16 Best IoT Platforms for Scalable, Secure & Smart Connectivity

IoT Platforms

By 2025, there will be 29.4 billion connected IoT devices worldwide, up from 15.1 billion in 2020. One key factor driving this remarkable growth is the rise of IoT platforms. These platforms form the backbone of secure device communication, real-time data processing, edge computing, and integration with AI and cloud ecosystems.

Whether it’s a startup developing a smart device, an enterprise implementing industrial IoT, or a developer exploring automation, the IoT platform you choose can significantly impact your success. Below, we explore the top IoT platforms transforming connected ecosystems and empowering industries from smart homes to healthcare.

What is an IoT Platform and Its Types

An IoT (Internet of Things) platform is the core software infrastructure that connects physical devices (like sensors, machines, or wearables) to the internetIt assists in gathering, organizing, evaluating, and acting upon the data produced by those devices.Think of it as the digital bridge between hardware and cloud applications.

These platforms handle everything from device communication and data security to remote monitoring, updates, and integration with analytics or AI.

Key Functions of an IoT Platform:

  • Device connectivity using protocols like MQTT, CoAP, or HTTP
  • Data ingestion & storage in real-time
  • Remote device management and firmware updates
  • Security & access control for every device
  • Integration with third-party apps, APIs, and cloud services

Types of IoT Platforms

IoT platforms can be divided into groups according to their primary functions and areas of concentration.

Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

  • Connectivity Platforms: These focus on providing network-level services to ensure devices stay connected reliably and securely.
  • Device Management Platforms: They handle provisioning, authentication, monitoring, and updating of IoT devices remotely.
  • Application Enablement Platforms (AEP): These provide frameworks and tools for rapidly developing Internet of Things applications, frequently with low-code or no-code user interfaces.
  • Cloud-Based IoT Platforms: Hosted by cloud giants, these provide end-to-end capabilities from device connection to storage, AI, and analytics.
  • Industrial IoT (IIoT) Platforms: Customised for manufacturing, energy, and heavy industries optimized for reliability, edge computing, and OT integration.

What to Look for in an IoT Platform

Before comparing platforms, evaluate based on:

  • Device protocol support (MQTT, CoAP, HTTP, etc.)
  • Cloud vs edge capabilities
  • Security (authentication, encryption, compliance)
  • Analytics & AI/ML readiness
  • Ease of use (SDKs, low-code tools)
  • Pricing model (free tiers, per-device costs, enterprise licensing)

List of Top 16 IoT Platforms in 2025

1. AWS IoT

IoT platform – AWS IoT

Website: https://aws.amazon.com/iot/

AWS IoT is Amazon’s suite of services designed to help users securely connect and manage a large fleet of IoT devices in the cloud. Built on the robust AWS infrastructure, it empowers developers, startups, and enterprises to build scalable, reliable IoT solutions for industries like manufacturing, smart cities, logistics, and healthcare.

AWS offers a flexible ecosystem that supports real-time device management, edge computing, and AI/ML integration. Through its AWS Free Tier, users can gain hands-on experience with many of these services without upfront cost, making it ideal for experimentation and prototyping.

Key Features:

  • Free Tier access to over 100 AWS services, including IoT-related tools
  • Device connectivity and management via secure AWS architecture
  • Integration-ready with services like Amazon S3, EC2, and SageMaker
  • Tutorials, learning modules, and developer tools included
  • Strong community support and documentation through AWS Developer Center
  • Scalable infrastructure built on Amazon’s global cloud network
  • Access to always-free services like AWS Lambda and Amazon DynamoDB for IoT workloads

2. Microsoft Azure IoT

IoT platform – Microsoft Azure IoT

Website: https://azure.microsoft.com

Microsoft Azure offers a robust suite of cloud-based tools to power intelligent, scalable IoT solutions. Azure enables enterprises and developers to connect, monitor, and manage billions of IoT devices across sectors like manufacturing, space, healthcare, and smart infrastructure. Its tools like Azure AI Foundry and Azure Machine Learning, support AI-driven IoT use cases, while its hybrid and multicloud infrastructure ensures global scalability.

