Thingsboard

Self-Hosted

Open-source IoT platform for data collection, processing, and smart device management

Overview

Thingsboard is an open-source IoT platform enabling secure device connectivity (MQTT, CoAP, HTTP), real-time data processing via a drag-and-drop rule engine, and customizable dashboards for telemetry visualization. It supports device management tasks like firmware OTA updates and asset tracking. Deployable via Docker, Kubernetes, or manual setup, it integrates with PostgreSQL/Cassandra databases and offers multi-tenant support for enterprise scalability. Ideal for building smart solutions in manufacturing, agriculture, and smart cities, it avoids vendor lock-in with full data control.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  thingsboard:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: thingsboard
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Multi-protocol device connectivity (MQTT, CoAP, HTTP)
Drag-and-drop rule engine for real-time data processing
Customizable dashboards for telemetry visualization
Device management with firmware OTA updates

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Thingsboard hard to install?

Installation is straightforward with Docker (single command for quick setup) or Kubernetes manifests. Manual installation requires Java and database setup, but official docs provide step-by-step guides for all options, making it accessible for beginners and experts alike.

? Is Thingsboard a good alternative to AWS IoT Core?

Yes—It offers similar core capabilities (connectivity, processing, visualization) but with self-hosting to eliminate vendor lock-in and full control over sensitive IoT data. It’s cost-effective for teams preferring on-prem or private cloud deployments.

? Is Thingsboard completely free?

The core platform is open-source under Apache 2.0, so it’s 100% free to use, modify, and self-host. Paid enterprise editions add 24/7 support, advanced security, and scalability tools for large-scale deployments.

Top Alternatives

AWS IoT Core Search Google

Azure IoT Hub Search Google

Google Cloud IoT Core Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Internet of Things (IoT)

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Full data control via self-hosting
⊕ No subscription for core open-source features
⊕ Scalable for small to enterprise use cases
⊕ Multi-tenant support for team collaboration

Cons

⊖ Steeper learning curve for advanced rule engine setup
⊖ Requires server resources for large deployments
⊖ Enterprise features (like advanced security) need paid licenses