Apache BifroMQ

Free#3 of 46 in MQTT Broker Software

Apache BifroMQ: A self-hosted broker with clustering, distributed storage, and support for MQTT 3.1 through 5.0. Ranked #3 of 46 in MQTT Broker Software by our editors (9.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for teams building self-hosted, clustered MQTT systems.

9.1/10Editor score

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At a glance

Editor score
9.1 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Teams building self-hosted, clustered MQTT systems
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Deployment model
Self-hosted
Facts checked
14 Nov 2026

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

Our verdict on Apache BifroMQ

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 project supports MQTT 3.1, 3.1.1, and 5.0, with listeners for TCP, TLS, WebSocket, and secure WebSocket. It is a broker component rather than a published hosted subscription, so deployment and operations remain with the team adopting it.

Its feature depth centers on clustered and multi-tenant workloads. BifroMQ includes a distributed storage engine for MQTT workloads, persistent session state, and retained-topic message storage. Standard and independent-workload cluster modes are documented, while native multi-tenancy combines resource sharing with workload isolation. Tenant-level resource throttling and runtime settings can help separate workload controls. System- and tenant-level metrics and event extensions, plus authentication and authorization plugins, provide extension points for fitting the broker into a larger operating environment.

The tradeoff is operational responsibility and configuration. Authentication and authorization are not enforced by default unless an AuthProvider plugin is configured; a demo WebHook-based AuthProvider is among the documented options. The available support channels are community and documentation, rather than a stated hosted-service support arrangement. BifroMQ is a fit for teams prepared to deploy, configure, and operate their own broker and that value MQTT version coverage, storage, and clustering. Teams seeking a managed broker subscription or a ready-to-use service should choose an alternative designed for that model.

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Apache BifroMQ pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on bifromq.apache.org

Apache BifroMQ fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Deployment model	Self-hosted
MQTT versions	3.1, 3.1.1, 5.0
Retained messages	Yes
Clustering	Yes
Connection limit	Not verified
Authentication methods	AuthProvider plugin; demo WebHook-based AuthProvider
Deployment	Self-hosted
Platforms	Linux, Windows, macOS
Support	Community, Docs
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Free plan
Website	bifromq.apache.org
Facts checked	14 Nov 2026

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026

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Last updated 14 Nov 2026 · How we research and update