20 Best Smart Cities Software for 2025

As far back as the 1960s and 1970s, the notion of smart cities had been floated around influential circles. During these times, the United States Community Analysis Bureau started using databases, cluster analysis, and aerial photography to gather data, manage resources and release reports to manage services, prepare for disasters, and eliminate poverty.  This instance resulted in the establishment of the first generation of smart cities (Shea, n.d.).

Parts of the global population, especially those centered on cities, are projected to grow with associated demand for managing the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of resources. To meet all these, a host of prospective applications exist, depending on user type and preferences. To manage resources, check out and compare the best smart cities software on the market that we present below.

The push for smart cities continues to evolve as the world marches on with relentless urbanization everywhere. Smart cities combine cutting-edge iterations of public works software solutions and many others. As cities struggle to cope, services and local governments are starting to play a bigger role in our day-to-day lives. Check out these statistics showcasing the ongoing rise of the market for smart cities software.

Urbanization Trends

1. In 1975, there were only three megacities around the world (Tokyo, New York, and Mexico City). Today, there are 21 megacities globally, and these are expected to reach 29 by 2025. (Postcapes).
2. Every week, it is estimated that 1.3 million people move into cities. (Postcapes).
3. The top 600 urban centers generate about 60% of global GDP. (Postcapes).
4. Cities consume between 60% and 80% of the world’s energy. (Postcapes).

Smart Cities and the IoT

1. It is projected that smart cities can generate $20 trillion in economic benefits by 2026. (Barclays, 2020).
2. In 20 years, smart cities can improve their energy efficiency by 30%. (Postcapes).
3. The digitization of services has lessened operating costs for 85% of cities in the European Union. (OECD).

Smart City Examples

1. New York has been installing sensors and cameras in 10,000 city intersections, with the mission to invest in adaptive signals and connected infrastructure. (Otonomo, 2021).
2. London’s Smart Mobility Living Lab (SMLL) may minimize the amount of time motorists allot to traffic by 10%, save £880 million yearly, and reduce yearly CO2 emissions by 370,00 metric tons. (Otonomo, 2021).
3. Traffic deaths in Paris have decreased by 40% since the implementation of smart road safety and traffic management solutions. (Otonomo, 2021).

Smart cities are designed to make urban dwellings more responsive and livable. Now, we are seeing only a glimpse of what technology could finally do in urban settings (McKinsey, 2018). With novel technologies, the best smart cities software can gain the following:

Fight crime and Improve Public Safety

Implementing a variety of applications, such as law enforcement software, could likely trim fatalities from road accidents, homicide, and fires by 8% to 10%. In high-risk areas with 5 million in population, this could mean saving up to 300 lives yearly. Robbery, assault, burglary, and auto theft incidents could be reduced by 30% to 40% by using emergency response software. Moreover, residents achieve peace of mind and freedom of movement.

Faster Commutes

On average, smart mobility tools could scale down commuting times by 15% to 20%, or even larger reductions. The potential connected to every application is extremely variable, depending on a city’s population, current transit system, and commuting habits. In huge cities with sizeable transit, smart solutions could save a commuter nearly 15 minutes a day. In cities with more demanding commutes, it could be 20 to 30 minutes daily.

Better Health

Virtual patient monitoring solutions use digital tools to decode vital readings and transmit them to doctors for evaluation. Smart cities can also use data analytics to determine demographic brackets with risk profiles and choose interventions more accurately.

Cleaner and More Sustainable Environment

Dynamic electricity pricing, building automation systems, and other applications, when combined, could ease emissions by 10% to 15%. Meanwhile, water consumption tracking devices can help people living in cities with high water usage limit their consumption by 15%. Sensors and analytics could also stop water waste due to pipe leakages up to 10% to 20%. Generally, cities can save 25 to 80 liters of water each person every day and mitigate unrecycled solid waste by 30 kg to 130 kg each person yearly.

