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Head-to-head · MQTT Broker Software

Apache BifroMQ vs Eclipse Mosquitto

  • Updated Nov 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Apache BifroMQ #3 in MQTT Broker Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Apache BifroMQ
Eclipse Mosquitto #7 in MQTT Broker Software 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Mosquitto

Apache BifroMQ leads on 0 checks, Eclipse Mosquitto on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreApache BifroMQ · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresApache BifroMQ · 2 of 2

Apache BifroMQ scores higher on our rubric for mqtt broker software: 9.1 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.

Apache BifroMQ is the better fit for teams building self-hosted, clustered MQTT systems. Eclipse Mosquitto is the better fit for A straightforward free self-hosted MQTT broker.

  • Apache BifroMQ fits best

    Teams building self-hosted, clustered MQTT systems

  • Eclipse Mosquitto fits best

    A straightforward free self-hosted MQTT broker

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Side by side

Feature Apache BifroMQ 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Eclipse Mosquitto 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.7
Ranking #3 in MQTT Broker Software #7 in MQTT Broker Software
Best for Teams building self-hosted, clustered MQTT systems A straightforward free self-hosted MQTT broker
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Self-hosted Self-hosted
Platforms Linux, Windows, macOS Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community, Docs Community, Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Apache BifroMQ 2/2 · Eclipse Mosquitto 0/2
Retained messages ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Clustering ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Deployment model Self-hosted Not checked yet
MQTT versions 3.1, 3.1.1, 5.0 Not checked yet
Connection limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Authentication methods AuthProvider plugin; demo WebHook-based AuthProvider Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Supports MQTT 3.1, 3.1.1, and 5.0 over TCP, TLS, and WebSockets
  • Native tenant isolation with resource sharing and tenant-level throttling
  • Distributed storage, clustering, persistent sessions, and retained messages
  • Supports MQTT 5.0, 3.1.1, and 3.1 with QoS 0, 1, and 2
  • Includes TLS, authentication, and topic access control lists
  • Offers retained messages, durable sessions, bridging, and WebSockets
Cons
  • Requires self-hosted deployment and integration into a broader system
  • Authentication and authorization need an AuthProvider plugin configured
  • Support channels are community and documentation
  • Requires self-hosted deployment and broker administration
  • Support channels are community and documentation
  • No official paid plans for buyers seeking a paid support tier
Our verdict

Apache BifroMQ is an open-source, self-hosted MQTT broker for IoT messaging workloads. It suits teams that want to run broker infrastructure as part of a broader system, including small, mid-market, and enterprise organizations. The…

Read the review →

Eclipse Mosquitto is an open-source MQTT message broker for clients, IoT devices, embedded systems, and servers. It suits solo developers and small or mid-market teams that want a free, self-hosted broker with standard MQTT messaging…

Read the review →
  1. Apache BifroMQMQTT Broker Software 9.1Free plan
  2. Eclipse MosquittoMQTT Broker Software 8.7Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Apache BifroMQ — where it wins

    • Supports MQTT 3.1, 3.1.1, and 5.0 over TCP, TLS, and WebSockets
    • Native tenant isolation with resource sharing and tenant-level throttling
    • Distributed storage, clustering, persistent sessions, and retained messages

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires self-hosted deployment and integration into a broader system
    • Authentication and authorization need an AuthProvider plugin configured
    • Support channels are community and documentation

  • Eclipse Mosquitto — where it wins

    • Supports MQTT 5.0, 3.1.1, and 3.1 with QoS 0, 1, and 2
    • Includes TLS, authentication, and topic access control lists
    • Offers retained messages, durable sessions, bridging, and WebSockets

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires self-hosted deployment and broker administration
    • Support channels are community and documentation
    • No official paid plans for buyers seeking a paid support tier

Apache BifroMQ vs Eclipse Mosquitto: questions

Which is better for MQTT broker software, Apache BifroMQ or Eclipse Mosquitto?

Apache BifroMQ scores higher on our rubric for mqtt broker software: 9.1 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.

How do Apache BifroMQ and Eclipse Mosquitto compare?

All 3 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.

Do Apache BifroMQ and Eclipse Mosquitto have a free plan?

Apache BifroMQ: Yes. Eclipse Mosquitto: Yes.

More comparisons

All MQTT broker software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026

Last updated · How we research and update