OpenRemote vs Zoho IoT

OpenRemote is an open-source IoT platform for bringing different protocols and data sources into one management system. Users define asset types and the attributes they want to track, then create automations with When-Then rules, a visual Flow Editor, or Groovy scripting. Its dashboard builder supports live monitoring, historical trend analysis, and alerts when attributes pass thresholds. Built-in protocol agents include HTTP, SNMP, ModBus, MQTT, Bluetooth, LoRaWAN, Serial, TCP, UDP, KNX, Velbus, and openWeather. Assets and attributes are accessible through a unified REST API and WebSockets. Keycloak provides OAuth2/OpenID Connect and role-based access control; Realms logically isolate users and data. Through Hawkbit integration, the platform supports edge-device firmware updates and security patch rollouts. OpenRemote is designed for professional integrators, including manufacturers, system integrators, and governments. It uses a container-first approach and offers Docker Compose deployment for its manager, database, identity service, and map server. The code is licensed under AGPLv3, with commercial licenses available for organizations seeking an exemption from the stated source-sharing obligation. Community support is included with the free option.

Zoho IoT is a low-code platform for building custom Internet of Things solutions and supporting mission-critical operations. It provides device management, AI analytics and reports, alerts and notifications, plus commands and controls. Pre-built accelerators address industrial IoT, energy management and smart buildings. Connectivity covers more than 40 protocols, including HTTPS, MQTT and BACnet. The platform integrates with Zoho and third-party applications, including out-of-the-box Zoho CRM support. Its REST API exchanges JSON over HTTPS, with daily call limits varying by plan. Included iOS and Android apps provide device monitoring, alerts, dashboards and remote commands. Security details include end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, GDPR compliance, ISO standards and SOC compliance. A 30-day trial exposes most features with limitations, then switches automatically to the Free plan. Listed plans range from 25 to 500 devices, while Flex offers customized limits. The pricing page offers monthly and yearly billing, says annual billing saves up to 20%, but lists no plan prices.