# Best IoT Operating Systems

## How Many IoT Operating Systems Products Does G2 Track?

**Total Products under this Category:** 26

### Category Stats (Aug 2026)

- **Average Rating:** 4.31/5 The average rating of products in this category, based on all submitted ratings
- **Top Trending Product:** Red Hat Enterprise Linux (+0.02%) - Among all products in this category, Red Hat Enterprise Linux recorded the largest rating increase compared to last month

_Last updated: August 01, 2026_

## How Does G2 Rank IoT Operating Systems Products?

**Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:**

- 30 Analysts and Data Experts
- 3,500+ Authentic Reviews
- 26+ Products
- Unbiased Rankings

G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category.

## G2 Grid® for IoT Operating Systems
 ![G2 Grid® for IoT Operating Systems plotting products by satisfaction and market presence](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-operating-systems/grids.png?focus%5B%5D=1464&focus%5B%5D=1443&focus%5B%5D=91052&focus%5B%5D=52126&focus%5B%5D=91055&focus%5B%5D=91054&focus%5B%5D=91185&focus%5B%5D=16165)

Highlighted products: Ubuntu, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Windows for IoT, Amazon FreeRTOS, TinyOS, Nucleus RTOS, Wind River VxWorks, and Tizen.

Underlying data: [Grid® JSON](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-operating-systems/grids.json?focus%5B%5D=ubuntu&focus%5B%5D=red-hat-enterprise-linux&focus%5B%5D=windows-for-iot&focus%5B%5D=amazon-freertos&focus%5B%5D=tinyos&focus%5B%5D=nucleus-rtos&focus%5B%5D=wind-river-vxworks&focus%5B%5D=tizen)

### [Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews)

Ubuntu is the Linux OS that’s made for everyone. Harness the freedom and creativity of open source, from laptops and workstations to servers and IoT devices Published by Canonical, Ubuntu brings you the best of open source, backed by enterprise-grade assurance. Ubuntu delivers a unified and stable experience. Ubuntu serves as an interoperable platform, from the desktop to the edge. Wherever you innovate, you can expect high-performance and the same rich tooling ecosystem. Through community and partnership, we ensure that Ubuntu is always at the cutting-edge. Open source contributors work to ensure that the latest applications, tools and libraries have a home in the Ubuntu ecosystem. Our hardware partners, such as Dell, Lenovo, HP, IBM and NVIDIA, work with us to certify Ubuntu out-of-the-box on the latest boards, devices and chipsets, through a series of over 500 OS compatibility tests per device. When the time comes to scale up, Ubuntu provides integrations to make device governance manageable. Enforce strict identity management protocols with support for Microsoft Active Directory, Entra ID and Google Cloud platform, through Ubuntu’s AuthD broker. Ubuntu’s regular release cadence empowers you to plan ahead with confidence. Across your stack, Ubuntu LTS (long-term support) releases receive 5 years of patching and maintenance as standard. Additional enterprise-grade support is delivered through Ubuntu Pro - Canonical’s comprehensive subscription for open source security. Ubuntu Pro expands security patching and maintenance for up to 12 years and includes tooling for hardening and compliance, enabling you to stay ahead of CVEs, minimize downtime and meet your regulatory requirements. This includes support for frameworks such as FIPS, DISA STIG, NIST and the Cyber Resilience Act.

**Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 2,345

#### How Do G2 Users Rate Ubuntu?

- **Quality of Support:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)
- **Access Controls:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind Ubuntu?

- **Seller:** [Canonical Ltd.](https://www.g2.com/sellers/canonical-ltd)
- **Year Founded:** 2004
- **HQ Location:** London
- **Twitter:** @Canonical  
110,908 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=419861f6764fedcacb9a4344b6bea5b7dd0444fa65efaee135828d209953f258&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F234280%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
1,974 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Who Uses This:** Software Engineer, Senior Software Engineer
- **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Computer Software
- **Company Size:** 47% Small, 33% Medium

#### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About Ubuntu?

_AI-generated summary from verified user reviews_

##### Pros

- Users find Ubuntu incredibly **easy to use** , benefiting from seamless integration and excellent community support.
- Users appreciate the **reliability and speed** of Ubuntu, making it a solid choice for development and server work.
- Users love Ubuntu's **open source flexibility** , allowing easy customization and access to a wide range of services.
- Users enjoy Ubuntu's **user-friendly interface** , appreciated for its stability, extensive software ecosystem, and ease of use.
- Users highlight Ubuntu's **user-friendly interface** , making it accessible and ideal for newcomers to Linux.

##### Cons

- Users often face **compatibility issues** with applications, limiting functionality and causing frustration with software availability.
- Users experience **driver issues** with gaming and hardware, often requiring extra effort for proper functionality in Ubuntu.
- Users express frustration with the **limited software availability** on Ubuntu, hindering their productivity and experience.
- Users find the **usage difficulty** of Ubuntu challenging, especially when transitioning from Windows and dealing with command lines.
- Users report **performance issues** with Ubuntu, including sluggish Snap startup and poor gaming software compatibility.

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Ubuntu?