List of Best Smart Cities Software for 2025

1. Terranova: A Leading Software Supplier in Electric, Water, and Gas Sectors Since 2001

Terranova has been a leading software supplier in the sectors of electric, water, and gas since 2001. It’s position among the best smart cities software is largely through how it specializes in the workforce, smart metering, and smart grid management to support specific business needs. It has a robust and modular design as it continues to invest in research and development.

Key Features

• Smart metering
• Smart grid
• Smart meter libraries
• Mobile applications

Price

• Contact Terranova for pricing information.

2. Level-1: Transforms Diverse Software and Hardware Subsystems Into Extensive Technology Solutions

Level-1 transforms its clients’ diverse software and hardware subsystems into extensive technology solutions. This streamlines a client’s technology setting and helps them advance toward achieving their business objectives. More importantly, it can plan for changes and reduce disruptions brought about by evolving technology standards.

Key Features

• A/V
• Telecom
• Security
• Smart building integration
• Life safety/health care systems
• Technical consulting
• Technology master planning
• Wireless systems
• Monitoring
• Desktop support/maintenance
• Software deployment
• Staff augmentation
• Tech/install/configuration
• VoIP integration
• Network services
• Technical and construction management

Price

• Contact Level-1 for pricing inquiries.

3. iNET: An Industry-Leading Smart Mobility Platform Used by Cities, States, and Municipalities

iNET is an industry-leading smart mobility platform used by cities, states, and municipalities to enhance the way their communities live. Its advanced-grade solutions boost the management, effectiveness, sustainability, and safety of transport systems—be it on a freeway, highway, transit route, toll road, tunnel, or arterial road. Its cloud-hosted system is sharable and can be used by various agencies at the same time.

Key Features

• Real-time monitoring
• Traffic prediction
• Incident prediction
• Automatic incident detection
• Event management
• Active traffic management
• Integrated corridor management
• Dynamic device control
• Intelligent decision support
• AI
• Connected and autonomous vehicle integration
• Mobile applications
• Free-language voice response
• Decision support systems
• Response plan activation and tracking
• Data fusion

Price

• Contact iNET for more pricing details.

4. Cisco Kinetic: Helps Communities Efficiently Collect Data, Foster Constituent Engagement, and Generate Job Opportunities and New Revenue

Cisco Kinetic is an open, extensible city data tool that consolidates devices, applications, and solutions. It helps communities efficiently collect data, foster constituent engagement, and generate job opportunities and new revenue.

Features

• Sensor data collection and integration
• Data analytics
• Standardized APIs

Price

• Contact Cisco Kinetic for pricing inquiries.

5. Mr Bubo City: Improves Smart Cities Management and Connection With Their Neighbors

Mr Bubo City improves smart cities management and connection with their neighbors. Through its mobile app, citizens can fill out health-related forms for further doctor validation or confirmation. A ticket typology can then be set up so that an individual can notify authorities about his or her possible infection.

Key Features

• Forms
• Ticket typology
• Report quarantine
• Two-way communication channel
• Customized indicators
• Centralized operation
• Transparent management
• Interconnection between company areas
• Online follow-up of work orders

Price

• Free version
• Contact Mr Bubo City for more pricing information.

6. Smart City Solutions Camelot: A Simple Yet Comprehensive IoT Solution for Building Monitoring

Smart City Solutions Camelot is a simple yet comprehensive IoT solution for building monitoring. It can be integrated with several manufacturer-independent sensors to monitor rooms and buildings from any location. Businesses can also use it to monitor their own operations and make them accessible to their customers.

Key Features

• Wireless room/building monitoring
• Sensor overview
• Statistics
• Push notifications
• Recommendations for action
• Sensor management
• Room management
• White label
• iOS and Android apps
• A wide selection of sensors

Price

• Contact Camelot to discover their subscription prices.

