure device connectivity

Cons:

  • Initial setup requires expertise
  • Dependency on Google ecosystem

Best for enterprise IoT solutions

  • From $25/user/month

Azure IoT Hub is a cloud-based service that lets companies connect, monitor, and manage IoT devices at scale. It’s built for teams that need secure, bidirectional communication between devices and the cloud.

Why I picked Azure IoT Hub: It gives your team the tools to manage millions of devices with fine-grained control over security, identity, and device states. You can set up automatic device provisioning and keep everything in sync using built-in message routing. It includes role-based access and per-device authentication to help meet strict security needs. The system supports both real-time and batch data flow, making it a fit for large-scale setups. It’s made for when you’ve got thousands of devices and need tight control from one place.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include device twins for tracking device conditions, automatic failover across regions, and support for multiple protocols like MQTT and AMQP. These tools help you keep devices responsive and reduce manual monitoring. You also get built-in metrics and diagnostics to keep an eye on device health.

Integrations include Microsoft Power BI, Azure Stream Analytics, Azure Machine Learning, Azure Event Grid, Azure Data Lake, Azure Functions, Azure Monitor, Azure Logic Apps, Azure Synapse Analytics, and Microsoft Defender for IoT.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Includes per-device authentication features
  • Supports multiple protocols natively
  • Handles millions of device connections

Cons:

  • Needs custom setup for alerts and actions
  • Takes time to learn device provisioning

Best for device management

  • From $8/user/month

AWS IoT Core is a cloud platform designed for businesses and developers needing efficient device management and data processing. It facilitates secure communication between IoT devices and the cloud, ensuring reliable data transfer and storage.

Why I picked AWS IoT Core: It excels in device management, offering features like secure device connectivity and real-time data processing. You can manage a vast number of devices without compromising security. The platform's rules engine allows you to process and route data efficiently. With its scalable infrastructure, AWS IoT Core supports your team's growing IoT needs.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a device shadow service that lets you store the current state of each device. The message broker ensures low-latency communication between devices and the cloud. Its security features include mutual authentication and encryption, safeguarding your data.

Integrations include AWS Lambda, Amazon S3, Amazon DynamoDB, AWS Greengrass, Amazon Kinesis, Amazon SageMaker, Amazon CloudWatch, AWS CloudTrail, Amazon SNS, and Amazon SQS.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Strong security protocols
  • Real-time data processing
  • Scalable device management

Cons:

  • Complex setup for beginners
  • Requires AWS expertise

Other IoT Cloud Platforms

Here are some additional IoT cloud platform options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. Google Cloud

    For global network reach

  2. Kinetica

    For location intelligence

  3. Particle

    For hardware integration

  4. Salesforce IoT Cloud

    Good for businesses that want to integrate IoT data directly into their CRM

  5. Ubidots

    For educational projects

  6. KaaIoT Platform

    For device connectivity

  7. thinger.io

    For open-source projects

  8. Losant Enterprise IoT Platform

    Good for enterprises seeking an all-in-one IoT solution

  9. ThingWorx (PTC)

    For rapid application development

  10. Cumulocity IoT

    For IoT analytics

  11. Ayla Networks IoT Platform

    For smart home devices

  12. Cisco IoT Solutions

    For network security

  13. ThingSpeak IoT Platform

    For data visualization

  14. GE Predix Platform

    For industrial IoT

  15. Zoho IoT

    For small businesses

  16. Helium IoT Platform

    For businesses interested

  17. Arrayent Connect Platform

    For consumer electronics companies

  18. Siemens MindSphere

    For digital twins

  19. Oracle IoT Platform

    Good for organizations looking to integrate IoT data with existing Oracle systems

  20. Altair SmartWorks

    For data-driven decisions

IoT Cloud Platform Selection Criteria

When selecting the best IoT cloud platform to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like data security and device management. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair: 

Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:

  • Device connectivity management
  • Data collection and storage
  • Real-time data processing
  • Security and access control
  • Integration with analytics tools

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:

  • Edge computing capabilities
  • AI-driven data insights
  • Customizable dashboards
  • Predictive maintenance tools
  • Multi-cloud support

Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:

  • Intuitive user interface
  • Easy navigation
  • Clear documentation
  • Low learning curve
  • Responsive design

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:

  • Availability of training videos
  • Interactive product tours
  • Access to templates
  • Webinars and tutorials
  • Supportive chatbots

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:

  • 24/7 support availability
  • Multiple support channels
  • Response time
  • Knowledgeable support staff
  • Availability of a help center

Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:

  • Competitive pricing
  • Features offered at each price point
  • Flexibility of pricing plans
  • No hidden fees
  • Free trial availability

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Overall satisfaction ratings
  • Commonly mentioned pros and cons
  • Frequency of feature updates
  • Feedback on reliability
  • User suggestions for improvement

How to Choose IoT Cloud Platform

It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
ScalabilityCan the platform handle your growth? Consider future device additions. Ensure it supports scaling without a drop in performance or service quality.
IntegrationsDoes it work with your existing systems? Check compatibility with your current tech stack to avoid integration headaches.
CustomizabilityCan you tailor it to your needs? Look for platforms that allow you to modify workflows and dashboards to fit your processes.
Ease of useIs it straightforward to use? Ensure your team can navigate it without extensive training. A user-friendly interface saves time and reduces errors.
Implementation and onboardingHow smooth is the setup? Consider the time and resources needed to get up and running. Look for comprehensive onboarding support.
CostDoes it fit your budget? Compare pricing structures and look for hidden fees. Ensure you get value for what you pay.
Security safeguardsAre your data and devices protected? Verify the security measures in place to protect against breaches and unauthorized access.
Support availabilityIs help available when you need it? Check if 24/7 support is offered and through which channels—phone, chat, or email.