**["Stable, Customizable, and Great for Development—Ubuntu Delivers"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/ubuntu-review-13137359)**

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

_— Muhammed A._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/ubuntu-review-13137359)

**["Ubuntu: Flexible, free, and perfect for learning programming"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/ubuntu-review-13180048)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Andrey S._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/ubuntu-review-13180048)

#### What Are G2 Users Discussing About Ubuntu?

- [I'm having trouble installing applications on Ubuntu. What are the best practices for a beginner?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/i-m-having-trouble-installing-applications-on-ubuntu-what-are-the-best-practices-for-a-beginner) - 7 comments, 1 upvote
- [What is Ubuntu used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-ubuntu-used-for) - 6 comments, 2 upvotes
- [What is Ubuntu Desktop used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-ubuntu-desktop-used-for) - 6 comments, 2 upvotes
- [What is Bazaar used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-bazaar-used-for)
- [What is Ubuntu Core used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-ubuntu-core-used-for) - 2 comments, 1 upvote

### [Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews)

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a enterprise operating system designed to provide a secure, stable, and high-performance environment for modern IT infrastructures. It supports a wide range of applications across physical, virtual, and cloud environments, making it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes. Key Features and Functionality: - Security: RHEL offers live kernel patching, security profiles, and adheres to security standards certifications, ensuring a robust defense against vulnerabilities. - Consistent Lifecycle: The operating system follows a predictable lifecycle with three phases: full support, maintenance support, and an extended life phase, providing long-term stability and planning capabilities. - Cloud Integration: RHEL is optimized for cloud environments and collaborates with major cloud providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, facilitating seamless workload migration and management. - Developer Access: Red Hat provides developers with free access to RHEL through the "Red Hat Enterprise Linux for Business Developers" platform, allowing up to 25 instances for development purposes. Primary Value and Solutions: RHEL addresses the need for a reliable and secure operating system that can handle diverse workloads across various environments. Its comprehensive security features mitigate risks, while the consistent lifecycle ensures long-term support and stability. The integration with leading cloud providers simplifies cloud adoption and management, and the provision of free developer access fosters innovation and accelerates application development. Overall, RHEL empowers organizations to build, deploy, and manage applications efficiently, aligning with business demands for production-readiness and operational excellence.

**Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 933

#### How Do G2 Users Rate Red Hat Enterprise Linux?

- **Quality of Support:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)
- **Access Controls:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind Red Hat Enterprise Linux?

- **Seller:** [Red Hat](https://www.g2.com/sellers/red-hat)
- **Year Founded:** 1993
- **HQ Location:** Raleigh, NC
- **Twitter:** @RedHat  
300,769 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=4e0d3729ea76bc2ca4cd8f1f390777549ab9f3d824d6dd01fe584e175b43fe7a&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F3545%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
19,413 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Who Uses This:** Software Engineer, DevOps Engineer
- **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Computer Software
- **Company Size:** 50% Large, 29% Medium

#### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About Red Hat Enterprise Linux?

_AI-generated summary from verified user reviews_

##### Pros

- Users value the **unmatched stability** of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, creating a reliable foundation for critical workloads.
- Users value the **security features** of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, which enhance system safety and resilience.
- Users value the **reliability** of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, recognizing it as essential for business operations and support.
- Users value the **exceptional customer support** from Red Hat, enhancing their experience in enterprise environments.
- Users find Red Hat Enterprise Linux to be **easy to use** , making management and integration in professional environments straightforward.

##### Cons

- Users find the **high cost** of Red Hat Enterprise Linux limits accessibility, especially for small businesses.
- Users find Red Hat Enterprise Linux **expensive** , making it less accessible for small businesses due to high subscription fees.
- Users express frustration with the **locked subscription model** of RHEL, complicating security testing and automation.
- Users find **usage difficulty** due to complex configurations and subscription requirements, posing challenges for beginners and smaller teams.
- Users express frustration over **outdated software tools** in RHEL, hindering their workflow and causing installation problems.

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Red Hat Enterprise Linux?

**["Evaluating Red Hat Enterprise Linux: Pros, Cons, and Suitability for Businesses"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/red-hat-enterprise-linux-review-11525898)**

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

_— Amol K._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/red-hat-enterprise-linux-review-11525898)

**["Stability and Security at a High Cost"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/red-hat-enterprise-linux-review-12815525)**

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

_— Atharva P._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/red-hat-enterprise-linux-review-12815525)

#### What Are G2 Users Discussing About Red Hat Enterprise Linux?

- [Why should I use Red Hat Linux?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/why-should-i-use-red-hat-linux) - 1 comment
- [What are the customer benefits of using a KVM?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-customer-benefits-of-using-a-kvm)
- [Who uses Red Hat Enterprise Linux?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/who-uses-red-hat-enterprise-linux)
- [What is Red Hat Enterprise Linux used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/red-hat-enterprise-linux-what-is-red-hat-enterprise-linux-used-for-19dd5271-6d29-4249-956f-b8dc44f0ce30) - 1 comment
- [How does a software KVM work?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-does-a-software-kvm-work)

### [Windows for IoT](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-for-iot/reviews)

Windows 10 IoT lets you use the power of Windows to create a solution quickly and securely.

**Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 19

#### How Do G2 Users Rate Windows for IoT?

- **Quality of Support:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)
- **Access Controls:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind Windows for IoT?

- **Seller:** [Microsoft](https://www.g2.com/sellers/microsoft)
- **Year Founded:** 1975
- **HQ Location:** Redmond, Washington
- **Twitter:** @microsoft  
13,091,739 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=9458f51bd6ded48ad432a804f19ad736469f007787569b63827154231c315630&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fmicrosoft%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
231,632 employees on LinkedIn®
- **Ownership:** MSFT

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Company Size:** 42% Small, 37% Medium

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Windows for IoT?

