FlashMQ review
A self-hosted Linux broker with persistent sessions, retained state, and MQTT 3.1 through 5.0.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
FlashMQ is downloadable, open-source MQTT broker software for Linux servers, designed for high message and connection volumes. It suits teams that want to run a broker themselves, from small deployments to enterprise environments, and need persistent sessions or retained-message state. The broker also supports ARM binaries for constrained environments. A separately managed hosting service is described by the vendor, but the broker itself is the self-hosted product here.
Protocol and connection features cover MQTT 3.1, 3.1.1, and 5.0, QoS levels 0, 1, and 2, and WebSocket listeners. It can retain messages and persist retained-message state, sessions, and subscriptions. For access controls, authentication can use plugins or a Mosquitto password file; TLS and X.509 client certificate verification are also supported. MQTT bridging lets operators connect brokers, but the configuration manual distinguishes that from clustering. That makes FlashMQ a fit for single-node use cases, not a substitute for a clustered broker when clustering is required.
As open-source downloadable software, FlashMQ has a free plan, and no paid broker tiers are specified. The vendor describes managed hosting separately, so buyers comparing self-hosting with hosted operations should evaluate that service as a distinct offering. Choose FlashMQ if Linux self-hosting, persistent sessions, retained state, and standard MQTT protocol coverage are central requirements. Look elsewhere if the deployment depends on broker clustering or requires a listed integration ecosystem beyond the documented authentication and bridging capabilities.
FlashMQ pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Supports MQTT 3.1, 3.1.1, and 5.0 with QoS 0–2.
- Persists sessions, subscriptions, and retained messages.
- Offers TLS, X.509 client verification, and plugin or password-file authentication.
- Where it doesn't
- Runs as self-hosted Linux broker software.
- Does not provide clustering; bridging is not clustering.
- The broker download has no listed official pricing page.
FlashMQ fact sheet, pricing and score →
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