Elemental Machines vs ThingsBoard: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Elemental Machines and ThingsBoard 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Elemental Machines
Transform raw lab data into actionable intelligence for scientific operations and manufacturing.
Best for you if:
- • You need monitoring features specifically
- • Connects lab equipment, environment, and workflows into a single platform.
- • Provides real-time monitoring, contextual alerts, and predictive analytics for LabOps.
ThingsBoard
Open-source IoT platform for device management, data collection, processing, and visualization.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need big data analytics features specifically
- • Open-source IoT platform for device management, data collection, processing, and visualization.
- • Supports industry-standard IoT protocols and offers both cloud and on-premises deployment options.
| At a Glance |  Elemental Machines |  ThingsBoard |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Monitoring | Big Data Analytics |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Elemental Machines | ThingsBoard |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | MonitoringLab Management | Big Data AnalyticsData Visualization |
How Elemental Machines and ThingsBoard Compare
Elemental Machines
Transform raw lab data into actionable intelligence for scientific operations and manufacturing.
Paid
ThingsBoard
Open-source IoT platform for device management, data collection, processing, and visualization.
Free tier available
Elemental Machines is a monitoring tool. ThingsBoard is in big data analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
ThingsBoard has a free tier. Elemental Machines is paid only.
Go with: ThingsBoard
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: Elemental Machines
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Elemental Machines
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Elemental Machines is paid. ThingsBoard is freemium. ThingsBoard lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Elemental Machines is a monitoring tool. ThingsBoard is in big data analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Elemental Machines
- Our pick for this comparison
ThingsBoard
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for big data analytics
The Bottom Line
Elemental Machines is our pick. ThingsBoard has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elemental Machines or ThingsBoard better?
Elemental Machines scores high/100 in our evaluation. Elemental Machines is paid and ThingsBoard is freemium.
What are Elemental Machines and ThingsBoard used for?
Elemental Machines: Transform raw lab data into actionable intelligence for scientific operations and manufacturing.. ThingsBoard: Open-source IoT platform for device management, data collection, processing, and visualization..
What does Elemental Machines cost vs ThingsBoard?
Elemental Machines is a paid tool. ThingsBoard is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.