Helium vs Particle: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Helium and Particle 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 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Helium
Rebuilding global connectivity with a decentralized, people-owned wireless network.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need web3 infrastructure features specifically
- • Builds a global, decentralized wireless network using community-owned Hotspots.
- • Hotspot owners earn HNT cryptocurrency by providing network coverage.
Particle
An integrated IoT Platform-as-a-Service for intelligent devices, from hardware to cloud.
Best for you if:
- • You need iot platforms features specifically
- • Integrated IoT platform for building, connecting, and managing intelligent devices.
- • Provides edge infrastructure, reliable multi-radio connectivity, and cloud services.
| At a Glance |  Helium |  Particle |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Web3 Infrastructure | IoT Platforms |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Helium | Particle |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Web3 InfrastructureIoT Platforms | IoT PlatformsEdge Computing |
How Helium and Particle Compare
Helium
Rebuilding global connectivity with a decentralized, people-owned wireless network.
Free
Particle
An integrated IoT Platform-as-a-Service for intelligent devices, from hardware to cloud.
Free tier available
Helium is a web3 infrastructure tool. Particle is in iot platforms.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Helium is free. Particle is freemium.
Go with: Helium
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: Helium
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Helium
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Helium is free. Particle is freemium. Go with Helium if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Helium is a web3 infrastructure tool. Particle is in iot platforms. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Helium
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Particle
- Better fit for iot platforms
The Bottom Line
Helium is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Helium or Particle better?
Helium scores high/100 in our evaluation. Helium is free and Particle is freemium.
What are Helium and Particle used for?
Helium: Rebuilding global connectivity with a decentralized, people-owned wireless network.. Particle: An integrated IoT Platform-as-a-Service for intelligent devices, from hardware to cloud..
What does Helium cost vs Particle?
Helium is completely free. Particle is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.