**["Stable, Secure, and Enterprise-Ready IoT OS with Seamless Microsoft Integration"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/windows-for-iot-review-12264776)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— corentin T._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/windows-for-iot-review-12264776)

**["Easy to Use and Keeps Me Safe for Security Compliance."](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/windows-for-iot-review-12730849)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Bennett S._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/windows-for-iot-review-12730849)

### [Amazon FreeRTOS](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-freertos/reviews)

Amazon FreeRTOS is an operating system for microcontrollers that makes small, low-power edge devices easy to program, deploy, secure, connect, and manage.

**Average Rating:** 4.1/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 12

#### How Do G2 Users Rate Amazon FreeRTOS?

- **Quality of Support:** 7.8/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)
- **Access Controls:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind Amazon FreeRTOS?

- **Seller:** [Amazon Web Services (AWS)](https://www.g2.com/sellers/amazon-web-services-aws-3e93cc28-2e9b-4961-b258-c6ce0feec7dd)
- **Year Founded:** 2006
- **HQ Location:** Seattle, WA
- **Twitter:** @awscloud  
2,232,483 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=072881eee28a2afe24f8d1bda9f20e3e146b9fb4b214f216411ce2ed6898b31e&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Famazon-web-services%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
147,094 employees on LinkedIn®
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ: AMZN

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Company Size:** 77% Small, 15% Large

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Amazon FreeRTOS?

**["A RTOS for real embedded systems"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/amazon-freertos-review-4372772)**

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

_— Rahul S._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/amazon-freertos-review-4372772)

**["Best RTOS for any real time embedded system application"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/amazon-freertos-review-4201745)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Rahul S._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/amazon-freertos-review-4201745)

### [TinyOS](https://www.g2.com/products/tinyos/reviews)

TinyOS is an open source, BSD-licensed operating system designed for low-power wireless devices, such as those used in sensor networks, ubiquitous computing, personal area networks, smart buildings, and smart meters.

**Average Rating:** 4.0/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 24

#### How Do G2 Users Rate TinyOS?

- **Quality of Support:** 6.8/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)
- **Access Controls:** 6.9/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind TinyOS?

- **Seller:** [GitHub](https://www.g2.com/sellers/github)
- **Year Founded:** 2008
- **HQ Location:** San Francisco, CA
- **Twitter:** @github  
2,673,925 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=c06a67fd698737e0e0058dd8a6726d5e9af42b7ce88417153ae8028eed3914af&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F1418841%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
6,106 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Top Industries:** Research
- **Company Size:** 76% Small, 16% Medium

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of TinyOS?

**["Worked on improvement of dissemination protocol using Fuzzy logic and implemented on IRIS motes."](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/tinyos-review-4541606)**

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

_— Viraj P._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/tinyos-review-4541606)

**["Great OS for WSN research"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/tinyos-review-4539113)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Verified User in Research_

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/tinyos-review-4539113)

### [Nucleus RTOS](https://www.g2.com/products/nucleus-rtos/reviews)

The Nucleus RTOS is deployed in over 3 billion devices and provides a highly scalable micro-kernel based real-time operating system designed for scalability and reliability. System reliability can be improved using lightweight memory partitioning support that can function with or without MMU/MPU assisted protection in systems spanning the range of aerospace, industrial, and medical applications. Developers can make full use of multi-core solutions across the spectrum of Microcontroller and Microprocessor SoCs using SMP and AMP configurations to integrate multiple operating systems. To meet the power requirements of todays advanced designs, engineers can ease development with integrated power management in Nucleus that includes support for DVFS, deep sleep modes, and power/clock gating.

**Average Rating:** 4.2/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 19

#### How Do G2 Users Rate Nucleus RTOS?

- **Quality of Support:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)
- **Access Controls:** 8.2/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind Nucleus RTOS?

- **Seller:** [Siemens Digital Industries Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/siemens-digital-industries-software)
- **Year Founded:** 1980
- **HQ Location:** Plano, Texas
- **Twitter:** @siemenssoftware  
36,972 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=1dd3753f2277968b1f3c28e3070b9762650d5b5c8485137227b26fcbc85343e0&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F28423178%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
20,941 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Company Size:** 33% Medium, 33% Large

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Nucleus RTOS?

**["Best Choice for Medical Instrumentation."](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/nucleus-rtos-review-4539826)**

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

_— ARUN JOE C._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/nucleus-rtos-review-4539826)

**["Usage of Nucleus RTOS in safety critical systems in Avionics and Automotive industry"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/nucleus-rtos-review-4454534)**

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

_— sharmith j._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/nucleus-rtos-review-4454534)

#### What Are G2 Users Discussing About Nucleus RTOS?

- [What is nucleus programming?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-nucleus-programming)
- [What types of specific systems use VxWorks embedded real time OS?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-types-of-specific-systems-use-vxworks-embedded-real-time-os)
- [What is Deos RTOS?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-deos-rtos)

### [Wind River VxWorks](https://www.g2.com/products/wind-river-vxworks/reviews)

VxWorks®, the industry’s leading real-time operating system, delivers all the performance, determinism, reliability, safety, and security capabilities you need to meet the highest standards for running the embedded computing systems of the most important critical infrastructure.

**Average Rating:** 4.0/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 10

#### How Do G2 Users Rate Wind River VxWorks?

- **Quality of Support:** 6.2/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)
- **Access Controls:** 7.9/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind Wind River VxWorks?

