Head-to-head · MQTT Broker Software
AWS IoT Core vs HiveMQ MQTT Broker
AWS IoT Core leads on 0 checks, HiveMQ MQTT Broker on 1, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreAWS IoT Core · 9.4/10
- Free planonly HiveMQ MQTT Broker
- Free trialonly HiveMQ MQTT Broker
- Most featuresAWS IoT Core · 1 of 2
AWS IoT Core scores higher on our rubric for mqtt broker software: 9.4 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.
HiveMQ MQTT Broker offers free plan; AWS IoT Core doesn't.
AWS IoT Core is the better fit for AWS-centric managed IoT deployments. HiveMQ MQTT Broker is the better fit for teams needing managed or self-managed MQTT with QoS 2.
- AWS IoT Core fits best
AWS-centric managed IoT deployments
- HiveMQ MQTT Broker fits best
Teams needing managed or self-managed MQTT with QoS 2
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Side by side
| Feature | AWS IoT Core 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | HiveMQ MQTT Broker 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #1 in MQTT Broker Software | #6 in MQTT Broker Software |
| Best for | AWS-centric managed IoT deployments | Teams needing managed or self-managed MQTT with QoS 2 |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Not checked yet | — |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | — | 15 days |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web | Windows, Linux |
| Integrations | 5 integrations | 13 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features AWS IoT Core 1/2 · HiveMQ MQTT Broker 0/2 | ||
| Retained messages | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Clustering | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Deployment model | Managed | Not checked yet |
| MQTT versions | 3.1.1, 5.0 | Not checked yet |
| Connection limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Authentication methods | X.509 client certificates, AWS Signature Version 4, custom authorizers | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | AWS IoT Core is a managed cloud service for connecting internet-connected devices to AWS and supporting device-to-cloud and cloud-to-device communication. It suits teams building connected-device fleets across industrial, consumer, and… Read the review → |
HiveMQ MQTT Broker connects devices, applications, and enterprise systems through MQTT messaging. It supports MQTT 3.1, 3.1.1, and 5, with QoS 0, 1, and 2, persistent sessions, message queuing, clustering, and security controls. Managed… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
AWS IoT Core — where it wins
- Supports MQTT 3.1.1 and MQTT 5, including retained messages and persistent sessions
- Routes filtered or transformed IoT messages to AWS services
- Offers X.509, SigV4, and custom-authorizer authentication
Where it doesn't
- Usage-based pricing varies by component and region
- Designed for managed cloud deployment rather than self-hosting
- Integrations center on AWS services
HiveMQ MQTT Broker — where it wins
- Supports MQTT 3.1, 3.1.1, and 5 with all three QoS levels
- Offers managed and self-managed deployment options
- Connects with data platforms including Kafka, Kinesis, and Snowflake
Where it doesn't
- Self-managed Lab and Launch plans are limited to one broker deployment
- Listed monthly self-managed plans start at $299
- Several enterprise plan prices depend on custom capacity
- AWS IoT Core9.4/10 · Paid
A managed MQTT broker with device tools and message routing for AWS-centric IoT systems.
Visit AWS IoT CoreFull verdict → - HiveMQ MQTT Broker8.8/10 · Free plan · 15-day trial
Flexible managed or self-managed MQTT with QoS 2, clustering, and broad integrations.
Visit HiveMQFull verdict →
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All MQTT broker software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update