7. SmartSpace: Provides Return-to-Office Planning Solutions for Businesses

SmartSpace provides return-to-office planning solutions to aid in contact tracing, social distancing, and right-sizing real estate property investments. It also provides a mobile app that allows employees to book desk spaces or meeting rooms. Its clients range from mid-market to the world’s largest enterprises.

Features

• Digital signage
• Floor maps and maps
• Multi-location
• Occupancy management
• Online booking
• Reporting/analytics
• Space reservation
• Space management
• Usage tracking/analytics
• Utilization reporting
• Visitor management

Price

• Contact SmartSpace to learn more about their prices.

8. ArcGIS Urban: Provides a Web-Hosted 3D Application That Suits Scenario Planning and Impact Assessment

ArcGIS Urban allows design professionals and planners to work together using a web-hosted 3D application that suits scenario planning and impact assessment. Here, groups can make, track, and evaluate development projects with a city’s digital twin. It makes land-use management and zoning planning simple through its interactive 3D environment designed with planners in mind.

Key Features

• Web-hosted 3D application
• Building information modeling
• 3D buildings, rights-of-way, and citywide infrastructure replication
• Digital planning and building process
• Mapping
• Field operations
• Spatial analysis and data science
• Imagery and remote sensing
• Real-time visualization and analytics
• 3D visualization and analytics
• Data management

Price

• Free trial
• Contact ArcGIS for more pricing information.

9. Quantela: Delivers the AI-Based Urban Solution Atlantis

Quantela delivers the AI-based urban solution Atlantis, which is perfected by machine learning models to advance the digitization cycle. Its 40+ implementations around the world focus on digitizing urban infrastructures, automating city operations, and helping citizens improve their way of living. It strives to make autonomous and resilient cities.

Key Features

• Lighting
• Citizen services
• Traffic
• Digital advertising
• Records management

Price

• Contact Quantela for pricing details.

10. StreetLight Data: Measures Foot, Bike, Vehicle, and Transit Traffic Remotely

StreetLight Data uses smartphones as sensors to measure foot, bike, vehicle, and transit traffic remotely. As a key piece of the best public transportation software solutions available today, it gets counts, O-D, and other transportation standards for any road, location, or timeframe. To date, it has been helping 1,000 professionals manage transportation.

Key Features

• AADT
• O-D analysis
• Turning ratios
• VMT
• Big data
• Multimodal data
• Self-serve mobility platform
• COVID-19 metrics
• Streetlight services

Price

• Contact StreetLight Data for pricing inquiries.

11. SmartWave Technologies: Bringing Design-Through-Manufacturing Capabilities to Cities

SmartWave Technologies comprises a team of technicians, engineers, and scientists that brings design-through-manufacturing capabilities. It specializes in sensing, component authentication, low-energy circuit design, and end-to-end IoT solutions.

Key Features

• Wireless sensors
• Gateways, routers, and modems
• Embedded M@M modems
• IoT solutions
• Cellular technology
• Private LTE technology
• Lorawan technology

Price

• Contact SmartWave Technologies for more pricing information.

12. Enevo: Delivers Affordable and Environment-Friendly Waste Management Services

Enevo delivers affordable and environment-friendly waste management services. It equips haulers and customers with key tools so that they can effectively manage and gain transparency over their waste. It analyzes and applies data as they happen, guaranteeing users that they can operate their waste services efficiently while still catering to their customers’ needs.

Key Features

• Revolutionary sensor
• Routing and planning capabilities
• Dumpster overflow elimination
• Recycling programs and training
• Food waste programs
• Alternative collection and processing of specialized materials and items
• Supply chain analysis
• Procurement policy consulting
• 24/7 data collection
• Data-based operational insights
• Streamlined customer service

Price

• Contact Enevo to know their packages.

13. Smart-M: Retrieves Actionable Insights and Provides Real-Time Decision-Making Solutions

Smart-M merges sensory outputs and data sources to retrieve actionable insights and provide real-time decision-making solutions. It provides full visibility, allows for quick and efficient response, and backs continuing asset optimization and functioning by consolidating data types and sources into one interconnected management location. For over 20 years, it has been implementing advanced technologies in smart cities, mega events, parliaments, secured facilities, security operations, police forces, and airports.