- **Seller:** [Wind River](https://www.g2.com/sellers/wind-river)
- **Year Founded:** 1981
- **HQ Location:** United States
- **Twitter:** @WindRiver  
7,834 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=df38c35b12c597ede54256993ea5f80721f1d2acae1131918409a91caf12db74&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F3982%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
2,468 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Company Size:** 40% Medium, 40% Large

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Wind River VxWorks?

**["RTOS system for your real time requirements and applications"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/wind-river-vxworks-review-4901764)**

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

_— Alex S._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/wind-river-vxworks-review-4901764)

**["Wind River VxWorks - Light weight like a Wind"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/wind-river-vxworks-review-5198342)**

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

_— Verified User in Information Technology and Services_

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/wind-river-vxworks-review-5198342)

#### What Are G2 Users Discussing About Wind River VxWorks?

- [What language is VxWorks written in?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-language-is-vxworks-written-in)
- [What does Wind River Systems do?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/wind-river-vxworks-what-does-wind-river-systems-do)
- [Is VxWorks an operating system?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-vxworks-an-operating-system)
- [What are the various features of VxWorks explain?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-various-features-of-vxworks-explain)

### [Tizen](https://www.g2.com/products/tizen/reviews)

Tizen is an open-source, Linux-based operating system developed collaboratively by Samsung Electronics and the Linux Foundation. Designed to provide a consistent and reliable platform, Tizen powers a diverse range of devices, including smart TVs, monitors, digital signage, and smart home appliances. Its flexible architecture allows for seamless integration across various product categories, delivering a unified user experience. Tizen's emphasis on performance, security, and scalability makes it a robust foundation for Samsung's smart device ecosystem. Key Features and Functionality: - Cross-Device Compatibility: Tizen OS is deployed across multiple product lines, ensuring a consistent user interface and experience across different devices. - Advanced Graphics Performance: The operating system offers enhanced graphics capabilities, providing responsive and visually appealing interfaces for smart TVs and monitors. - HTML5 Support: Tizen emphasizes compatibility with HTML5, enabling developers to create rich web applications that run smoothly across Tizen-powered devices. - Open-Source Platform: Being open-source, Tizen allows for extensive customization and development, fostering innovation and adaptability to various industry requirements. Primary Value and User Solutions: Tizen addresses the need for a unified operating system that can seamlessly connect and operate across a wide array of smart devices. For device manufacturers, it offers a flexible and scalable platform that can be tailored to specific product needs, reducing development time and costs. For developers, Tizen provides a robust environment with comprehensive tools and support for building applications that can reach a broad audience across different device types. End-users benefit from a cohesive and intuitive experience, as Tizen ensures smooth interaction and interoperability between their smart devices, enhancing convenience and functionality in their daily lives.

**Average Rating:** 3.8/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 58

#### How Do G2 Users Rate Tizen?

- **Quality of Support:** 7.1/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)
- **Access Controls:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind Tizen?

- **Seller:** [Tizen Association](https://www.g2.com/sellers/tizen-association)
- **HQ Location:** N/A
- **Twitter:** @TizenAssn  
856 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=0af438a22fbd3f13ea795b47d7bd5404a81c49f52d13381add422e86667794ce&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F3568502%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
4 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Who Uses This:** Software Engineer
- **Top Industries:** Computer Software, Information Technology and Services
- **Company Size:** 46% Small, 29% Large

#### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About Tizen?

_AI-generated summary from verified user reviews_

##### Pros

- Users love the **lightweight size** of Tizen, enabling fast performance and smooth operation across various devices.
- Users value the **speed and lightweight performance** of Tizen, enhancing the experience across various devices seamlessly.
- Users value the **hardware compatibility** of Tizen, enabling seamless operation across various devices and applications.
- Users value the **open API** of Tizen, contributing to its lightweight, fast, and versatile application model.
- Users appreciate the **security features** of Tizen, ensuring safe use across smart devices with enhanced protection.

##### Cons

- Users find Tizen's **limited apps and store selection** hinders their experience compared to Android or Apple.
- Users experience **app and game limitations** on Tizen, facing slow updates and missing popular applications.
- Users face **compatibility issues** with Tizen, leading to unavailability and malfunctioning of several apps.
- Users face **installation issues** , with many apps unavailable or malfunctioning due to compatibility problems.
- Users report a **lack of support** for Tizen, including fewer apps, games, and slow, inconsistent updates.

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Tizen?

**["Easy Built-In OS and Smooth Digital Display Integration"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/tizen-review-12729321)**

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

_— Daniel L._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/tizen-review-12729321)

**["Tizen: solid security and many features, some things to improve...."](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/tizen-review-12758748)**

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

_— Fabrizio M._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/tizen-review-12758748)

#### What Are G2 Users Discussing About Tizen?

- [What can you do with Tizen smart TV?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-can-you-do-with-tizen-smart-tv)
- [How is tizen different from Android?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-is-tizen-different-from-android) - 1 comment
- [What type of software is Tizen?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-type-of-software-is-tizen)
- [What can Samsung Tizen do?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-can-samsung-tizen-do) - 1 comment

### [balenaOS](https://www.g2.com/products/balenaos/reviews)

A host OS tailored for containers, designed for reliability, proven in production.

**Average Rating:** 5.0/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 2

#### How Do G2 Users Rate balenaOS?

- **Access Controls:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind balenaOS?

