In this guide, we’ve compiled the Top 10 Open-Source IoT Projects you must explore in 2026. Each project includes detailed explanation, covering why it’s important, what you’ll learn, core architecture, and how it can help you build your own IoT products. From Home Assistant to ThingsBoard, from Node-RED to EdgeX Foundry, these projects will give you everything you need to master IoT—practically, effectively, and without spending money on proprietary tools.

1. Home Assistant – Complete Smart Home Automation Platform

GitHub: https://github.com/home-assistant/core (~83.1k stars, ~36.1k forks)

Why This Is Great for Learning

Home Assistant is the largest and most active open-source IoT ecosystem, with integrations for over 2,500 devices and services. It's fully local-first, emphasizing privacy and customization.

What You’ll Learn

  • MQTT integration and device discovery (Zeroconf/mDNS)
  • YAML-based automation, scripting, and blueprints
  • Building custom integrations and add-ons
  • Local vs. cloud control trade-offs

Architecture

  • Python backend with asynchronous event-driven design
  • WebSocket + REST API for frontend communication
  • Built-in MQTT broker support
  • Add-on system using Docker for extensions (e.g., databases, proxies)

Additional Details

Latest release: 2025.12.1 (monthly updates with bug fixes and new integrations). Extremely active community with thousands of contributors. Runs on Raspberry Pi, NAS, or Docker. Ideal starting point for real-world smart home projects.

2. OpenHAB – Vendor-Neutral IoT Gateway

GitHub: https://github.com/openhab/openhab-core (core repo; add-ons ~2k stars)

What You’ll Learn

  • Designing modular, extensible IoT systems
  • Powerful rule engine for complex automations
  • Developing "bindings" (device drivers) in Java

Use Case

Excellent for understanding IoT interoperability across protocols (Z-Wave, Zigbee, KNX, etc.).

Additional Details

Latest major release: openHAB 5.0 (with ongoing milestones toward 5.1). Supports over 400 bindings. Java-based, runs on any OS. Strong focus on vendor neutrality and long-term stability.

3. ThingsBoard – Enterprise IoT Platform (Dashboard + Device Management)

GitHub: https://github.com/thingsboard/thingsboard (~20.6k stars, ~6k forks)

Why You Should Learn This

ThingsBoard demonstrates commercial-grade IoT cloud architecture, scalable to millions of devices.

Features

  • Device provisioning and management
  • Over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates
  • Advanced data processing rules and alarms
  • Highly customizable dynamic dashboards
  • Edge computing support via gateways

Tech Stack

Java backend, PostgreSQL/Cassandra, Kafka for streaming, supports MQTT, CoAP, HTTP.

Additional Details

Latest release: v4.2.1 (frequent updates with AI enhancements). Used in production for telemetry, smart metering, and fleet tracking. Great for learning scalable, multi-tenant IoT systems.

4. Node-RED – Visual IoT Workflow Builder

GitHub: https://github.com/node-red/node-red (~22.4k stars, ~3.8k forks)

What You’ll Learn

  • Drag-and-drop flow-based programming for IoT automation
  • Creating custom nodes in JavaScript
  • Building real-time event-driven pipelines

Real Benefits

Prototype dashboards and API-to-hardware connections in minutes. Integrates seamlessly with MQTT, HTTP, and hardware like Raspberry Pi.

Additional Details

Latest beta: 5.0.0 (major overhaul in progress). Backed by the OpenJS Foundation. Thousands of community nodes available. Perfect for rapid prototyping without heavy coding.

5. ESPHome – Zero-Code Firmware Generator

GitHub: https://github.com/esphome/esphome (~10.2k stars, ~4.8k forks)

What You Learn

  • YAML configuration to generate custom firmware
  • ESP32/ESP8266 protocols (WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet)
  • OTA updates and sensor/actuator calibration
  • Deep integration with Home Assistant

Additional Details

Latest release: 2025.11.4 (bi-weekly updates). Ideal for building production-grade custom sensors (e.g., environmental monitors). Supports thousands of components out-of-the-box.

6. K30 – Soil Monitoring + Smart Irrigation System (Complete IoT Example)

GitHub: https://github.com/adampresley/k30-soil-monitor (smaller project, low stars/forks – niche example)

What You Learn

  • Capacitive soil moisture sensing (K30 sensor)
  • Building REST APIs for data logging
  • Automating irrigation valves/motors
  • Cloud-based data visualization and alerts

Additional Details

Hands-on end-to-end agri-tech project using ESP32/NodeMCU. Integrates sensors, relays, and optional cloud logging (e.g., ThingSpeak). Great practical example for beginners in sensor-to-actuator loops.

7. OpenMQTTGateway – Multi-Protocol IoT Gateway

GitHub: https://github.com/1technophile/OpenMQTTGateway (~3.9k stars, ~853 forks)

What You Learn

  • Bridging protocols: BLE → MQTT, IR → MQTT, RF 433/868 MHz → MQTT, LoRa
  • Making legacy/non-smart devices compatible with MQTT ecosystems

Why This Is Useful

Transforms cheap RF/BLE/IR devices into smart ones without replacement.

Additional Details

Latest release: v1.8.1 (active development with embedded broker support). Supports 90+ BLE devices via Theengs decoder. Runs on ESP32/ESP8266.

8. Blynk Local Server – Self-Hosted IoT App Builder

GitHub: https://github.com/blynkkk/blynk-server (legacy; forks maintain it, ~193 stars on active fork)

What You Learn

  • Building mobile/web dashboards
  • Token-based authentication and secure device communication
  • Real-time bidirectional data streaming

Additional Details

Original Blynk Legacy server (Java-based). Community forks keep it alive for local/self-hosted use. Useful for learning app-driven IoT before moving to modern alternatives.

9. EdgeX Foundry – Large-Scale IoT Microservices

GitHub: https://github.com/edgexfoundry/edgex-go (core Go monorepo)

Learning Points

  • Industrial-grade microservices architecture
  • Device services, data ingestion, and export
  • Command/control APIs for edge computing

Tech Stack

Go language, Docker/Kubernetes, Redis/Valkey, MQTT support.

Additional Details

Backed by Linux Foundation. Latest major: 4.0 (with scheduler and NATS messaging). Designed for enterprise/edge deployments (e.g., manufacturing, smart cities).

10. Mycroft AI – Open-Source Voice Assistant (IoT + AI)

GitHub: https://github.com/MycroftAI/mycroft-core

Why Learn This

Voice control is integral to modern IoT (e.g., smart speakers integrating with lights/sensors).

What You Learn

  • Wake word detection (Precise engine)
  • Speech-to-Text (STT) + Text-to-Speech (TTS) pipelines
  • Modular "skills" system for extensions
  • Voice-based device control

Additional Details

Fully privacy-focused and local-capable. Active community forks and skills ecosystem. Great bridge between IoT and AI/NLP.

These projects remain some of the best open-source resources for learning IoT in 2025, covering everything from hobbyist smart homes to enterprise edge computing. Start with Home Assistant or Node-RED for quick wins, then dive deeper into specialized ones like ESPHome or ThingsBoard. All are actively maintained with strong communities!