Cassandana
Cassandana: A self-hosted MQTT broker with QoS 0–2, TLS, WebSockets, and configurable access controls. Ranked #41 of 46 in MQTT Broker Software by our editors (5.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for teams wanting a free broker with database-backed access.
At a glance
- Editor score5.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forTeams wanting a free broker with database-backed access
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Deployment modelSelf-hosted
- Facts checked14 Nov 2026
Where it wins
- Supports MQTT QoS 0, 1, and 2, plus TLS and WebSocket connections
- Authenticates and authorizes through databases, Redis, or an HTTP REST API
- Offers optional message archiving and in-memory caching
Where it doesn't
- Requires teams to run and maintain their own broker
- Configuration uses YAML, and installation involves a release or a Maven build
- Listed authentication backends are limited to specific databases, Redis, and REST
Our verdict on Cassandana
Cassandana is an open-source MQTT message broker written in Java for developers and organizations that want to run and configure their own broker. It supports QoS 0, 1, and 2, TLS encryption, and WebSocket connections, with YAML configuration. Its self-hosted model suits teams that want control over broker deployment and can take responsibility for operating it; it is less suitable for buyers seeking a managed service.
Access control is a notable part of its feature set. Authentication and authorization can use MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Cassandra, Redis, or an HTTP REST API. The project also lists permit-all and deny-all methods. In-memory caching and optional MQTT message archiving add capabilities around access and message handling. Teams whose existing systems use the listed databases or Redis may find the documented integration choices relevant, while those depending on other authentication systems should assess fit before choosing it.
The deployment approach puts setup and ongoing operations on the adopting team: Cassandana can be installed from a release or built from source with Maven, then configured using YAML. That gives teams a self-managed option without a listed paid tier, but also means they need the skills and infrastructure to deploy and maintain a broker. Choose Cassandana if you want an open-source, self-hosted broker with database-backed access controls and the listed MQTT connection options. Consider another product if you need a managed service or require integrations beyond the documented backends.
Your product? Our editors can test Cassandana in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Cassandana pricing
Cassandana fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Deployment model | Self-hosted |
| MQTT versions | Not verified |
| Retained messages | Not verified |
| Clustering | Not verified |
| Connection limit | Not verified |
| Authentication methods | database (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Cassandra); HTTP REST API; Redis; permit-all or deny-all |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 5 integrations: MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Cassandra, Redis |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 14 Nov 2026 |
Cassandana integrations
Cassandana lists 5 integrations on its own site.
- MySQL
- PostgreSQL
- MongoDB
- Cassandra
- Redis
Alternatives to Cassandana
- AWS IoT CoreA managed MQTT broker with device tools and message routing for AWS-centric IoT systems.9.4
- Azure Event Grid MQTT brokerA managed MQTT broker with Azure routing, flexible authentication, and usage-based pricing.9.2
- Apache BifroMQA self-hosted broker with clustering, distributed storage, and support for MQTT 3.1 through 5.0.9.1
See all Cassandana alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
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