Key Features

• Big data analytics
• GIS-based interface
• Reporting tools
• Full audit trail
• Fully customizable

Price

• Contact Smart-M to request pricing information.

14. 4M Analytics: Generates Accurate and Updated Subsurface Utility Data

4M Analytics generates accurate and updated subsurface utility data. Its technology is the only option to map the unseen and untold miles of man-made infrastructure, wherever your location may be.

Key Features

• Subsurface utility maps
• Remote sensing
• AI
• Satellite imagery
• Aerial imagery analysis
• Computer vision
• Map generation

Price

• Contact 4M Analytics to request a demo.

15. Clarity Movement: Offers an Inclusive Air Quality Monitoring Software, Hardware, and Service Package

Clarity Movement offers an inclusive air quality monitoring software, hardware, and service package. This makes it simpler to measure air pollution in a reliable and cost-effective manner. It is currently used by 85+ cities in 60+ countries.

Key Features

• Clarity modules
• Sensing-as-a-Service for pollutant monitoring
• Air quality data visualization

Price

• Contact Clarity Movement to know their pricing details.

16. Davra: An IoT Platform That Creates and Utilizes Digital Applications in an Entirely Cloud-Hosted Setting

Davra is an IoT platform built to create and utilize digital applications in an entirely cloud-hosted setting. It can be used with a plethora of third-party applications, including Intercom, Bluemix, Profinet, Peoplesoft, CAN bus, Slack, Twilio, IBM Maximo, Microsoft, and more. It caters to health care, transportation, manufacturing, construction, and oil and gas industries

Key Features

• Application development
• Asset lifecycle management
• Asset tracking
• Status tracking
• Configuration management
• Connectivity management
• Device management
• Event-triggered actions
• Prototype creation
• Visualization
• Big data analytics
• API

Price

• Free trial
• Contact Davra fo pricing details.

17. Citymatica: Providing Citizens With All the Essential City Services Straight Out of Their Mobile Devices

Citymatica is a reasonably priced and easy-to-use full-featured solution that provides citizens with all the essential city services straight out of their mobile devices. They can use it on their Android, iPhone, or iPad.

Key Features

• Case management
• Document management
• Customer database
• Inspection management
• Permit management
• Compliance management
• Utility billing
• Billing and invoicing
• Online payment processing

Price

• Free trial
• Contact Citymatica for pricing inquiries.

18. U Smart City: Real-Time Gathering of City and Citizen Behavior Information

U Smart City enables the gathering of information on the state of the city and citizen behavior in real-time. In this platform, various sources of information can be connected and various actors can be intertwined at the same time. For security and privacy, it uses comprehensive information that users agree to share.

Key Features

• Online compilation of the city and actor information
• System customization for each client

Price

• Contact U Smart City for pricing details.

19. Telensa: Brings Smart Street Lighting to Cities, Utilities, and Local Government Agencies

Telensa brings smart street lighting to cities, utilities, and local government agencies to help them minimize their energy consumption and carbon emissions. It aims to achieve a greener, safer, and more liveable neighborhood for communities. So far, it has deployed 100,000 lights across the globe.

Key Features

• LED street lighting
• Automatic fault reporting
• Smart city sensors
• UNB network
• Central management system
• Hybrid network approach
• UniConnect capability
• A portfolio of private radio and cellular technologies
• Impact sensing
• Motion analysis
• Presence detection
• Weather/air quality sensors
• Project management
• 24/7 customer support

Price

• Free trial
• Starts at $1,795 per feature

20. Sensus: Establishes Smart, Clean, and Dependable Distribution of Water, Gas, and Electricity to Communities

Sensus connects with multiple communication technologies to establish smart, clean, and dependable distribution of water, gas, and electricity to communities. Its connections are composed of intelligent devices and real-time data.

