List of the Top 12 IoT Operating Systems for Linux 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.

Raspberry Pi Imager provides an efficient and user-friendly way to install Raspberry Pi OS and a selection of other operating systems onto a microSD card, preparing it for use with your Raspberry Pi device. To get a clear sense of the installation steps, take a look at our concise video tutorial that lasts just 45 seconds. Start by downloading and installing Raspberry Pi Imager on a computer that has an SD card reader. After that, insert the microSD card that you plan to use for your Raspberry Pi into the reader and open Raspberry Pi Imager. Users have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of operating systems offered by both Raspberry Pi and various external sources, making it easy to download and install them as necessary. This utility simplifies the entire setup process, thereby improving your overall experience with Raspberry Pi. By utilizing Raspberry Pi Imager, even beginners can seamlessly transition into the world of Raspberry Pi without any complications.

To create your initial user on an Ubuntu Core system, an Ubuntu SSO account is required. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for flashing Ubuntu Core onto Raspberry Pi models 2, 3, 4, or CM3. Upon completing these steps, your board will be fully set up for either production deployment or for testing various snaps. After the installation process is finalized, you'll be all set to install snaps using the snap command. The Snap Store contains a wide array of high-quality Linux applications formatted as snaps, allowing you to enhance the functionality of your Ubuntu device while starting your journey into secure IoT. With this configuration in place, you’ll have ample opportunities to explore a multitude of applications specifically designed to meet your individual requirements and interests. This setup not only opens doors for personal exploration but also fosters innovation in how you utilize your devices.

OpenWrt is a flexible GNU/Linux distribution crafted specifically for embedded devices, with a particular focus on wireless routers. Unlike many other router firmware options, OpenWrt is built from scratch to deliver a fully customizable operating system tailored for embedded environments. This approach guarantees that users can utilize all critical functionalities without the burden of excess features, as it operates on a contemporary Linux kernel. Instead of providing a static firmware solution, OpenWrt offers a completely writable filesystem along with optional package management capabilities. This adaptability frees users from constraints set by manufacturers concerning application selections and settings, thereby enabling personalized adjustments to satisfy unique application requirements. Additionally, for developers, OpenWrt presents a powerful platform that allows for the development of applications without the need to construct an entire firmware image or distribution around them, which streamlines the development workflow. Consequently, OpenWrt stands out as an attractive option for both end-users who desire customization and developers looking for ease of use. Its commitment to flexibility and user control makes it a compelling choice in the realm of embedded operating systems.

Developers find that their productivity levels soar when working with Ubuntu rather than with custom embedded Linux systems. The adoption of a unified platform enables organizations to minimize expenses, as licensing fees drop significantly, updates undergo more comprehensive testing, and the burden of maintenance is shared among teams. Additionally, the familiarity and widespread usage of Ubuntu enhance continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) processes, ensuring access to advanced tools, rapid updates, and dependable kernels. In this regard, it is not Linux itself that provides a competitive advantage; rather, the use of pre-configured boards allows development teams to focus on crafting software that closely aligns with their specific goals. Managing a recognized environment and platform is generally more straightforward and cost-efficient than maintaining a niche operating system. Therefore, it is no surprise that a greater number of Linux developers gravitate towards Ubuntu, fostering a more vibrant and varied talent pool. By leveraging this extensive reservoir of talent, organizations can reap the benefits of Ubuntu's distinct advantages across multiple performance metrics. Ultimately, productivity flourishes on the foundation of reuse, with developers gaining empowerment through access to a vast array of available packages. This approach not only simplifies workflows but also expedites project timelines, resulting in improved overall outcomes, as teams can dedicate more time to innovation and less to troubleshooting. As a result, the cycle of development becomes increasingly efficient, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

Setting up TorizonCore is a breeze with the Toradex Easy Installer, requiring just a single click. The user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) along with Debian containers that incorporate the APT Package Manager ensures a smooth and rapid initiation. Furthermore, an expanding selection of development tools, such as the Flash Analytics tool, supports the swift creation of reliable products. TorizonCore is crafted using the Yocto Project and is built on the Toradex Embedded Linux BSP, offering open-source flexibility for extensive customization. Additionally, it integrates effortlessly with Visual Studio 2019, allowing developers to work on a Windows development PC while leveraging the powerful Linux ecosystem. While Toradex still provides support for Windows Embedded Compact / WinCE, moving to Torizon with Visual Studio presents an enticing opportunity for developers looking to tap into the benefits of Linux. This synergy not only boosts productivity but also fosters innovation and creativity in software development, paving the way for a brighter future in technology.

At the heart of every embedded operating system is a kernel, which is essential for managing task scheduling and multitasking to meet the timing requirements of your application code, even as you continuously update and enhance this code with new features. In addition to its kernel, Micrium OS provides an array of additional modules that cater to the specific needs of your project. Notably, Micrium OS is fully free for use on Silicon Labs EFM32 and EFR32 devices, enabling you to seamlessly integrate Micrium’s high-quality components into your projects without any licensing fees. This open access fosters a culture of innovation and experimentation, allowing developers the freedom to concentrate on building reliable applications without the burden of financial limitations. Moreover, the comprehensive suite of tools offered by Micrium OS can significantly streamline the development process, empowering developers to bring their ideas to life more efficiently.

This system encompasses a wide array of devices, from fundamental embedded environmental sensors and LED wearables to sophisticated embedded controllers, smartwatches, and IoT wireless applications, featuring a configurable architecture that includes stack-overflow protection, permission tracking for kernel objects and device drivers, and enhanced thread isolation through thread-level memory protection across various architectures such as x86, ARC, and ARM, along with distinct userspace and memory domains. Additionally, for systems that do not have a Memory Management Unit (MMU) or Memory Protection Unit (MPU) and those constrained by limited memory, it facilitates the combination of application-specific code with a customized kernel to create a monolithic image that can be seamlessly loaded and executed on the hardware. Within this framework, both the application and kernel code function within a single address space, promoting efficient resource management and performance enhancements. Consequently, this architecture is adept at enabling even the most resource-limited environments to effectively utilize advanced applications and sophisticated functionalities, thereby broadening the scope of what can be achieved in embedded systems.

Wind River's eLxr Pro represents a powerful, enterprise-level Linux platform designed for an extensive array of applications that span from the cloud to edge computing, adept at managing essential tasks including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision. Built upon the open-source eLxr framework, this solution not only provides flexible, long-term support but also includes ongoing security updates and monitoring. It ensures seamless compatibility with a spectrum of hardware accelerators while adhering to vital industry compliance requirements. Furthermore, eLxr Pro boosts organizational efficiency through tailored consulting services and optimizations, empowering businesses to scale their edge computing operations effectively while managing costs, maintaining security, and maximizing resource efficiency. By integrating these advanced features, eLxr Pro equips enterprises with the tools necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital environment, fostering innovation and operational excellence. Ultimately, its comprehensive support allows organizations to focus on their core objectives while leveraging technology to drive growth.