Leading organizations such as Fujitsu, Siemens, and Terra Mater have leveraged Azure to drive automation, increase productivity, and build real-time, interactive systems. Azure’s global reach and ecosystem of services make it a top choice for enterprise-grade IoT deployments.

Key Features:

  • End-to-end device connectivity and real-time monitoring
  • Azure AI Foundry for generative AI and agent-powered automation
  • Seamless integration with Azure Cosmos DB, Azure ML, and OpenAI tools
  • Cloud-to-edge deployment support for hybrid environments
  • Developer-first tools like GitHub Copilot and Azure DevOps
  • Scalability across global datacenter regions
  • Free trial available for up to 30 days with no upfront commitment

3. Google Cloud IoT

IoT platform – Google Cloud IoT

Website: https://cloud.google.com

Google Cloud offers a powerful platform for developers, enterprises, and startups to build, deploy, and manage IoT and cloud-based applications at scale. With over 20 products available under its Free Tier, Google Cloud enables users to experiment with AI APIs, Compute Engine, BigQuery, and serverless services without cost barriers. New customers also receive $300 in free credits to explore pre-built solutions or develop proof of concepts.

Google Cloud’s infrastructure supports high-performance workloads, containerized apps, analytics, and real-time data streaming, making it a suitable option for IoT deployments ranging from simple web apps to complex, distributed systems.

Key Features:

  • $300 free credit for new users to build and test cloud-based solutions
  • Free monthly usage of 20+ products, including Compute Engine, BigQuery, and Cloud Run
  • Cloud Run and Cloud Functions for serverless deployment of IoT services
  • Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) for orchestrating containerized IoT apps
  • Pub/Sub messaging service for real-time data streaming (10 GB free per month)
  • Vision AI, Speech-to-Text, and Natural Language APIs are available under the Free Tier
  • Developer-friendly tools like Cloud Shell and Cloud Source Repositories

4. IBM Watson IoT

IoT platform – IBM Watson IoT

Website: https://www.ibm.com/cloud/internet-of-things

IBM Watson IoT is a cloud-based platform that helps businesses connect, manage, and analyze IoT devices and data at scale. Designed to work with open protocols like MQTT and HTTP, the platform allows seamless device integration and real-time data flow into cloud-based or on-premise applications.

Industries such as supply chain, asset management, facilities operations, and engineering systems benefit from IBM’s advanced analytics and AI-driven insights. The platform also integrates with IBM Blockchain for applications requiring digital traceability, such as food safety. With secure REST APIs and scalable architecture, IBM Watson IoT offers a comprehensive solution to extract meaningful value from connected device data.

Key Features:

  • Native support for MQTT and HTTP for lightweight device communication
  • IBM Watson IoT Platform for device management and data access
  • Real-time and REST APIs for secure data integration into apps
  • Built-in analytics and visualization tools for actionable insights
  • AI-powered asset and facility management capabilities
  • Integration with IBM Blockchain for digital traceability
  • Flexible deployment: cloud-based, hybrid, or on-premise environments

5. ThingWorx IIoT Platform

IoT platform – ThingWorx

Website: https://www.ptc.com/en/products/thingworx

ThingWorx by PTC is an Industrial IoT (IIoT) platform purpose-built to accelerate digital transformation across manufacturing, service, and engineering use cases. It offers end-to-end IIoT capabilities including device connectivity, data analysis, management, and application development. With support for on-premise, cloud, and hybrid deployments, ThingWorx enables scalable solutions from pilot projects to full enterprise rollouts.

Businesses like Flowserve have reportedly saved $16 million in downtime costs using PTC’s IIoT solutions. The platform also includes pre-built apps and role-based tools to simplify asset optimization, improve product quality, reduce costs, and enhance service efficiency.

