HiveMQ Community Edition
HiveMQ Community Edition: A free, self-hosted choice for Java projects that need a flexible MQTT broker. Ranked #9 of 46 in MQTT Broker Software by our editors (8.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free MQTT broker embedded in Java applications.
At a glance
- Editor score8.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree MQTT broker embedded in Java applications
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Deployment modelSelf-hosted
- Facts checked14 Nov 2026
Where it wins
- Supports MQTT 3.1, 3.1.1, and 5.0
- Offers TCP, TLS, WebSocket, and Secure WebSocket transports
- Embedded mode and Java Extension SDK support customization
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment requires you to run the broker
- Support is through the community
- Its feature set offers less operational and scaling depth
Our verdict on HiveMQ Community Edition
For developers building IoT pilots, proofs of concept, or Java applications that need an embedded broker, HiveMQ Community Edition provides a free, open-source MQTT option. It can run as a standalone broker or in embedded mode through a programmatic Java API. The project supports MQTT 3.1, 3.1.1, and 5.0, and is released under the Apache License 2.0. Windows, macOS, and Linux are listed platforms, with deployment self-hosted.
The Java integration is a defining strength. The Java Extension SDK covers authentication and authorization, client initializers, and MQTT packet interceptors, giving Java teams extension points around client and packet handling. Transport options include TCP, TLS, WebSocket, and Secure WebSocket. Retained messages are supported and enabled by default, which suits applications that need new subscribers to receive the latest retained value. This combination makes the edition a fit for projects prioritizing protocol support and Java-level customization over a managed service.
The trade-off is operational ownership: as a self-hosted broker, it requires a team to run its own deployment, and support is community-based. The published feature set also has less operational and scaling depth than options aimed at those needs. Choose Community Edition when free software, embedded Java use, and control over hosting matter most. Consider another option if you need deeper operational or scaling capabilities, or prefer a managed offering rather than running the broker yourself.
Your product? Our editors can test HiveMQ Community Edition in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
HiveMQ Community Edition pricing
HiveMQ Community Edition fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Deployment model | Self-hosted |
| MQTT versions | MQTT 3.1, MQTT 3.1.1, MQTT 5.0 |
| Retained messages | Yes |
| Clustering | Not verified |
| Connection limit | Not verified |
| Authentication methods | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | hivemq.com |
| Facts checked | 14 Nov 2026 |
Alternatives to HiveMQ Community Edition
- 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 HiveMQ Community Edition alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
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