Platform Comparison
Comparing IoT Platforms: Where Trackpac Fits
There's no shortage of IoT platforms out there. From the hyperscaler offerings (AWS, Azure) to specialised platforms like Particle and ThingWorx, choosing the right one depends entirely on what you're trying to achieve.
We built Trackpac because we saw a gap: businesses wanting to track assets and monitor environments without needing a dedicated IoT team. Here's an honest look at how we compare.
The Landscape
We looked at five platforms commonly considered for asset tracking and sensor monitoring. Each has its strengths depending on your scale and technical resources.
| Platform | Pricing Model | Best For | Setup Effort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trackpac | £15/device/year flat | SMBs, quick deployment | Minutes |
| AWS IoT Core | Per-message pricing | Large scale, custom builds | Hours-Days |
| Azure IoT Hub | Tier-based + data costs | Microsoft ecosystem | Hours-Days |
| ThingWorx | Enterprise quotes | Industrial IoT, manufacturing | Weeks |
| Particle | Per-device monthly | Cellular IoT, their hardware | Hours |
Where We Focus
We're not trying to compete with AWS or Azure on infrastructure flexibility. Those platforms let you build anything, which is powerful but means you're also responsible for building everything.
Trackpac is opinionated. We focus on LoRaWAN sensors for asset tracking, temperature monitoring, and environmental sensing. That narrow focus means we can offer:
Predictable pricing
No surprises. £15 per device per year, regardless of how often they report. Enterprise plans available for larger deployments.
Pre-built device support
We've already integrated parsers for popular LoRaWAN sensors. Add your device, and it just works. No custom development needed.
Fast setup
No infrastructure to provision. Sign up, add your device EUI, and start receiving data. Most people are live in under 30 minutes.
Alerting built-in
Temperature thresholds, geofences, motion detection - configure alerts in the UI and receive them via email, SMS, or webhook.
Real Cost Comparison
IoT platform pricing can be confusing. Per-message fees, data egress charges, and tier limitations make it hard to predict costs. Here's a rough comparison for a 100-device deployment over 12 months:
Enterprise Platforms
- AWS IoT Core~£3,000-4,000/yr
- Azure IoT Hub~£1,200+/yr
- ThingWorx£10k+ /yr
- Particle~£3,500/yr
* Estimates vary based on message volume, data storage, and features used.
Trackpac
- ✓ 100 devices × £15 each
- ✓ Unlimited messages
- ✓ Alerts included
- ✓ No data egress fees
- ✓ UK-based support
Common Questions
What makes Trackpac different?↓
We focus specifically on LoRaWAN with a simplified setup process. Unlike enterprise platforms that require DevOps expertise, you can connect a sensor and start seeing data in minutes. Our pricing is also straightforward - no per-message fees or complex tiers.
How does the pricing actually work?↓
£15 per device per year. That's it. No message limits, no data caps, no hidden fees. For larger deployments or custom requirements, we offer enterprise pricing - just get in touch.
Can I integrate with my existing systems?↓
Yes - we offer REST APIs and webhook integrations to push data to your existing systems. Many customers connect Trackpac to their ERP, building management systems, or custom dashboards.
Which sensors do you support?↓
Any LoRaWAN-compliant device. We have pre-built integrations for popular sensors from RAK, Dragino, Milesight, Digital Matter, and others. For custom or less common devices, our team can help you get them connected.
How long does setup take?↓
Most users are up and running within 30 minutes. Create an account, add your device credentials, and you'll start seeing data. No infrastructure to provision or complex configuration required.