Key Features

• AMI
• AMR
• Cathodic protection
• CVR
• Customer portal
• Data analytics
• Demand response
• DER
• DA
• ERT meter reading
• Leak management
• Lighting control
• Nonrevenue water
• Outage management
• PLC migration
• Pressure regulation

Price

• Contact Sensus for pricing inquiries.

Citizen engagement is at the heart of any successful smart city initiative, and smart cities software plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between municipal services and residents. These platforms empower citizens by offering tools for direct communication with city officials, reporting local issues, and accessing real-time updates on public services. With features like interactive dashboards, mobile apps, and feedback systems, smart cities software fosters a participatory culture, encouraging residents to contribute to urban development actively.

Additionally, many smart cities solutions integrate seamlessly with a long help desk tools list, enabling municipalities to manage citizen inquiries more efficiently. Through automated ticketing systems and centralized support channels, local governments can address concerns such as traffic disruptions, utility outages, and community safety faster and more effectively. This responsiveness not only improves satisfaction but also builds trust between citizens and city authorities.

By prioritizing transparency and accessibility, smart cities software ensures that residents feel heard and valued. Enhanced citizen engagement leads to higher satisfaction levels, promoting a sense of community ownership and collaboration. As cities continue to evolve, leveraging software to connect with residents will be vital in creating smarter, more inclusive urban environments.

How can smart cities software integrate with existing municipal management systems?

Successful smart cities initiatives rely on interoperability between specialized operational tools and broader administrative platforms. Seamless integration enables disparate municipal systems—ranging from traffic management solutions to public safety and resource planning—to share data, streamline processes, and coordinate actions more efficiently. By connecting these software solutions with conventional administrative tools such as HRIS systems, local governments can enhance workforce management and align operational decisions across departments. Utilizing standardized integration protocols and APIs further facilitates real-time data exchange, minimizes manual interventions, and accelerates decision-making processes that underpin effective urban governance.

Smart Cities for Better Lives

The real essence of smart technologies is in how they function to make people’s lives better rather than how many of them are easily accessible—form follows function. Of course, we appreciate that smart cities use technology to hone city operations, contribute to sustainability, and amplify the economy. Studies also report that smart city residents are the world’s happiest people, and it is understandable why (Hamza, 2021).

How can smart city initiatives promote social equity?

While many discussions on smart cities focus on technological advancements and resource efficiency, it is equally important to consider how these initiatives can foster social equity and inclusiveness. Smart city technologies can help bridge socioeconomic gaps and enhance the quality of life for all residents by targeting diverse community needs and promoting equal access to services.

• Digital Inclusivity Programs: Provide affordable internet access and digital literacy programs to underserved communities, helping bridge the digital divide.
• Accessible Public Services: Leverage data to tailor public services such as healthcare, education, and transportation for disadvantaged groups, ensuring these resources are accessible to everyone.
• Affordable Housing Initiatives: Use smart city data to identify areas for affordable housing developments, monitor housing availability, and ensure fair pricing.
• Community Engagement Platforms: Create digital platforms for citizen feedback, allowing diverse voices to contribute to urban planning decisions and fostering community involvement.
• Employment Opportunities: Develop skills training programs aligned with smart city projects, helping residents gain employment in tech-driven roles and building an inclusive workforce.

