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Software · head to head

Crestron vs Particle

Crestron logo

Crestron

Software

Enterprise-grade control and automation technology

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Particle logo

Particle

Software

Edge-to-cloud IoT platform for connected devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Particle has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Crestron crestron does not sell direct or publish prices; its own site's How-To-Buy navigation routes buyers only to a dealer/partner search (Elite Platinum Commercial Dealers) or an authorized representative, with no online pricing or purchase path.; Particle paid capacity is sold in blocks of 100 devices rather than per device, so 101 devices costs the same as 200
  • They diverge on capability: Crestron covers Enterprise Control, Particle covers Device OS.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Crestron and Particle actually diverge.

Attributes where Crestron and Particle differ
AttributeCrestronParticle
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelquotesubscription
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsControl systems, Mobile apps, Web interfaces, Touch screensParticle devices, Custom hardware, Cloud, Mobile apps
Founded19712013

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Crestron

  • Enterprise Control
  • Powerful Programming
  • Extensive Integration
  • Reliability
  • 5000+ devices
  • Custom protocols
  • Web/Mobile apps
  • Touch panels

Only in Particle

  • Device OS
  • Cloud Platform
  • Device Management
  • OTA Updates
  • REST API
  • WebHooks
  • Integration marketplace
  • 3rd party services

Both cover

  • Mobile apps support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Crestron

  • Conference room automationnot Particle
  • Building managementnot Particle
  • Campus-wide controlnot Particle
  • Corporate AVnot Particle

Particle

  • Connecting cellular and wifi IoT devices to a managed cloud platformnot Crestron
  • Deploying firmware updates and collecting device telemetry at fleet scalenot Crestron

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Crestron

  • Crestron does not sell direct or publish prices; its own site's How-To-Buy navigation routes buyers only to a dealer/partner search (Elite Platinum Commercial Dealers) or an authorized representative, with no online pricing or purchase path.

Particle

  • Paid capacity is sold in blocks of 100 devices rather than per device, so 101 devices costs the same as 200
  • The Basic block is $299 a month and the Plus block $599 a month
  • The free tier allows 100 devices and 100,000 data operations a month
  • Data operations are the billing unit, so chatty firmware costs more than the device count suggests
  • No overage rates are published at any tier, so exceeding an allowance has no stated cost

Pricing, plan by plan

Crestron

On request
  • Professional$1000/month
    • Programming tools
    • Device control
    • Advanced features
  • Enterprise$10000/month
    • Large deployments
    • Custom solutions
    • Enterprise support

Particle

Free
  • MakerFree
    • 5 free devices
    • Cloud access
    • Basic features
  • Production$100/month
    • Unlimited devices
    • Advanced analytics
    • Enterprise support

Which should you pick?

Choose Crestron if

  • You need enterprise control.
  • You work on Control systems, Mobile apps, Web interfaces, Touch screens.
  • You also want powerful programming.
Crestron review

Choose Particle if

  • You need device os.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Particle devices, Custom hardware, Cloud, Mobile apps.
  • You also want cloud platform.
Particle review

Questions people ask

Is Crestron or Particle better?
Neither clearly leads. Crestron starts at On request and Particle at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Crestron or Particle?
Particle has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Crestron and Free for Particle.
Does Crestron or Particle run on more platforms?
Crestron runs on Control systems, Mobile apps, Web interfaces, Touch screens. Particle runs on Particle devices, Custom hardware, Cloud, Mobile apps.
Can I use Particle for free?
Yes. Particle has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Crestron starts at On request.
What is Crestron best used for?
Crestron is most often used for conference room automation, building management, campus-wide control, corporate av. Of those, conference room automation and building management are not what Particle is typically brought in for.
What can Crestron do that Particle cannot?
Crestron covers Enterprise Control, Powerful Programming, Extensive Integration, Reliability. Particle covers Device OS, Cloud Platform, Device Management, OTA Updates. Both handle Mobile apps support.
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