Chirpstack vs Golioth: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Chirpstack and Golioth comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Golioth is our overall pick for iot platforms workflows. Pick Chirpstack if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Chirpstack
Open-source LoRaWAN Network Server for managing gateways, devices, and data integrations.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Open-source LoRaWAN Network Server.
- • Manages gateways, devices, and data integrations via a web interface.
Golioth
IoT infrastructure as code for hardware teams, connecting devices and routing data with ease.
Best for you if:
- • Provides a complete device-to-cloud IoT platform for hardware teams.
- • Enables rapid development and deployment of connected devices with built-in security and data routing.
| At a Glance |  Chirpstack |  Golioth |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | $299/month/moTeams |
Best For | IoT Platforms | IoT Platforms |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Chirpstack or Golioth?
Choose Chirpstack if
Open-source LoRaWAN Network Server for managing gateways, devices, and data integrations.
- Completely open-source, offering flexibility and community support
- Comprehensive feature set for managing LoRaWAN networks
- Supports all LoRaWAN device classes and versions
- You want a fully free tool (Golioth requires payment)
Choose Golioth if
IoT infrastructure as code for hardware teams, connecting devices and routing data with ease.
- Significantly reduces time and cost for building IoT cloud infrastructure (e.g., 6+ months saved).
- Device, connectivity, and service agnostic, offering flexibility in hardware and RTOS choices.
- Built-in security features from day one, including encryption and certificate authentication.
| Feature | Chirpstack | Golioth |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.5/5 67 reviews |
| Categories | IoT PlatformsDeveloper Tools | IoT PlatformsInfrastructure as Code |
In-Depth Analysis
Chirpstack
Open-source LoRaWAN Network Server for managing gateways, devices, and data integrations.
Strengths
- +Completely open-source, offering flexibility and community support
- +Comprehensive feature set for managing LoRaWAN networks
- +Supports all LoRaWAN device classes and versions
- +Robust API and integration options with cloud providers and databases
- +Multi-tenant architecture for managing multiple organizations
Weaknesses
- -Requires technical expertise for setup and maintenance
- -Commercial support is available but not included by default
- -Relies on community support for non-commercial issues
Key features
Golioth
IoT infrastructure as code for hardware teams, connecting devices and routing data with ease.
Strengths
- +Significantly reduces time and cost for building IoT cloud infrastructure (e.g., 6+ months saved).
- +Device, connectivity, and service agnostic, offering flexibility in hardware and RTOS choices.
- +Built-in security features from day one, including encryption and certificate authentication.
- +Simplifies data routing and transformation with easy-to-configure pipelines.
- +Enables hybrid AI for faster decisions at the edge and continuous model improvement.
Weaknesses
- -Additional usage beyond free tiers for OTA bandwidth, logs, and data streaming incurs extra costs.
- -Advanced features like custom retention for data storage, advanced permissions, audit logs, SSO, and private cloud are only available in higher-tier or custom plans.
- -Community support is the primary option for the free tier, with dedicated support only for paid plans.
Key features
Pricing: Chirpstack vs Golioth
| Plan | Chirpstack | Golioth |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $299/month Teams |
| Tier 3 | N/A | Starting at $2799/month Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Chirpstack pricing and Golioth pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Chirpstack is free. Golioth is freemium.
Go with: Chirpstack
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Chirpstack
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Golioth
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Chirpstack is free. Golioth is freemium. Go with Chirpstack if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are iot platforms tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Golioth
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Chirpstack
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Golioth is our pick. That said, Chirpstack is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chirpstack or Golioth better?
Golioth is rated in our evaluation. Chirpstack is free and Golioth is freemium.
What are Chirpstack and Golioth used for?
Chirpstack: Open-source LoRaWAN Network Server for managing gateways, devices, and data integrations.. Golioth: IoT infrastructure as code for hardware teams, connecting devices and routing data with ease..
What does Chirpstack cost vs Golioth?
Chirpstack is completely free. Golioth is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.