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Apache ActiveMQ

Free#10 of 39 in Message Broker SoftwareMessage Queue (MQ) Software

Apache ActiveMQ: A free self-hosted broker with broad protocol support and configurable delivery controls. Ranked #10 of 39 in Message Broker Software by our editors (8.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free self-hosted broker deployments.

8.3/10Editor score
Try Apache ActiveMQ
Apache ActiveMQ8.3 Try Apache ActiveMQ

At a glance

  • Editor score
    8.3 / 10
  • Pricing
    Free plan
  • Best for
    Free self-hosted broker deployments
  • Free plan
    Yes
  • Paid from
    Free
  • Deployment model
    Self_hosted
  • Facts checked
    20 Sep 2026
Apache ActiveMQ screenshot

  • Where it wins

    • Supports AMQP, MQTT, OpenWire, STOMP, REST, and multiple transports
    • Provides persistent, transactional, XA, redelivery, and dead-letter messaging
    • Includes clustering, ordered message groups, and JDBC persistence

  • Where it doesn't

    • Self-hosted deployment places broker operations with the adopting team
    • Platform coverage centers on Windows, Linux, and API access
    • Configuration spans persistence, transports, delivery, and clustering options

Our verdict on Apache ActiveMQ

Apache ActiveMQ is an open-source message broker for applications that need queue-based and publish-subscribe messaging. It suits teams seeking a free, self-hosted deployment with protocol interoperability and messaging controls beyond basic queue delivery. The broker can run standalone or be embedded in Java applications, and it is distributed under the Apache License 2.0. Its supported connectivity includes OpenWire, STOMP, AMQP, MQTT, and REST, giving applications several ways to connect.

Its feature set is strongest where delivery behavior and message durability matter. Apache ActiveMQ supports persistent, transient, transactional, and XA messaging, along with configurable redelivery policies and dead-letter queue handling. Message groups support ordered processing across consumers, while JDBC persistence and high-performance journaling provide persistence options. Clustering and networks of brokers extend the deployment model beyond a single broker, and pluggable TCP, SSL, NIO, UDP, multicast, and in-VM transports support different connection patterns.

The main trade-off is the self-hosted operating model. Teams choosing Apache ActiveMQ take responsibility for deploying and configuring the broker, including persistence, transports, clustering, and delivery behavior. Its listed platform coverage is Windows, Linux, and API access, making it a better fit for teams comfortable managing their own broker environment than for buyers seeking a hosted service. Choose it when open-source licensing, protocol support, configurable delivery guarantees, and broker-level control are priorities. Consider an alternative when hosted deployment or broader platform coverage is more important than self-management.

Your product? Our editors can test Apache ActiveMQ in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Apache ActiveMQ pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on activemq.apache.org

Apache ActiveMQ fact sheet

Free planYes
Paid fromFree
Deployment modelSelf_hosted
Delivery guaranteesConfigurable
Dead-letter queuesYes
Ordering guaranteesPer_queue
Maximum message sizeNot verified
Supported protocolsAMQP, MQTT, OpenWire, STOMP, REST
DeploymentSelf-hosted
PlatformsWindows, Linux
SupportCommunity, Docs
Built forSmall business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
PricingFree plan
Websiteactivemq.apache.org
Facts checked20 Sep 2026

Alternatives to Apache ActiveMQ

See all Apache ActiveMQ alternatives →

Also Ranked In

Apache ActiveMQ is ranked in 2 of our directories.

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — Apache ActiveMQ 8.3/10

Apache ActiveMQ is listed in our Message Broker Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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