- **Seller:** [balena](https://www.g2.com/sellers/balena)
- **Year Founded:** 2013
- **HQ Location:** London, GB
- **Twitter:** @balena\_io  
5,988 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=1131d351f350bac56105a0894b29062f3134bbe8075c4cb7071e88632b799489&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F5000762%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
72 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Company Size:** 50% Medium, 50% Small

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of balenaOS?

**["BalenaOS makes docker deployment painless"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/balenaos-review-7422374)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Jeffrey K._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/balenaos-review-7422374)

**["Go Containers Go Docker Go BalenaOS"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/balenaos-review-9097090)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Karsh T._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/balenaos-review-9097090)

### [Contiki](https://www.g2.com/products/contiki/reviews)

Contiki is an open source operating system for the Internet of Things. Contiki connects tiny low-cost, low-power microcontrollers to the Internet. Contiki is a powerful toolbox for building complex wireless systems.

**Average Rating:** 4.0/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 2

#### Who Is the Company Behind Contiki?

- **Seller:** [Contiki](https://www.g2.com/sellers/contiki)
- **Year Founded:** 2007
- **HQ Location:** N/A
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=7886df2ed926834e5eb248c77dcfa8e5c815d3ab1f0fe3132ced0dba45868834&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2FNo-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
1 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Company Size:** 50% Small, 50% Medium

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Contiki?

**["Past client. "](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/contiki-review-2051580)**

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

_— Verified User in Performing Arts_

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/contiki-review-2051580)

**["Contiki operating System is the best for IoT devices communication"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/contiki-review-4768572)**

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

_— Verified User in Higher Education_

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/contiki-review-4768572)

#### What Are G2 Users Discussing About Contiki?

- [What is Contiki simulator?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-contiki-simulator)
- [How does Contiki OS work?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-does-contiki-os-work)
- [What are the main functions of Contiki Contiki Ng as OS for IoT?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-main-functions-of-contiki-contiki-ng-as-os-for-iot)

### [Nano-RK](https://www.g2.com/products/nano-rk/reviews)

Nano-RK is a fully preemptive reservation-based real-time operating system (RTOS) from Carnegie Mellon University with multi-hop networking support for use in wireless sensor networks. Nano-RK currently runs on the FireFly Sensor Networking Platform as well as the MicaZ motes. It includes a light-weight embedded resource kernel (RK) with rich functionality and timing support using less than 2KB of RAM and 18KB of ROM. Nano-RK supports fixed-priority preemptive multitasking for ensuring that task deadlines are met, along with support for CPU, network, as well as, sensor and actuator reservations. Tasks can specify their resource demands and the operating system provides timely, guaranteed and controlled access to CPU cycles and network packets. Together these resources form virtual energy reservations that allows the OS to enforce system and task level energy budgets.

**Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 2

#### How Do G2 Users Rate Nano-RK?

- **Quality of Support:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)
- **Access Controls:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind Nano-RK?

- **Seller:** [Redmine](https://www.g2.com/sellers/redmine-fccd21cd-90ed-4e7e-8e3a-b23df79e6e99)
- **Year Founded:** 2010
- **HQ Location:** N/A
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=7886df2ed926834e5eb248c77dcfa8e5c815d3ab1f0fe3132ced0dba45868834&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2FNo-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
1 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Company Size:** 100% Large

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Nano-RK?

**["Collect reliable sensor data and precisely control actuators"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/nano-rk-review-10222935)**

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

_— Edwin N._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/nano-rk-review-10222935)

**["Resource reservation and scheduling system"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/nano-rk-review-10240305)**

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

_— ABDULLAH T._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/nano-rk-review-10240305)

### [OrbiWAN-Professional](https://www.g2.com/products/orbiwan-professional/reviews)

OrbiWAN™, OrbiWise' Carrier-grade LoRaWAN® Network Server (LNS), is broadly used by some of the largest public networks in the world and by many private networks alike. OrbiWAN™ supports all features of the LoRaWAN® standard and all commercial LoRaWAN® gateways. Its market success is built on the reliability and scalability of its platform. The OrbiWAN-Professional and OrbiWAN-Enterprise editions are now available in SaaS mode via AWS Marketplace.

**Average Rating:** 5.0/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 2

#### How Do G2 Users Rate OrbiWAN-Professional?

- **Quality of Support:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)
- **Access Controls:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind OrbiWAN-Professional?

- **Seller:** [OrbiWise SA](https://www.g2.com/sellers/orbiwise-sa)
- **Year Founded:** 2014
- **HQ Location:** Plan-les-Ouates, CH
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=fe3260cb50e5f1eace685a930b65b9cf8c27b033bc3dafbbec1be84c189f8e34&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Forbiwise%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
9 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Company Size:** 50% Small, 50% Large

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of OrbiWAN-Professional?

