Head-to-head · MQTT Broker Software
Azure Event Grid MQTT broker vs Apache BifroMQ
Azure Event Grid MQTT broker leads on 0 checks, Apache BifroMQ on 1, and 2 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 scoreAzure Event Grid MQTT broker · 9.2/10
- Free planonly Apache BifroMQ
- Most featuresApache BifroMQ · 2 of 2
Azure Event Grid MQTT broker scores higher on our rubric for mqtt broker software: 9.2 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.
Apache BifroMQ offers free plan; Azure Event Grid MQTT broker doesn't. On deployment model, Apache BifroMQ gives you Self-hosted where Azure Event Grid MQTT broker offers Managed.
Azure Event Grid MQTT broker is the better fit for azure-centric managed IoT deployments. Apache BifroMQ is the better fit for teams building self-hosted, clustered MQTT systems.
- Azure Event Grid MQTT broker fits best
Azure-centric managed IoT deployments
- Apache BifroMQ fits best
Teams building self-hosted, clustered MQTT systems
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Side by side
| Feature | Azure Event Grid MQTT broker 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Apache BifroMQ 9.1/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 9.1 |
| Ranking | #2 in MQTT Broker Software | #3 in MQTT Broker Software |
| Best for | Azure-centric managed IoT deployments | Teams building self-hosted, clustered MQTT systems |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | — | Free plan |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web | Linux, Windows, macOS |
| Support | Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Azure Event Grid MQTT broker 1/2 · Apache BifroMQ 2/2 | ||
| Retained messages | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clustering | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Deployment model | Managed | Self-hosted |
| MQTT versions | MQTT 3.1.1, MQTT 3.1.1 over WebSocket, MQTT 5, MQTT 5 over WebSocket | 3.1, 3.1.1, 5.0 |
| Connection limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Authentication methods | CA-signed or self-signed certificates; Microsoft Entra ID JWT; third-party OAuth 2.0 JWT; custom webhook (can validate SAS tokens, username/password, or certificate revocation) | AuthProvider plugin; demo WebHook-based AuthProvider |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Azure Event Grid MQTT broker provides managed MQTT messaging in an Event Grid namespace, for teams connecting IoT devices and applications to Azure services. It supports MQTT 3.1.1 and MQTT 5, including WebSocket transport, and covers core… Read the review → |
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 → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Azure Event Grid MQTT broker — where it wins
- Supports MQTT 3.1.1 and MQTT 5, including WebSocket transport
- Routes MQTT messages to Azure services and webhooks
- Offers certificate, Entra ID, OAuth JWT, and webhook authentication
Where it doesn't
- Paid Event Grid Standard Tier is required
- Pricing varies with throughput units and operations
- MQTT connection capacity depends on configured throughput units
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
- Azure Event Grid MQTT broker9.2/10 · Paid
A managed MQTT broker with Azure routing, flexible authentication, and usage-based pricing.
Visit MicrosoftFull verdict → - 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 →
Azure Event Grid MQTT broker vs Apache BifroMQ: questions
Which is better for MQTT broker software, Azure Event Grid MQTT broker or Apache BifroMQ?
Azure Event Grid MQTT broker scores higher on our rubric for mqtt broker software: 9.2 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.
How do Azure Event Grid MQTT broker and Apache BifroMQ compare?
Of the 3 checks we put side by side, Azure Event Grid MQTT broker leads on none, Apache BifroMQ on 1, and 2 are level. Free plan only on Apache BifroMQ.
Do Azure Event Grid MQTT broker and Apache BifroMQ have a free plan?
Azure Event Grid MQTT broker: No. Apache BifroMQ: Yes.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
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