What Is IoT Cloud Platform?

IoT cloud platform is a service that connects and manages IoT devices over the internet, providing data storage, processing, and analysis. These tools are typically used by IT professionals, developers, and businesses to enhance connectivity and data management. Device management, data analytics, and security features help with efficient operations and informed decision-making. Overall, these tools provide businesses with the infrastructure to leverage IoT technology effectively.

Features of IoT Cloud Platform

When selecting IoT cloud platform, keep an eye out for the following key features:

  • Device management: Allows for easy connection, control, and monitoring of IoT devices, ensuring smooth operations.
  • Data analytics: Provides tools to analyze collected data, turning it into actionable insights for decision-making.
  • Security safeguards: Includes encryption and authentication to protect data and devices from unauthorized access.
  • Scalability: Supports the ability to handle growing numbers of devices and data without performance loss.
  • Customizability: Offers options to tailor workflows and dashboards to fit specific business needs.
  • Integration capabilities: Ensures compatibility with existing systems and third-party services to enhance functionality.
  • Real-time processing: Enables immediate data analysis and response, crucial for time-sensitive applications.
  • User-friendly interface: Simplifies navigation and reduces the learning curve for new users.
  • Onboarding support: Provides training materials and guides to help new users get started quickly.
  • Cost transparency: Offers clear pricing structures without hidden fees, helping businesses budget effectively.

Benefits of IoT Cloud Platform

Implementing IoT cloud platform provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Improved efficiency: Automates data collection and device management, freeing up your team to focus on other tasks.
  • Better decision-making: Data analytics tools provide insights that help you make informed business choices.
  • Enhanced security: Built-in security features protect your data and devices, reducing the risk of breaches.
  • Scalability: Easily accommodates growth in devices and data, allowing your business to expand without hassle.
  • Cost savings: Transparent pricing and efficient resource management help you control and reduce operational costs.
  • Flexibility: Customizable features allow you to tailor the platform to meet your specific business needs.
  • Real-time responsiveness: Real-time data processing enables quick reactions to changes, improving service and operations.

Costs and Pricing of IoT Cloud Platform

Selecting IoT cloud platform requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in IoT cloud platform solutions:

Plan Comparison Table for IoT Cloud Platform

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Basic device connectivity, limited data storage, and essential security features.
Personal Plan$5-$25/user/monthEnhanced data analytics, basic integrations, and user-friendly interface.
Business Plan$30-$75/user/monthAdvanced device management, real-time processing, and customizable dashboards.
Enterprise Plan$80-$150/user/monthFull scalability, comprehensive security safeguards, and premium support services.

IoT Cloud Platform: FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about IoT cloud platforms:

Which cloud platform is best for IoT?

The best cloud platform for IoT depends on your specific needs. AWS IoT, Microsoft Azure IoT, and IBM Watson IoT are popular choices due to their scalability and robust feature sets. Consider factors like integrations, ease of use, and pricing to determine which platform aligns best with your requirements.

What is the role of a cloud platform in IoT?

Cloud platforms provide a scalable way to store and process the vast amounts of data generated by IoT devices. They offer real-time analytics and monitoring, which are essential for IoT applications. By leveraging the cloud, you can enhance data accessibility and improve response times.

What are the four types of IoT platforms?

The four main types of IoT platforms are connectivity management platforms, device management platforms, cloud platforms, and application enablement platforms. Each type serves a different function, from managing device connectivity to enabling the development of IoT applications.

What are the 5 C's of IoT?

The 5 C’s of IoT are connectivity, continuity, compliance, coexistence, and cybersecurity. These principles ensure that IoT systems function efficiently and securely. They emphasize the importance of maintaining reliable connections, adhering to regulations, and safeguarding data.

How do cloud platforms support IoT scalability?

Cloud platforms offer the infrastructure needed to scale IoT solutions as your number of devices grows. They provide resources like storage, processing power, and network capacity that can be adjusted dynamically. This flexibility helps you manage increased data loads without compromising performance.

Why is real-time data processing important in IoT?

Real-time data processing allows you to analyze and act on data as it’s collected. This capability is crucial for applications that require immediate responses, such as monitoring systems or automated controls. It enhances decision-making and can improve operational efficiency in various IoT use cases.

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Paulo Gardini Miguel
By Paulo Gardini Miguel

Paulo is the Director of Technology at the rapidly growing media tech company BWZ. Prior to that, he worked as a Software Engineering Manager and then Head Of Technology at Navegg, Latin America’s largest data marketplace, and as Full Stack Engineer at MapLink, which provides geolocation APIs as a service. Paulo draws insight from years of experience serving as an infrastructure architect, team leader, and product developer in rapidly scaling web environments. He’s driven to share his expertise with other technology leaders to help them build great teams, improve performance, optimize resources, and create foundations for scalability.