List of the Top 5 Free IoT Operating Systems in 2025

Created through a partnership with leading chip manufacturers over a period of 15 years, FreeRTOS is currently downloaded roughly every 170 seconds and is recognized as a premier real-time operating system (RTOS) designed specifically for microcontrollers and small microprocessors. It is freely accessible under the MIT open source license and features a core kernel along with a growing suite of IoT libraries that serve various sectors. Emphasizing reliability and ease of use, FreeRTOS has garnered a reputation for its robust performance, lightweight design, and broad compatibility with numerous devices, making it the preferred choice for microcontroller and small microprocessor solutions among major global companies. Users benefit from a variety of pre-configured demos and IoT reference integrations, which facilitate straightforward project setups, thus allowing for rapid downloading, compiling, and quicker market entry. This efficient approach not only streamlines development but also supports faster innovation cycles. Additionally, the ecosystem of partners provides a wide array of options, bridging community-driven initiatives with professional support, ensuring users have the vital resources necessary for their success. As the landscape of technology evolves, FreeRTOS is dedicated to continually adapting and enhancing its features to address the shifting needs of the industry, proving its resilience and relevance in a dynamic environment. Moreover, its ongoing commitment to innovation positions it as a key player in the future of real-time operating systems.

Arm Mbed OS is a freely available operating system specifically designed for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, equipping developers with the essential resources to create advanced IoT devices. This powerful operating system is optimized for smart and connected products that utilize Arm Cortex-M architecture, providing features like machine learning capabilities, secure connectivity options, an RTOS kernel, and drivers for a range of sensors and I/O devices. Tailored for the needs of the Internet of Things, Arm Mbed OS encompasses functionalities in connectivity, machine learning, networking, and security, along with an extensive library of software, development boards, tutorials, and real-world examples. It encourages collaboration within a broad ecosystem, supporting over 70 partners across various sectors, including silicon manufacturers, module developers, cloud service providers, and OEMs, thus broadening the options available for developers. By utilizing the Mbed OS API, developers can produce clean, portable, and easy-to-manage application code while also taking advantage of enhanced security, communication, and machine learning features. This integrated solution not only simplifies the development process but also significantly reduces costs, shortens development time, and mitigates risks. Moreover, Mbed OS facilitates innovation by allowing developers to quickly prototype and confidently deploy IoT solutions, ultimately driving technological advancement in the field. The comprehensive support provided by the Mbed community further enriches the development experience, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced developers alike.

Contiki-NG is an open-source operating system tailored for the emerging landscape of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, prioritizing dependable and secure low-power communication alongside standard protocols such as IPv6/6LoWPAN, 6TiSCH, RPL, and CoAP. The platform is supported by thorough documentation, practical tutorials, a defined roadmap, and a well-organized development process that encourages community contributions. By default, the source code for Contiki-NG is released under the 3-clause BSD license, allowing users the freedom to utilize and distribute the code in both binary and source formats, as long as the copyright notice is maintained. This licensing framework cultivates a collaborative atmosphere that inspires innovation and active participation in IoT advancements. Furthermore, Contiki-NG seeks to create a dynamic ecosystem for both developers and users, ensuring they have the tools needed to enhance and expand the existing frameworks. Ultimately, this commitment to community and collaboration positions Contiki-NG as a pivotal resource in the evolution of IoT technologies.

Torizon significantly boosts developer productivity and streamlines the development of easily maintainable products. It offers built-in over-the-air updates and device monitoring features, which allow for earlier product launches, effective field bug fixes, the implementation of new functionalities, and faster problem identification. By utilizing software containerization, Torizon not only simplifies the maintenance process but also provides an additional layer of robustness. Continuous validation on Toradex System on Modules (SoMs) allows developers to focus solely on their applications, free from concerns about the underlying operating system. Furthermore, Torizon promotes an agile and iterative approach to development, enabling teams to swiftly adapt to evolving requirements. Its integrated remote update capabilities facilitate effortless software deployments, while real-time device monitoring delivers instant insights into performance metrics and potential issues, thereby enhancing the overall dependability of products. With this powerful combination of features, developers are equipped to drive innovation and meet market demands with greater efficiency and effectiveness. Ultimately, Torizon positions teams to not only keep pace with change but also to lead it.

RT-Thread, which stands for Real Time-Thread, is a multi-threaded operating system specifically built for embedded real-time applications. This operating system is designed to facilitate multi-tasking, enabling various tasks to operate concurrently. While a single processor core can only handle one task at a time, RT-Thread manages to execute all tasks swiftly and alternates between them based on their priority, which gives users the perception that tasks are running simultaneously. Primarily developed in the C programming language, RT-Thread is straightforward to comprehend and transfer to different environments. It employs object-oriented programming techniques in the design of real-time systems, leading to code that is not only elegant and structured but also modular and highly customizable. RT-Thread is available in various editions. The NANO version features a compact kernel that requires merely 3KB of flash memory and 1.2KB of RAM, making it suitable for devices with limited resources. Additionally, for more capable IoT devices, RT-Thread supports an online software package management tool in conjunction with system configuration utilities, facilitating a user-friendly and rapid modular design process. This versatility allows developers to easily adapt the system to meet their specific project needs.