The Best IoT Development Platforms and Tools for Developers in 2025
Rapid Summary: The Internet of Things (IoT) has evolved far beyond smartwatches and smart speakers. It powers as diverse a set of industries as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and retail today. Every connected device is supported by an ecosystem of IoT development platforms and tools behind it, which allows developers to develop, build, and defend these apps.
In this post, we will discuss what IoT development is, examine some of the top IoT platforms and tools of 2025, and provide tips on how to select the correct one. Whether you are a startup testing IoT hardware or an enterprise refactoring supply chain optimization, the correct ecosystem can be the difference-maker.
If you’ve been following technology trends the last two years, you already have a sense of how rapidly IoT is growing. Statista estimates 29 billion devices on the planet connected by 2030. Predictive factory maintenance and connected vehicles are just two of the ways IoT has evolved from a buzzword to a business imperative.
But here’s the catch: developing IoT solutions is not merely a case of plugging a sensor into the cloud. Developers have to face some critical tasks with hardware compatibility, network stability, security protocols, and integration with the overall enterprise infrastructure. And there, the main work of IoT development platforms and tools comes into the picture.
What is IoT Development?
In simplest terms, IoT development is how one sets out to create apps that connect the physical to computational networks. It is the convergence of hardware (boards, chips, sensors), software (cloud platforms, apps), and networks (LPWAN, Wi-Fi, 5G) all of them coming together to give you some actionable insights.
If you want a deeper primer on IoT technologies, Technource’s blog on The Internet of Things explained is a great place to start.
Best IoT Development Tools for 2025
The right tools can simplify the complexity of IoT projects. Here are some widely used IoT development tools that developers and enterprises lean on:
- Arduino IDE
One of the most widely used devices by IoT developers and hobbyists too, Arduino IDE makes microcontroller programming easy. It’s lightweight, easy to use for beginners, and compatible with a large number of boards involved in IoT hardware development.
- Eclipse IoT
An open-source framework backed by the Eclipse Foundation. It’s highly favored for industrial-grade IoT projects because it supports IoT application development platforms that need scalability and customization.
- Node-RED
Created by IBM, Node-RED is a flow-based programming tool. Developers use it to connect APIs, devices, and services through a visual interface. For teams already exploring Node.js development, this becomes a natural extension.
- TinkerCAD Circuits
Perfect for prototyping IoT hardware online, TinkerCAD lets developers simulate circuits and code before buying actual components.
- Blynk IoT
A no-code/low-code platform that allows quick IoT app development with drag-and-drop widgets. Startups often use Blynk to test IoT business models before moving to complex systems.
- Mbed OS
An open-source operating system designed specifically for IoT by Arm. It supports device-to-cloud connections and has built-in security modules, which is critical in regulated industries like IoT in healthcare.
- Kaa IoT Platform SDK
Developers love Kaa because it comes with ready-to-use IoT development software kits that reduce the effort needed for device management and analytics.
- ThingsBoard
An open-source platform for device management, real-time dashboards, and data visualization. If your IoT project involves analytics-heavy workflows, ThingsBoard is a top choice.
Top IoT Development Platforms for Developers
Several reports suggested that the number of connected IoT devices is estimated to grow to 40 billion by 2030. While tools help with the build, IoT development platforms provide the infrastructure to connect, secure, and scale IoT applications. Here are some of the best ones in 2025:
AWS IoT Core
Billions of devices and trillions of messages are covered on the Amazon platform. Companies rely on it as it has security, scalability, and integrations with other AWS services.
Microsoft Azure IoT Hub
Azure IoT is appropriate for enterprise systems. It is especially well-suited for predictive analytics to develop IoT applications, thus it is a standard choice for IoT in manufacturing.
Google Cloud IoT
With advanced machine learning and data analytics capabilities, Google Cloud IoT allows businesses to process IoT data in real-time and optimize processes.
IBM Watson IoT Platform
IBM Watson brings the power of AI and machine learning to the IoT level. For IoT development companies venturing into chatbot development and AI integration into IoT, Watson offers a single ecosystem. Oracle IoT Cloud Designed for businesses, Oracle IoT Cloud is centered on supply chain, asset tracking, and predictive maintenance solutions.
Oracle IoT Cloud
Built for enterprises, Oracle IoT Cloud focuses on supply chain, asset monitoring, and predictive maintenance solutions.
How to Choose the Right IoT Development Platform
With so many IoT software platforms available, the choice depends on your use case:
- For startups – Blynk or ThingsBoard are cost-effective and quick for prototyping.
- For enterprises – AWS IoT or Azure IoT Hub provide scalability and enterprise-grade integrations.
- For regulated industries – IBM Watson and Mbed OS shine with their compliance-ready features.
- For heavy analytics – Google Cloud IoT offers unmatched processing power.
A smart approach is to start small and scalable. Many businesses begin with open-source platforms, test their IoT applications, and then migrate to enterprise systems. The worldwide Internet of Things (IoT) market was worth USD 64.8 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 153.2 billion by 2029, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.8%. If you want more insights, check out Technource’s analysis on IoT trends shaping the industry.
SaaS vs Custom Software in IoT Development
One of the intriguing IoT project debates is whether to opt for a SaaS-based IoT platform or spend money on custom solutions. SaaS gives you speed and less initial cost, but at the expense of flexibility. Custom software development gives you complete control, but at the cost of time and money.
For instance, a healthcare startup would leverage an IoT SaaS platform to implement remote patient monitoring in a hurry, whereas a large manufacturing company would require custom IoT development for enhanced integration with their ERP. If you’re comparing the two, Technource’s SaaS vs custom software deep dive is worth reading.
Conclusion
The IoT ecosystem is expansive and expanding. From IoT platforms such as Arduino and Node-RED to enterprise-level IoT platforms such as AWS and Azure, companies have more options than ever. The question is not if IoT will be important — it already is — but which platform or tool will your business goals and growth strategy benefit from the most.
At Technource, we offer custom IoT development services tailored to your unique business needs. We’ve worked with IoT developers, startups, and enterprises alike, helping them navigate everything from IoT hardware development to full-scale deployments. Our work in emerging technologies ensures businesses aren’t just keeping up with trends but leading them.
FAQs
Which are the best IoT tools for developers?
What are the platforms for IoT development and developers?
What is an IoT software platform?
What are IoT security tools & testing platforms?
Request Free Consultation
Amplify your business and take advantage of our expertise & experience to shape the future of your business.
