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Head-to-head · MQTT Broker Software

Apache BifroMQ vs EMQX

  • 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
EMQX #5 in MQTT Broker Software 8.9/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 2 features Visit EMQX

Apache BifroMQ leads on 0 checks, EMQX 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
  • Free trialonly EMQX
  • Most featuresApache BifroMQ · 2 of 2

Apache BifroMQ scores higher on our rubric for mqtt broker software: 9.1 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.

Apache BifroMQ is the better fit for teams building self-hosted, clustered MQTT systems. EMQX is the better fit for teams needing MQTT with broad protocol connectivity.

  • Apache BifroMQ fits best

    Teams building self-hosted, clustered MQTT systems

  • EMQX fits best

    Teams needing MQTT with broad protocol connectivity

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Side by side

Feature Apache BifroMQ 9.1/10 Visit ↗ EMQX 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.9
Ranking #3 in MQTT Broker Software #5 in MQTT Broker Software
Best for Teams building self-hosted, clustered MQTT systems Teams needing MQTT with broad protocol connectivity
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan $234/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 14 days
Deployment Self-hosted Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms Linux, Windows, macOS Web
Support Community, Docs Email, Tickets, Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Apache BifroMQ 2/2 · EMQX 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
  • Connects MQTT with protocols including CoAP, STOMP, and NATS
  • Routes and transforms data with SQL rules and a visual flow designer
  • Offers TLS/mTLS, authentication controls, ACL/RBAC, and audit logs
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
  • Dedicated Flex starts at $234/month
  • Serverless charges for usage beyond its free monthly quota
  • Plan, capacity, cloud provider, and region affect pricing
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 →

EMQX provides MQTT publish/subscribe messaging for IoT, AI, and connected-device workloads. Its mix of managed cloud, bring-your-own-cloud, and self-hosted Enterprise options suits teams that need to connect device fleets or real-time data…

Read the review →
  1. Apache BifroMQMQTT Broker Software 9.1Free plan
  2. EMQXMQTT Broker Software 8.9Free plan · 14-day trial

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

  • EMQX — where it wins

    • Connects MQTT with protocols including CoAP, STOMP, and NATS
    • Routes and transforms data with SQL rules and a visual flow designer
    • Offers TLS/mTLS, authentication controls, ACL/RBAC, and audit logs

    Where it doesn't

    • Dedicated Flex starts at $234/month
    • Serverless charges for usage beyond its free monthly quota
    • Plan, capacity, cloud provider, and region affect pricing
  • Apache BifroMQ9.1/10 · Free plan

    A self-hosted broker with clustering, distributed storage, and support for MQTT 3.1 through 5.0.

    Visit Apache BifroMQFull verdict →
  • EMQX8.9/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A flexible MQTT platform with protocol gateways, durable queues, and cloud or self-hosted options.

    Visit EMQXFull verdict →

Apache BifroMQ vs EMQX: questions

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

Apache BifroMQ scores higher on our rubric for mqtt broker software: 9.1 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.

How do Apache BifroMQ and EMQX compare?

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

Do Apache BifroMQ and EMQX have a free plan?

Apache BifroMQ: Yes. EMQX: 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