Key Features:

  • Full-stack IIoT platform: Connect, Build, Analyze, Manage, and Experience
  • Pre-built applications for manufacturing, service, and engineering teams
  • Open industrial connectivity using standard protocols
  • Real-time monitoring, asset optimization, and operational efficiency tools
  • Flexible deployment: on-premise, cloud, or hybrid
  • Role-based apps for enterprise-wide collaboration
  • Digital Performance Management for P&L-focused decision-making

Also read: Manufacturing Companies in India

IT Companies in India

6. Cisco Data Center Switches

IoT platform – Cisco IoT

Website: https://www.cisco.com

Cisco’s data center switches form a critical foundation for hybrid cloud networking strategies, enabling ultra-reliable performance, modular scalability, and efficient power usage. The Cisco Nexus and MDS series switches offer cutting-edge capabilities such as low latency, high density, deep visibility, and advanced automation.

These switches are engineered to support modern AI workloads and enterprise-scale environments. With options like the Nexus 9300 Series supporting speeds up to 400G, Cisco delivers an energy-efficient infrastructure optimized for security, application performance, and sustainable data center growth.

Key Features:

  • Modular and fixed switches with speeds from 1G to 400G
  • Low latency and high-density transport for scalable workloads
  • Automation-ready: day-zero to day-n programmability
  • Integrated power and cooling efficiencies for sustainability
  • Cisco ThousandEyes & Nexus Dashboard for deep visibility
  • Support for hybrid cloud and AI infrastructure readiness
  • Cisco Validated Designs for simplified deployment

7. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI)

IoT platform – Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI)

Website: https://www.oracle.com

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) is driving enterprise transformation with high-performance cloud services that support AI workloads, multicloud environments, and mission-critical applications. With integrations like Oracle Database@AWS, xAI Grok models, and NVIDIA AI Enterprise, Oracle is delivering next-gen computing for companies like Fidelity Investments, Nationwide, SAS, and Oracle Red Bull Racing.

OCI’s secure, automated platform helps businesses streamline operations, migrate legacy workloads, and harness generative AI innovations, all while maintaining cost-efficiency and scalability.

Key Features:

  • Oracle Database@AWS: Now generally available, running on OCI within AWS
  • Grok models on OCI: Access advanced generative AI via OCI Generative AI service
  • NVIDIA AI Enterprise Integration: Supports reasoning models and AI agents via OCI Supercluster
  • Autonomous Data Warehouse: For faster analytics and disaster recovery (used by MACOM)
  • Fusion Cloud Applications: Streamlining corporate operations for ERP, EPM, HCM, and SCM
  • Oracle Exadata Database Service: Enabling client happiness (e.g., Panasonic Electric Works India)
  • Trusted by global leaders: Uber, Aon, MGM Resorts, Grant Thornton

8. SAP Cloud Platform (SAP Business Technology Platform)

IoT platform – SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP)

Website: https://www.sap.com

SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) is the foundation of SAP’s integrated cloud ecosystem, combining AI, data, and applications to streamline enterprise processes across finance, HR, supply chain, and customer experience. With embedded AI agents like Joule, SAP helps companies act with speed, adapt to change, and innovate intelligently. From spend management to sustainability and cloud ERP, SAP BTP supports mission-critical operations at scale trusted by leading global enterprises.

Key Features:

  • SAP Business AI + Joule Agents: Context-aware AI embedded in business workflows
  • Unified Data Layer: Real-time decisions powered by SAP Business Data Cloud
  • Modular Cloud ERP: Adaptable and intelligent solutions for core business areas
  • Financial Management Tools: Help forecast, manage compliance, and improve precision
  • Human Capital Management: Align workforce strategies with business goals using AI
  • Supply Chain Solutions: Build resilience with AI-powered planning, logistics, and manufacturing tools
  • Sustainability Solutions: Drive compliance and carbon accountability at scale
  • SAP Integration Suite: Seamless connection across applications for scalable innovation
  • SAP Business Network: Collaborative ecosystem for procurement, logistics, and asset management