**["Reliable, works out of the box"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/orbiwan-professional-review-8363764)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Seth J._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/orbiwan-professional-review-8363764)

**["Wonderful"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/orbiwan-professional-review-10358150)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Pegah S._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/orbiwan-professional-review-10358150)

### [Android OS by emteria](https://www.g2.com/products/android-os-by-emteria/reviews)

emteria is the solution for all your Android™ OS customization and maintenance needs. Designed as a foundation for building modern customer facing products, emteria provides product builders with tools for creating and updating their custom Android OS! Combine the advantages of Android with extended industrial settings and additional enterprise features provided by emteria. emteria's built-in settings and features include Kiosk mode, remote device access (MDM), extended configuration management, and more. To keep your custom Android ROM updated and secure, a reliable cloud infrastructure gives you full control to manage your updates. Build, deliver and install Over-the-Air firmware updates to all your Android products. emteria GmbH, headquartered in Aachen, Germany, supports global players like CGS Inc., Electrolux, and SOCAR and highly sophisticated niche providers like Cribmaster Inc, SIP Car Parks, or Pfeiffer Vacuum. We provide thousands of devices with a modern Android-based operating system to realize professional and industrial use cases. Create your own Android OS 💚 - one solution to build, customize & manage all Android products - OTA updates & extended LTS to keep your products running.

**Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 11

#### How Do G2 Users Rate Android OS by emteria?

- **Quality of Support:** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)
- **Access Controls:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind Android OS by emteria?

- **Seller:** [emteria](https://www.g2.com/sellers/emteria)
- **Year Founded:** 2017
- **HQ Location:** Aachen, NRW
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=6ecb5c7b58e5c5ecfd365b878464025e908650bb58e19ea35386c85129100f7e&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F18162962&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
9 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Company Size:** 46% Small, 31% Large

#### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About Android OS by emteria?

_AI-generated summary from verified user reviews_

##### Pros

- Users value the **customizability** of emteria's Android OS, making it ideal for industrial and embedded applications.
- Users value the **customizable version** of Android OS by emteria, perfect for industrial and embedded applications.
- Users commend the **ease of use** of emteria's Android OS, finding it ideal for industrial applications.
- Users appreciate the **stability** of emteria's Android OS, making it ideal for industrial and embedded applications.
- Users appreciate the **stability** of emteria's Android OS, which is ideal for industrial and embedded applications.

##### Cons

- Users find the **lack of detailed customization documentation** frustrating, especially for unique hardware development scenarios.
- Users find the **limited customization** options restrictive, especially for developers needing detailed documentation for unique hardware setups.
- Users find the **poor documentation** limiting for advanced customization, particularly for developers with unique hardware.

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Android OS by emteria?

**["Build Android OS versions tailored to specific needs"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/android-os-by-emteria-review-10020245)**

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

_— Kawa O._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/android-os-by-emteria-review-10020245)

**["Reliable and flexible android OS for Embedded Devices"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/android-os-by-emteria-review-11753446)**

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

_— Verified User in Information Technology and Services_

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/android-os-by-emteria-review-11753446)

#### What Are G2 Users Discussing About Android OS by emteria?

- [What is emteria used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-emteria-used-for)

### [Apache Mynewt](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-mynewt/reviews)

Apache Mynewt is a modular real-time operating system for connected Internet of things devices that must operate for long times under power, memory, and storage constraints.

**Average Rating:** 4.0/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 1

#### How Do G2 Users Rate Apache Mynewt?

- **Quality of Support:** 5.0/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind Apache Mynewt?

- **Seller:** [The Apache Software Foundation](https://www.g2.com/sellers/the-apache-software-foundation)
- **Year Founded:** 1999
- **HQ Location:** Wakefield, MA
- **Twitter:** @TheASF  
66,168 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=b8484c4bb31e87bc0ba9e683d86f2af14309539343a063507c88bcdcff98434d&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F215982%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
2,470 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Company Size:** 100% Medium

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Apache Mynewt?

**["good experience using software "](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/apache-mynewt-review-741872)**

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

_— Verified User in Medical Devices_

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/apache-mynewt-review-741872)

#### What Are G2 Users Discussing About Apache Mynewt?

- [What is Apache Mynewt used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-apache-mynewt-used-for)

### [FortiOS-Carrier](https://www.g2.com/products/fortios-carrier/reviews)

FortiOS-Carrier is a specialized extension of Fortinet's FortiOS operating system, designed to meet the unique security requirements of mobile carriers. It provides comprehensive protection for carrier networks, ensuring secure and reliable delivery of mobile services. Key Features and Functionality: - GTP Inspection and Firewalling: Monitors and controls GPRS Tunneling Protocol (GTP traffic to prevent malicious activities and ensure network integrity. - Diameter and SCTP Security: Safeguards signaling protocols like Diameter and Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP against attacks, maintaining the reliability of signaling networks. - Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT: Manages IPv4 address exhaustion by translating private IP addresses to public ones, facilitating seamless connectivity for a large number of subscribers. - High Availability and Scalability: Supports carrier-grade reliability with features like stateful failover and load balancing, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery. Primary Value and Problem Solved: FortiOS-Carrier addresses the critical need for robust security in mobile carrier networks, protecting against evolving threats targeting signaling protocols and data traffic. By integrating advanced security features tailored for carrier environments, it ensures the safe and efficient delivery of mobile services, enhances network performance, and maintains customer trust.

**Average Rating:** 3.5/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 1

#### Who Is the Company Behind FortiOS-Carrier?

- **Seller:** [Fortinet](https://www.g2.com/sellers/fortinet)
- **Year Founded:** 2000
- **HQ Location:** Sunnyvale, CA
- **Twitter:** @Fortinet  
151,422 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=3d5f38bd4746b6501ce1c8f305fccf1b4a457b722a14dc3b74f43b2d5156111e&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F6460%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
16,279 employees on LinkedIn®
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ: FTNT

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Company Size:** 50% Small, 50% Medium

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of FortiOS-Carrier?

