Particle (iot platforms): An integrated IoT Platform-as-a-Service for intelligent devices, from hardware to cloud. Particle provides a comprehensive Internet of Things (IoT) platform that enables developers and businesses to build, connect, and manage intelligent devices. It offers an end-to-end solution encompassing edge infrastructure, reliable wireless connectivity, and cloud infrastructure for data processing and device management. Key capabilities: Over-the-air (OTA) software and model updates, Multi-radio wireless connectivity (LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, satellite, LoRaWAN), EtherSIM and EtherSIM+ for intelligent profile switching and global connectivity, Real-time data automation infrastructure (Event Bus, Location Fusion, Ledger, REST API), Device management console with security and compliance features. Particle ships a free plan plus paid tiers that unlock as usage grows. Buyers most often compare Particle against Embedded, CesiumAstro, Ditto.
TL;DR - Particle
Integrated IoT platform for building, connecting, and managing intelligent devices.
Provides edge infrastructure, reliable multi-radio connectivity, and cloud services.
Offers robust security, OTA updates, and developer-friendly tools for rapid deployment.
Pricing: Free plan available
Best for: Growing teams
Pros & Cons
Pros
Comprehensive end-to-end IoT solution from hardware to cloud.
Strong emphasis on security with built-in features and best practices.
Reliable multi-radio connectivity simplifies global deployments.
Developer-friendly tools and extensive documentation accelerate development.
Scalable platform capable of managing millions of messages and updates monthly.
Cons
Specific pricing details are not immediately available on the main pages.
Some features like 'Configuration' and 'Insights' are listed as 'COMING SOON'.
Requires some hardware knowledge for development board integration.
Preview
Key Features
Over-the-air (OTA) software and model updatesMulti-radio wireless connectivity (LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, satellite, LoRaWAN)EtherSIM and EtherSIM+ for intelligent profile switching and global connectivityReal-time data automation infrastructure (Event Bus, Location Fusion, Ledger, REST API)Device management console with security and compliance featuresBuilt-in hardware and device security (encrypted messages, hardware keys, access controls)Developer tools: CLI, Workbench, Web IDE, Blueprints, Edge MLSupport for various hardware: Particle modules, gateways, Raspberry Pi, NVIDIA Jetson, BeagleBone
Pricing Plans
Free
$0/month, forever
100 devices
100K Data Operations
Edge computing
Runtime OTA software updates
Drivers and libraries
Developer tools
Device protection
Edge ML
Reliable messaging over heterogeneous networks
"It just works" connectivity
Particle.publish()
Encryption
EtherSIM
Multi-radio transport
Data pipeline
Ledger
Logic
Location Fusion
REST API
Integrations
Console
Software releases
Vitals
Configuration
Edge-to-cloud encryption
Multi-factor authentication
SOC 2
Community support
Online store device purchasing
Standard device availability
List price device discounting
3 days Location data retention
Basic
$299/month per block
100 devices per block
720K Data Operations per block
Edge computing
Runtime OTA software updates
Drivers and libraries
Developer tools
Device protection
Edge ML
Reliable messaging over heterogeneous networks
"It just works" connectivity
Particle.publish()
Encryption
EtherSIM
Multi-radio transport
Data pipeline
Ledger
Logic
Location Fusion
REST API
Integrations
Console
Software releases
Vitals
Configuration
Edge-to-cloud encryption
Multi-factor authentication
SOC 2
Email support
Online store device purchasing
Standard device availability
Volume discounts device discounting
90 days Location data retention
Plus
$599/month per block
100 devices per block
5M Data Operations per block
Edge computing
Runtime OTA software updates
Drivers and libraries
Developer tools
Device protection
Edge ML
Reliable messaging over heterogeneous networks
"It just works" connectivity
Particle.publish()
Encryption
EtherSIM
Multi-radio transport
Data pipeline
Ledger
Logic
Location Fusion
REST API
Integrations
Console
Software releases
Vitals
Configuration
Edge-to-cloud encryption
Multi-factor authentication
SOC 2
Email support
Online store device purchasing
Standard device availability
Volume discounts device discounting
90 days Location data retention
Professional
Custom
"Basic" or "Plus" packages at discounted rates
Custom devices
Custom Data Operations
Annual Data Operations pooling
Invoice payment method
6+ months Location Data retention
Optional Premium support options
Optional Premium connectivity options
Discounted or free SoMs and gateways
Edge computing
Runtime OTA software updates
Drivers and libraries
Developer tools
Device protection
Edge ML
Reliable messaging over heterogeneous networks
"It just works" connectivity
Particle.publish()
Encryption
EtherSIM
Multi-radio transport
Data pipeline
Ledger
Logic
Location Fusion
REST API
Integrations
Console
Software releases
Vitals
Configuration
Edge-to-cloud encryption
Multi-factor authentication
SOC 2
Optional Single Sign-On (SSO)
Optional Technical account manager
Optional Implementation services
Optional Certification-as-a-Service
Optional Design & engineering services
Purchase orders device purchasing
Priority inventory device availability
Negotiated device discounting
Enterprise
Custom
Customized Data Operations packages
Dedicated support team of Particle Watchdogs
Certification, design, and implementation services
Particle provides a comprehensive Internet of Things (IoT) platform that enables developers and businesses to build, connect, and manage intelligent devices. It offers an end-to-end solution encompassing edge infrastructure, reliable wireless connectivity, and cloud infrastructure for data processing and device management. The platform is designed to simplify the complexities of IoT development, allowing users to deploy over-the-air software updates, manage device fleets, and turn machine data into actionable insights.
Particle is ideal for developers, engineers, and organizations looking to bring connected products to market efficiently and securely. It supports a wide range of devices, from microcontrollers to edge computers, and provides tools for application development, including a command-line interface, web IDE, and various libraries and integrations. The platform emphasizes developer productivity, observability, and reliability, offering built-in security features from hardware to the cloud to protect devices and data.
Particle is an integrated IoT Platform-as-a-Service that provides the infrastructure for building, connecting, and managing intelligent devices. It includes edge infrastructure, wireless connectivity solutions, and cloud services for data processing, device management, and security.
How much does Particle cost?
Particle offers a 'Start for free' option, indicating a freemium model. Specific pricing for paid tiers or enterprise solutions is not detailed on the provided pages but custom data plans and profiles are available for Enterprise customers.
Is Particle free?
Yes, Particle offers a way to 'Start for free', suggesting a free tier or trial is available for users to begin building with the platform.
Who is Particle for?
Particle is designed for developers, engineers, and businesses that need to deploy and manage connected products. It caters to those building IoT solutions, from small-scale projects to large-scale enterprise deployments, across various industries.