9. Losant IoT Platform

IoT platform – Losant

Website: https://www.losant.com

Losant is a powerful, low-code enterprise IoT platform made to assist companies in quickly developing and expanding networked solutions.With features like real-time analytics, drag-and-drop workflow automation, and a fully customizable UI, Losant enables industries such as industrial equipment, telecom, and OEMs to extract actionable intelligence from their devices. Built for scalability, Losant can manage millions of data points per second and now includes AI-powered code generation to accelerate development.

Key Features:

  • Low-code workflow engine to automate IoT logic with drag-and-drop tools
  • Real-time custom dashboards for actionable visualizations
  • Edge compute support with integrations like PLCs, AWS, Azure, and CRMs
  • Scalable multi-tenant architecture for managing multiple users and clients
  • Digital twin capabilities for remote monitoring and asset management
  • AI-powered code generation in workflows for faster development
  • Enhanced time-series graphs with advanced Y-axis configuration
  • Prebuilt Connected Product Foundation (CPF) to reduce development time

10. Particle

IoT platform – Particle

Website: https://www.particle.io

Particle is a full-stack IoT platform designed to help developers and enterprises embed intelligence into connected hardware, from microcontrollers to edge AI devices. The platform supports a broad range of industries, including logistics, manufacturing, consumer electronics, smart infrastructure, and electric mobility.

Companies like Zoomo, Halliburton, Goodyear, and P&G leverage Particle for their IoT needsTachyon, a 5G-connected single-board computer with integrated AI acceleration, was introduced by Particle to broaden its hardware portfolio and enable more potent edge computing. The platform runs on its own cloud infrastructure, with seamless OTA updates, scalable messaging, and low-latency data flows that are ideal for mission-critical IoT applications.

Key Features:

  • Over-the-air (OTA) updates across microcontrollers and edge AI devices
  • Multi-radio connectivity support including LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, and satellite
  • Particle.publish() and Event Bus for real-time data automation and messaging
  • REST APIs and Logic Engine for powerful, programmable device interaction
  • Centralized console for device monitoring, vitals tracking, and remote debugging
  • Secure-by-default EtherSIM with built-in encryption for cellular deployments
  • Edge ML and AI support with the new Tachyon SBC for intelligent local processing

11. Eclipse IoT

IoT platform – Eclipse IoT

Website: https://iot.eclipse.org

Eclipse IoT is a collaborative open-source ecosystem hosted by the Eclipse Foundation, powering many of the world’s leading commercial IoT and edge solutions. Smart cities, embedded systems, industrial automation, and the automotive sector are just a few of the many industries it helps.The foundation works with key players like Eurotech, Cloudera, and Red Hat to develop modular runtimes and IoT building blocks.

Eclipse released major updates like iceoryx2 v0.6.0, offering zero-copy inter-process communication across languages, and hosted sessions at The Things Conference 2025 in Amsterdam. It’s not a cloud provider itself but supports multi-cloud and hybrid edge deployments through its flexible, vendor-neutral stack.

Key Features:

  • Over 45 active open-source projects focused on IoT, edge, and embedded systems
  • Industry-standard protocol support including MQTT, CoAP, OPC-UA, and DDS
  • Highly modular architecture supporting real-time data exchange and IPC
  • Integration with Eclipse IDE, Theia, and custom dev tools via AI plugins
  • Backed by a large, active community of 170+ contributors and 300+ member organizations
  • Compatible with multiple programming languages (Java, C/C++, Rust, Python soon)
  • Zero-copy shared memory communication with iceoryx2 for high-performance edge use

12. Cumulocity IoT

IoT platform – Cumulocity IoT

Website: https://www.softwareag.com/en_corporate/platform/iot.html

Cumulocity IoT is an end-to-end AIoT platform by Software AG that enables enterprises to connect, monitor, manage, and analyze their industrial devices and data with speed and scale. Designed for industries like manufacturing, healthcare, energy, transport, and retail, it supports smart connected products, remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and Equipment-as-a-Service models.