Key Insights

• Historical Context: The concept of smart cities dates back to the 1960s and 1970s when the US Community Analysis Bureau utilized data and technology for urban management, disaster preparedness, and poverty alleviation.
• Urbanization Trends: The number of megacities worldwide has increased from three in 1975 to 21 today, with projections indicating 29 by 2025. Urban centers generate about 60% of global GDP and consume 60% to 80% of the world's energy.
• Economic Impact: Smart cities are projected to generate $20 trillion in economic benefits by 2026. They can also improve energy efficiency by 30% over the next 20 years.
• Digital Transformation: The digitization of services has reduced operating costs for 85% of cities in the European Union.
• Smart City Examples: New York, London, and Paris have implemented various smart city initiatives, resulting in significant improvements in traffic management, reduced CO2 emissions, and enhanced public safety.
• Public Safety: Implementing smart city technologies can reduce fatalities from road accidents, homicides, and fires by 8% to 10%, and lower robbery, assault, burglary, and auto theft incidents by 30% to 40%.
• Commute Efficiency: Smart mobility tools can reduce commuting times by 15% to 20%, saving significant time for commuters in large cities.
• Health Improvements: Smart cities utilize digital tools for virtual patient monitoring and data analytics to target health interventions more accurately.
• Environmental Sustainability: Smart cities can reduce emissions by 10% to 15%, limit water consumption by 15%, and decrease unrecycled solid waste by 30 kg to 130 kg per person annually.

FAQ

1. What is a smart city? A smart city uses digital technology to improve urban services, enhance the quality of life for residents, and ensure sustainable economic, social, and environmental development. This includes smart infrastructure, energy management, and digital public services.
2. Why are smart cities important? Smart cities are important because they improve resource management, enhance public safety, reduce environmental impact, and increase the efficiency of urban services. They help cities cope with urbanization challenges and improve the overall quality of life for residents.
3. How do smart cities improve public safety? Smart cities improve public safety through technologies like law enforcement software, emergency response systems, and surveillance tools. These technologies can reduce crime rates, improve emergency response times, and provide real-time data for better decision-making.
4. What are some examples of smart city technologies? Examples of smart city technologies include smart grids, intelligent traffic management systems, virtual patient monitoring, dynamic electricity pricing, water consumption tracking devices, and building automation systems.
5. How do smart cities benefit the environment? Smart cities benefit the environment by reducing emissions, conserving water, and minimizing waste. Technologies like dynamic electricity pricing, smart grids, and water tracking devices help optimize resource use and decrease environmental impact.
6. What role does the Internet of Things (IoT) play in smart cities? IoT plays a crucial role in smart cities by connecting various devices and systems to collect and analyze data. This connectivity allows for real-time monitoring, improved resource management, and automated decision-making, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of urban services.
7. How can smart cities improve transportation and commuting? Smart cities improve transportation and commuting through smart mobility tools, such as real-time traffic monitoring, adaptive traffic signals, and connected infrastructure. These technologies can reduce traffic congestion, shorten commute times, and enhance the overall transportation experience.
8. What are the economic benefits of smart cities? The economic benefits of smart cities include increased efficiency in resource management, reduced operating costs, and the creation of new job opportunities. Smart cities can also attract investment, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the overall competitiveness of urban areas.
9. How do smart cities enhance health services? Smart cities enhance health services through technologies like virtual patient monitoring, data analytics, and health information systems. These tools enable better diagnosis, targeted interventions, and improved healthcare delivery, ultimately enhancing public health outcomes.
10. What challenges do cities face in becoming smart cities? Cities face challenges such as high implementation costs, data privacy concerns, the need for technological infrastructure, and the requirement for collaboration among various stakeholders. Additionally, integrating new technologies with existing systems and ensuring equitable access to smart city benefits are significant challenges.

References:

• Barclays. (2020, November 13). The future of Smart Cities. Barclays.
• Hamza, M. (2021, October 18). These Are The Top 20 Sustainable Smart Cities In The World. Disruptive Technologies.
• McKinsey. (2018, June 5). Smart cities: Digital solutions for a more livable future. McKinsey.
• OECD. (n.d.). Smart Cities and Inclusive Growth. OECD.
• Otonomo. (2021, April 18). 8 Smart Cities Lead the Way in Advanced Intelligent Transportation Systems. Otonomo.
• Postcapes. (n.d.). Smart City Infographic. Postcapes.
• Shea, S. (n.d.). What Is a Smart City? Tech Target.