Eclipse Mosquitto review
A focused, self-hosted MQTT broker with strong protocol coverage and core messaging controls.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Eclipse Mosquitto is an open-source, self-hosted message broker for MQTT-based communication between clients, IoT devices, embedded systems, and servers. It supports MQTT 5.0, 3.1.1, and 3.1, using a publish/subscribe model with topic wildcards. The project also includes a C client library and command-line tools for publishing and subscribing. It is a strong fit for teams that want a focused MQTT broker across Windows, macOS, or Linux without a paid plan.
Its standout strength is the breadth of core MQTT controls. Delivery can use QoS 0, 1, or 2, while retained messages and durable client sessions support clients that reconnect or temporarily go offline. Optional persistent storage adds continuity, and broker bridging connects Mosquitto to other MQTT brokers. TLS, username/password or certificate authentication, topic access control lists, and MQTT over WebSockets cover common security, access, and application-connection requirements. These capabilities make it suitable for connected-device and application messaging where MQTT is the central protocol.
The trade-off is its narrow focus and self-hosted deployment model. Mosquitto centers on MQTT and MQTT over WebSockets rather than a wider set of messaging protocols, and its stated feature set does not include dead-lettering or broader integrations. Teams must also manage the broker environment themselves rather than selecting from vendor-operated service tiers. Choose Mosquitto for straightforward, open-source MQTT with configurable delivery, access control, persistence, and bridging. Consider an alternative when your architecture depends on multiple protocols, extensive integrations, or dead-lettering workflows.
Eclipse Mosquitto pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Supports MQTT 5.0, 3.1.1, and 3.1
- Includes QoS 0, 1, and 2 delivery levels
- Offers TLS, ACLs, persistence, bridging, and WebSockets
- Where it doesn't
- Focused on MQTT rather than broader messaging protocols
- Self-hosted deployment requires infrastructure management
- No stated dead-lettering or integration feature set
Eclipse Mosquitto fact sheet, pricing and score →
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