Companies like Flexco, QTRS, and Solenis have leveraged Cumulocity to build custom IoT components and gain quick ROI. Cumulocity strengthened its Digital Twin Manager and streaming analytics capabilities while enhancing edge-to-cloud flexibility and security. It supports deployment across private cloud, public cloud, and hybrid infrastructures, including AWS.

Key Features:

  • Full device lifecycle management from onboarding to decommissioning
  • Pre-integrated support for 170+ certified devices and multiple protocols
  • Real-time streaming analytics with rule-based alarms and automation
  • Built-in Digital Twin Manager for contextual asset modeling
  • AI-ready data with integration to machine learning and analytics tools
  • Edge deployment support for resource-constrained environments
  • Drag-and-drop Cockpit dashboards for monitoring and business insights

13. Aramco Digital Technologies

IoT platform – Aramco Digital Technologies

Website: https://www.aramco.com

Aramco, the global energy leader, is leveraging advanced digital technologies to modernize operations and enable safer, faster, and more efficient energy delivery. With core applications across oil & gas production, logistics, asset monitoring, and safety, Aramco integrates AI, IoT, cloud, and digital twins across its vast infrastructure.

It serves industries like energy, engineering, and supply chain at scale. Case studies include the i4Safety 2.0 predictive safety tool, the Smart Gas Detector using IIoT, and SWIM-R for underwater pipeline inspection. Aramco continues enhancing blockchain-based smart contracts and expanding Digital Twin use across fields like Hasbah. These initiatives run on a hybrid cloud architecture utilizing both in-house and external platforms.

Key Features:

  • AI-powered predictive safety and incident detection (i4Safety 2.0)
  • Blockchain-enabled smart contract reconciliation with vendors
  • Digital Twins for real-time operational modeling and facility simulation
  • Smart Gas Detector powered by Industrial IoT sensors
  • SWIM-R robot for shallow water pipeline inspection
  • AR/VR-enabled helmets for hands-free data visualization and collaboration
  • Cloud-based eMarketPlace platform for enhanced supply chain operations

14. Siemens Electrification X

IoT platform – Siemens Electrification X

Website: https://www.siemens.com/global/en/products/energy/topics/electrification-x.html

Electrification X is Siemens’ advanced IoT Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution designed to tackle modern energy transition challenges. Built under the Siemens Xcelerator platform, it integrates real and digital worlds for critical energy operations across industries like utilities, renewables, data centers, and infrastructure.

This solution helps manage distributed energy assets, optimize grid performance, and meet sustainability goals. Notable implementations include Aral pulse’s EV charging station network and the Börger digital substation by ENOVA Power GmbH in Germany. Siemens has expanded cloud-based asset monitoring, cybersecurity, and grid stability tools all powered by open APIs and a modular SaaS architecture.

Key Features:

  • Real-time monitoring and lifecycle management of electrical assets
  • AI-driven energy optimization and carbon reduction tools
  • Load management for decentralized EV charging networks
  • Transparent fault detection and automated grid fault management
  • Cybersecurity capabilities tailored for OT environments
  • Seamless expansion via modular SaaS with open APIs
  • Integration-ready architecture for cloud and EAM platforms

15. AVEVA CONNECT

IoT platform – AVEVA CONNECT

Website: https://connect.aveva.com

AVEVA CONNECT is a vendor-neutral, cloud-based industrial intelligence platform designed to empower real-time data-sharing across complex industrial ecosystems. Built with a hybrid SaaS architecture, CONNECT enables industrial companies to securely collect, organize, and share operations data with both internal teams and external stakeholders like equipment vendors, service providers, and analytics firms.

