The Things Network

Name: The Things Network
Brand: The

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Build and scale IoT applications with a global, open LoRaWAN network.

Cloud & Infrastructure IoT Platforms

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Tracked since2026

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The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free, no paid tier

Biggest pro

Leverages an open and global LoRaWAN network.

Biggest con

Relies solely on LoRaWAN protocol, which may not suit all IoT use cases.

TL;DR - The Things Network

Provides an open, global LoRaWAN network for IoT applications.
Offers tools and resources for managing devices, gateways, and data.
Supports secure, low-cost, and scalable IoT solution development.

Pricing: Free forever

Best for: Individuals & startups

What is The Things Network?

Editorial review

The Things Network provides a comprehensive platform for developing and deploying Internet of Things (IoT) solutions using LoRaWAN technology. It offers a global, open network infrastructure powered by The Things Stack, a robust LoRaWAN Network Server. This platform enables developers and companies to securely manage IoT applications, end devices, and gateways at a low cost, with built-in scalability. The platform is designed for anyone looking to build value-driven IoT projects, from individual developers to large enterprises. It provides extensive resources, including a device repository for compatible hardware, educational materials on LoRaWAN, and a certification program to validate LoRaWAN expertise. Users can connect various end devices and gateways, manage network traffic, and integrate with preferred IoT cloud platforms, ERP systems, or databases using webhooks and MQTT, fostering a vibrant global ecosystem.

Available on: Web

LCLouis CorneloupUpdated May 26, 2026 · how we evaluateSourcethethingsnetwork.org ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

Leverages an open and global LoRaWAN network.
Provides comprehensive tools for managing the entire IoT solution lifecycle.
Offers strong security features for device activation and data transmission.
Supports a wide range of gateways, including DIY options.
Extensive educational resources and certification programs available.

Cons

Relies solely on LoRaWAN protocol, which may not suit all IoT use cases.
Requires understanding of LoRaWAN architecture for optimal use.
Specific pricing details for advanced features or larger deployments are not immediately clear.

Preview

Key Features

Global LoRaWAN network infrastructureThe Things Stack LoRaWAN Network ServerEnd device management and activation (OTAA, ABP)Gateway management and connectivityApplication data routing and deduplicationSecurity key management and AES-128 encryptionIntegration with third-party platforms via HTTP webhooks and MQTTDevice Repository for compatible LoRaWAN hardware

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Aug 18, 2026

Free

Open tools
Global, open network
Low cost
Maximum security
Ready to scale
Powered by The Things Stack

Calculate your cost View full pricing

Is The Things Network worth the price?

95/100

The Things Network offers a highly generous Free tier, making it an excellent starting point for anyone exploring LoRaWAN.

Given the open-source nature and community-driven model, the 'Free' price point is exceptionally fair and provides significant value. It's best for individuals, hobbyists, and small businesses looking to experiment and build IoT solutions without initial financial commitment.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

Scaling beyond free tier requires custom solutions

No direct support included in free tier

Hardware costs for devices and gateways

Potential data egress charges from cloud providers

How The Things Network Compares to Competitors

Compared to commercial LoRaWAN network operators like Senet or Actility, The Things Network's Free tier stands out by offering a fully functional network without any direct cost. While commercial providers typically charge per device or message (e.g., Senet's developer plans often start around $10-25/month for limited devices), The Things Network provides a global, open alternative for free, making it uniquely accessible for initial development and small-scale deployments.

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The Things Network FAQ

How does The Things Network facilitate IoT application development?

The Things Network provides a comprehensive platform for developing and deploying IoT solutions using LoRaWAN technology. It offers a global, open network infrastructure and tools to manage IoT applications, end devices, and gateways securely and scalably.

Which teams benefit most from using The Things Network?

The Things Network is ideal for developers and companies building value-driven IoT projects, from individual innovators to large enterprises. It suits those who need to manage network traffic, connect various end devices and gateways, and integrate with existing cloud platforms or databases.

How is The Things Network priced?

The Things Network is free to use, meaning no paid plan is required to access its core functionalities. This allows users to build and scale IoT applications without an initial financial commitment.

What kind of integrations does The Things Network support?

The Things Network supports integration with preferred IoT cloud platforms, ERP systems, or databases. This is achieved through the use of webhooks and MQTT, fostering a vibrant global ecosystem for data exchange.

What are the limitations of The Things Network's technology?

The Things Network relies solely on the LoRaWAN protocol, which means it may not be suitable for all IoT use cases. Users also need an understanding of LoRaWAN architecture to optimize its use.

How does The Things Network compare to Tago.io?

The Things Network focuses on providing a global, open LoRaWAN network infrastructure and tools for managing the entire IoT solution lifecycle. It emphasizes LoRaWAN-specific deployments, whereas Tago.io offers a broader IoT application enablement platform.

Can users connect their own gateways to The Things Network?

Yes, The Things Network supports a wide range of gateways, including options for do-it-yourself (DIY) setups. This flexibility allows users to integrate their preferred hardware into the network infrastructure.

Source: thethingsnetwork.org