Balena
UnclaimedPowerful IoT device management made simple with secure container-based technology.
Visit WebsiteWhat is Balena?
Balena (ci/cd): Powerful IoT device management made simple with secure container-based technology. Balena provides a comprehensive platform for developing, deploying, managing, and scaling fleets of IoT Linux devices. It leverages secure container-based technology to enable over-the-air (OTA) updates, full API and SDK access, and Linux OS updates. The platform supports a wide range of device types, offering flexibility for various IoT projects. Balena ships a free plan plus paid tiers that unlock as usage grows. Buyers most often compare Balena against Keptn, Garden, Northflank.
TL;DR - Balena
- Manages IoT Linux devices using secure container technology.
- Enables remote deployment, monitoring, and OTA updates for device fleets.
- Offers robust security features and compliance for edge IoT solutions.
Pricing: Free plan available
Best for: Growing teams
4.6/5 across review platforms
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Simplifies complex IoT device management and scaling.
- Strong focus on security and compliance (e.g., CRA).
- Supports a wide variety of hardware and offers custom device integration.
- Provides comprehensive tools for development, deployment, and monitoring.
- Offers a free tier for up to 10 devices, making it accessible for prototyping.
Cons
- Pricing for additional devices can add up quickly, especially for larger fleets beyond the included devices in each plan.
- The 'best effort' response time for standard and priority support tiers might not be sufficient for critical issues.
- Custom device support requires engaging with an Integration Partner and shipping hardware, which adds complexity and time to the setup process for unsupported devices.
Ratings Across the Web
4.6(31 reviews)
Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more
Preview
Key Features
Container-based technology stackOver-the-Air (OTA) updatesFull API & SDK accessLinux OS updatesSupport for 80+ device types (including Raspberry Pi, x86, Jetson Orin)Custom Device Support programHardware-level hardeningRegulatory compliance (e.g., CRA with SBOM tracking)
Pricing Plans
Free
$0/year
- Recommended for 10-49 devices
- 1 User included
- Standard support
- Response time: best effort
- 30 Devices included
Prototype
$159/month
- Recommended for 10-49 devices
- 1 User included
- Standard support
- Response time: best effort
- 30 Devices included
- $3 / additional device / month
Pilot
$329/month
- Recommended for 50-999 devices
- 3 Users included
- Priority support
- Response time: best effort
- 60 Devices included
- $2 / additional device / month
- Credits available for volume discounts
Production
$1,439/month
- Recommended for 1k to 1M devices
- 5 Users included
- Dedicated support
- Response time: 60 minutes
- 110 Devices included
- $2 / additional device / month
- Credits available for volume discounts
Enterprise
Contact sales
- Everything from Production +
- On-premise / bespoke deployment
- 24/7 support
- Onboarding and training
- Dedicated account management
- Quarterly product reviews
- Extended Support Release (ESR)
About Balena
By Toolradar Team·
Balena provides a comprehensive platform for developing, deploying, managing, and scaling fleets of IoT Linux devices. It leverages secure container-based technology to enable over-the-air (OTA) updates, full API and SDK access, and Linux OS updates. The platform supports a wide range of device types, offering flexibility for various IoT projects.
This solution is designed for developers, product managers, and engineers working with IoT devices, from small-scale prototypes to large-scale deployments of hundreds of thousands of devices. It simplifies the complexities of IoT fleet management by providing tools for secure provisioning, remote monitoring, troubleshooting, and continuous updates, ensuring resilience and compliance with security standards like the EU's Cyber Resilience Act (CRA).
Balena aims to accelerate IoT development cycles and enhance operational efficiency by providing a unified platform that covers the entire device lifecycle, from initial development and deployment to ongoing management and secure decommissioning. Its focus on security, scalability, and ease of use makes it suitable for businesses looking to build and maintain robust IoT solutions.
How we evaluate tools →Source: balena.io
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Balena FAQ
What is Balena?
Balena is a powerful IoT device management platform that uses secure container-based technology to help users develop, deploy, manage, and scale fleets of IoT Linux devices. It provides tools for OTA updates, remote monitoring, security, and compliance.
How much does Balena cost?
Balena offers a free plan for up to 10 devices. Paid plans start at $159/month for the Prototype plan (up to 30 devices), $329/month for the Pilot plan (up to 60 devices), and $1,439/month for the Production plan (up to 110 devices). Additional devices and users can be added for an extra cost, and custom enterprise plans are available.
Is Balena free?
Yes, Balena offers a free plan that includes your first 10 devices. This free plan supports 10 microservices devices across all fleets you create.
Who is Balena for?
Balena is for developers, product managers, and engineers who need to manage and scale fleets of IoT Linux devices. It's suitable for anyone building and deploying IoT solutions, from small-scale projects to large enterprise-level deployments requiring robust security and compliance.
Source: balena.io