With growing market demand for resilience, sustainability, and agility, CONNECT supports bi-directional data flows, contextual analytics, and collaboration at scale. It is especially well-suited for industries like energy, manufacturing, utilities, and infrastructure where real-time insights are mission-critical. Backed by AVEVA’s decades of domain expertise, CONNECT is helping enterprises accelerate time-to-value without disrupting existing systems.

Key Features:

  • Real-time, secure data sharing with external stakeholders (vendors, partners, analytics firms)
  • Bi-directional data flow with full context tagging and access control
  • Scalable hybrid architecture (on-prem + cloud) with SaaS flexibility
  • Time-series and event-based industrial data support
  • Compatible with multiple data sources, vendors, and protocols
  • Centralized, self-service data access from any device or location
  • Enhances sustainability, operations agility, and decision-making accuracy

16. Kaa IoT Platform

IoT platform – Kaa IoT Platform

Website: https://www.kaaiot.com

The Kaa IoT Platform is a flexible, full-scale IoT development framework designed for rapid deployment and scalable performance across diverse industries. Its cloud-native solution, Kaa Next IoT Cloud, integrates AI features, identity access management, real-time analytics, and anomaly detection to elevate operational intelligence. Ideal for high-load and complex enterprise applications, Kaa enables companies to manage device fleets, collect and process data at scale, and build smart dashboards for sectors like smart energy, air quality, logistics, telecom, and industrial automation. The platform supports hybrid cloud deployments and offers rich customization for edge-to-cloud IoT projects.

Key Features:

  • End-to-end device management with support for sensors, PLCs, wearables, vehicles, and more
  • Smart dashboards for energy metering, fleet tracking, air quality monitoring, and smart city assets
  • Kaa Next Cloud includes data forecasting, anomaly detection, and advanced reporting tools
  • Real-time data collection, configuration management, and rule-based automation
  • Command execution for remote actions and device-level response
  • Native integration with REST APIs, WebSockets, Salesforce, SAP, and legacy systems
  • Connectivity via LPWAN, cellular, Ethernet, and short-range networks
  • Professional services for full-cycle IoT project implementation

Which Platform is Right for You?

  • Startups & developers: Consider Particle or AWS IoT, which offer free tiers and ease of prototyping.
  • Enterprises with hybrid needs: Azure IoT combines on‑prem + cloud, backed by Microsoft’s security.
  • Manufacturing/industrial: ThingWorx and IBM Watson lead with digital twin and analytics tools.
  • Consumer smart‑home OEMs: Tuya with Matter support and global ecosystem reach.
  • Fleet & asset-heavy industries: Samsara excels in transportation, construction, and industrial monitoring.

Conclusion

By 2025, IoT devices will reach 29.4 billion globally, and IoT platforms are key to managing this growth. These platforms support secure connectivity, real-time analytics, edge computing, and AI integration. Choosing the right one—whether a cloud solution like AWS or Azure, or an industry-focused option like ThingWorx or Cumulocity—can greatly impact your IoT success.

Consider features like security, protocol support, analytics, and scalability. Free tiers and trials allow for testing before full adoption. In today’s connected world, selecting the right IoT platform isn’t just technical—it’s a strategic move for long-term innovation and efficiency.

FAQs

Q1. What exactly is an IoT platform?

A software backbone that connects, manages, analyzes, and secures IoT devices from edge to cloud.

Q2. Which platform is best for industrial use?

ThingWorx or IBM Watson IoT excel in manufacturing and industrial-grade operations.

Q.3 Are there free IoT platforms?

Yes, AWS IoT, Azure IoT, Google Cloud IoT, Particle, and Tuya all offer free tiers for starters.

Q4. How do IoT platforms secure data?

Through per-device authentication, TLS encryption, role-based access controls, and compliance certifications.

Q5. Can I integrate AI with IoT platforms?

Absolutely. AWS (SageMaker), Azure (Machine Learning), Google (Vertex AI), IBM (Watson) offer integrated ML/AI services.