**["FortiOS Review from my end"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/fortios-carrier-review-8193617)**

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

_— Dhananjay T._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/fortios-carrier-review-8193617)

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 ![Bijou Barry](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Bijou Barry")
BB

Researched and written by [Bijou Barry](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/bijou-barry)

Updated October 3, 2024

IoT operating systems allow users to perform the basic functions of a computer within an internet-connected device. IoT operating systems are embedded within IoT devices and connect to a greater network of devices. These operating systems provide similar functionality to that of a computer by delivering processing capacity for memory and data storage purposes. These systems can run and process all software run on the device. IoT operating systems connect to [IoT device management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-device-management).

To qualify for inclusion in the IoT Operating Systems category, a product must:

- Provide the ability to embed the system within an internet-connected device
- Manage the software run on the device
- Process and store memory and data

Show More

* * *

## How Do You Choose the Right IoT Operating Systems?

### What You Should Know About IoT Operating Systems

### What are IoT Operating Systems?

When an internet of things (IoT) sensor or microcontroller is embedded into a physical object, that piece of hardware is effectively converted into an internet-ready computer, capable of connecting to a local network and running code-based applications. Just as smartphones and tablets have been normalized as "computers" in their own right, so are these embedded devices, from home appliances (e.g., smart fridges and thermostats) to enterprise assets (e.g., smart factory equipment). IoT operating systems allow developers and business teams to engage with these embedded objects, program their functionalities, and track the data they produce as part of IoT applications, with processing capabilities at the scale necessary for continuous, stable performance. Just as standard [operating systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/operating-system) like Linux, iOS, and Windows help users perform functions and manage software on a computer, IoT operating systems allow users to perform computer functions within connected devices.

IoT operating systems may be referred to in a number of ways, including IoT OS, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and embedded operating systems (embedded OS). Many of the platforms in this category are offered as open source, allowing any user to review the code and modify it as needed for the IoT projects. To realize the full benefits of smart technology, embedded systems require an IoT OS for processing applications, storing data, and staying protected against unwanted access. Due to the nature of the IoT space, vendors constantly update their products to be in line with the latest capabilities, security threats, and hardware integrations. Developers can manage these software and driver updates along with other critical information on a device’s RTOS, manually executing software or reconfiguring device settings whenever necessary. Users can also leverage these platforms to schedule specific workflows on individual devices, such as automated processes or the powering down of certain features as needed to save battery power.

Key Benefits of IoT Operating Systems

- Connect sensor-embedded devices to cloud services, edge devices, or in-use IoT applications
- Manage software and data on individual IoT devices
- Modify programming of each asset for optimal use in an IoT architecture
- Ensure consistent connections and rapid process execution with minimal delay or downtime
- Conserve power and resource utilization across IoT hardware

### Why Use IoT Operating Systems?

Increasingly, businesses across the spectrum of industries are making IoT strategies a priority. Connected devices and objects can optimize operations as well as the customer experience in ways not previously possible. With that being said, these initiatives are no small undertaking, and may require a substantial investment of resources to embed physical assets with the necessary hardware, design applications on [IoT platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-platforms) or development tools, and oversee device processes once a project is deployed. IoT operating systems are an essential step in this journey, giving developers access and control over individual devices and helping to execute the intended applications for each asset or system of devices. If your business is considering an IoT project to connect distributed objects, enable new capabilities, and uncover actionable data across the operation, an IoT OS is a critical tool for completing this digital transformation.

A core capability of an IoT OS is the rapid execution of a task in response to triggers or specific data that is generated by the embedded sensor or shared from another device on the network. These software platforms are often referred to as real-time operating systems or RTOS because of this reliable, real-time processing with minimal buffer delays. These platforms are built for low resource utilization, with constraints related to size, memory, power, and processing capacity. By investing in the right IoT OS, you can set up your IoT devices for success in whatever scenario you deploy them. Because of the open-source nature of many of these tools, your team can tweak these systems per the demands of your particular IoT framework and assets. The active development community surrounding IoT also empowers users to find custom code that is created by others to help with a wide variety of use cases, as well as sharing of your own custom code across the community. IoT operating systems help users bridge the gap between embedding physical objects with intelligent sensors and bringing them to life in fully realized sensor networks.

### Who Uses IoT Operating Systems?

The IoT products in this category are configured and managed with source code, and are compatible with different programming languages (for example, C and C++), depending on the solution. As such, experienced developers are the ideal users for these products. A number of IoT OS solutions are open source, allowing developers to view the complete source code and modify it as necessary for its applications within their business, whether for implementing security measures or developing unique data and process flows. Users may be able to find, utilize, and share custom code on vendor-supported community forums. Wherever an IoT project is deployed, it serves to benefit employees and clients across the operation, while delivering actionable insights that can impact overall business strategy and processes. With that being said, a company’s developers—whether in dedicated IoT roles or general development teams—will be most directly engaging with the IoT OS products that are deployed across connected fleets of devices.

### IoT Operating Systems Features

Closed-source or open-source RTOS are made available with various features and specifications that are important for businesses to consider. These may include connectivity, processing, memory, and security features, as well as limitations. The following are some primary features to consider during research.

**Integrated development environment (IDE) —** IoT operating systems may provide an integrated development environment or IDE on which developers can modify source code and build custom code for deploying their OS as needed across connected devices. These interfaces may be available online or as downloadable software tools. Depending on the solution, it will offer support for one or more modern programming languages (C++, Rust, Python, etc.). In some cases, these solutions will allow users to export projects into other IDEs for continued development.

