The Things Network vs Golioth: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between The Things Network 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.
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:
The Things Network
Build and scale IoT applications with a global, open LoRaWAN network.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need iot platforms features specifically
- • Provides an open, global LoRaWAN network for IoT applications.
- • Offers tools and resources for managing devices, gateways, and data.
Golioth
IoT infrastructure as code for hardware teams, connecting devices and routing data with ease.
Best for you if:
- • You need infrastructure as code features specifically
- • 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 |  The Things Network |  Golioth |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | IoT Platforms | Infrastructure as Code |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | The Things Network | Golioth |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IoT Platforms | Infrastructure as CodeIoT Platforms |
How The Things Network and Golioth Compare
The Things Network
Build and scale IoT applications with a global, open LoRaWAN network.
Free
Golioth
IoT infrastructure as code for hardware teams, connecting devices and routing data with ease.
Free tier available
The Things Network is a iot platforms tool. Golioth is in infrastructure as code.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
The Things Network is free. Golioth is freemium.
Go with: The Things Network
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: The Things Network
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: The Things Network
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
The Things Network is free. Golioth is freemium. Go with The Things Network if free matters most.
What's your use case?
The Things Network is a iot platforms tool. Golioth is in infrastructure as code. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
The Things Network
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Golioth
- Better fit for infrastructure as code
The Bottom Line
The Things Network is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Things Network or Golioth better?
The Things Network scores high/100 in our evaluation. The Things Network is free and Golioth is freemium.
What are The Things Network and Golioth used for?
The Things Network: Build and scale IoT applications with a global, open LoRaWAN network.. Golioth: IoT infrastructure as code for hardware teams, connecting devices and routing data with ease..
What does The Things Network cost vs Golioth?
The Things Network is completely free. Golioth is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.