**Device and component support —** For an IoT OS to work in a programmer’s intended environment, it must offer compatibility with the various hardware assets in the development stack as well as the connected device architecture. These can include development boards, sensors, and microcontrollers, as well as the various embedded architectures that may be at use in electronic products. The solutions in this category typically offer hardware support for a range of common assets being used in IoT projects; however, specific capabilities vary from platform to platform.

**Developer community —** A number of the IoT OS vendors featured in this category provide access to an online community where users can exchange custom source code and discuss any experience, issues, or advice related to these applications. Vendors themselves may contribute to the discussions in these developer communities, with insights into user feedback, assistance with troubleshooting, or announcements about new product features or versions. These communities are especially common for those solutions that are free and open source. In situations where an online community is not available, these vendors may offer regularly updated user guides and product documentation to provide assistance with using their IoT OS solutions.

### Software and Services Related to IoT Operating Systems

When planning an IoT project, it is important to consider the various solutions that can play a role in a successful launch and the continuous tasks related to IoT management. The following solutions can help with the primary challenges of an IoT initiative, and go hand in hand with IoT operating system technology in unlocking the potential of smart technology.

[**IoT development tools**](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-development-tools) **—** IoT development tools enable the programming of custom IoT applications or application features for use across wireless sensor networks and devices. These solutions are utilized by development specialists to transform distributed assets into a fully operational fleet that gathers data and performs actions in harmony with each other, based on the specific needs of the business managing the project. Solutions in the [IoT platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-platforms) category allow for the creation of basic systems and applications through low-code or no-code interfaces, so that users of any background can deploy a fleet of IoT devices for their business or customers. IoT development tools, on the other hand, are designed for use by software programmers and are compatible with various coding languages. These products enable a greater range of IoT capabilities, and are the necessary solutions for designing complex applications or features. Developers can utilize these tools alongside IoT operating systems to build the best possible IoT solution for their business without limitations.

[**IoT device management Software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-device-management) **—** Once a fleet of smart devices is off and running, IoT device management software provides a real-time registry of devices for convenient tracking and analysis. These solutions can display basic identifying information about each and every device on the network, along with its operational status and basic data related to its performance and usage. In some cases, businesses can use these solutions to keep tabs on device software and deploy over-the-air (OTA) patches or updates. IoT device managers may also provide alerts about device issues, such as downtime or dangerous conditions, so that system managers can proactively address these issues before they cause significant problems. Depending on the size and scope of your IoT initiative, it may entail hundreds or even thousands of distributed assets. These solutions offer a bird’s-eye-view of these assets wherever they are located, so teams can quickly locate devices and ensure they are in good health and performing as intended.

[**IoT security software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-security) **—** The importance of thorough security measures cannot be overstated when it comes to connected assets, whether the project is for use in industrial IoT, smart retail, or anywhere in between. Adding internet connectivity to physical assets opens them to the vulnerabilities of other connected endpoints, such as unwanted access, data theft, and malware. IoT security software is designed to reinforce these objects and their wireless sensors against potential threats, with features such as vulnerability assessments, data encryption, and incident response. Because of the advanced technology at use in these devices and the unique challenges involved, the IoT security market is evolving quickly to meet these demands. A number of broader IoT solutions include some components of IoT security; in other cases, proper security measures for a company's IoT devices and networks may require a standalone solution.

To help address the many security issues in IoT technology, there are a fast-growing number of services providers that offer assistance with protecting IoT devices and responding to issues as they arise. If a business desires to outsource these efforts, it can enlist the help of one of these [IoT secuity services providers](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-security-services). Even if a team decides to implement an in-house security software tool, working with these specialists can help ensure comprehensive protection and remediation if necessary. Additionally, when preparing to launch connected devices, an [IoT testing services provider](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-testing-services) can perform audits of devices, gateways, and applications to ensure they will function as intended in various conditions and are adequately protected from cyberthreats.

[**Internet of things (IoT) developers**](https://www.g2.com/categories/internet-of-things-iot-developers) **—** There are countless scenarios where an in-house team does not have the expertise or resources required for designing and deploying a connected systems architecture or the applications that power it. That should not stop these businesses from joining the fray of smart technology users, and discovering the benefits of an IoT service for its workforce, partners, and customers. IoT developers offer any range of services related to the design of these applications and creation of smart devices for use in the business context, working with a company's decision-makers and development teams to deliver tailored solutions.

[IoT implemenation services](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-implementation-services) can also benefit companies that are proactively seeking assistance with configuring, deploying, and troubleshooting their projects. These services providers may also assist with embedding physical assets with the necessary hardware so they may join an IoT network and any IoT applications being used across the operation.

[**Managed IoT services**](https://www.g2.com/categories/managed-iot-services) **—** Managed IoT services take project outsourcing a step further, by handling some combination of the tasks involved with an ongoing IoT project. These capabilities may include fleet monitoring, data collection and analysis, and deploying device software updates when necessary. In some cases, these providers may also assist with IoT device security services. An IoT project is far from over when a fleet is deployed and performing the functions of an IoT application, and will require a continuous effort to draw insights from the devices and optimize their performance within an intelligent framework. A managed IoT services provider can offload these responsibilities from an in-house team and deliver results as needed, providing peace of mind and allowing teams to focus on other tasks.