Moquette review
A compact, free MQTT 3 and 5 broker for self-hosted Java and IoT deployments.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Moquette is an open-source Java MQTT broker for Internet of Things applications and embedded software. It is designed for teams that need a compact, self-hosted broker supporting both MQTT 3 and MQTT 5. The project can run as a self-contained distribution or be embedded as a dependency in Java projects, making it a fit for JVM-based applications that need broker functionality within their own deployment model.
Its feature set covers core MQTT delivery and session behavior, including QoS 0, QoS 1, QoS 2, session and message expiry, shared subscriptions, request/response messaging, topic aliases, flow control, and subscription options. It also includes will delay, server disconnects, payload format indicators, TLS/SSL configuration, and access control. Delivery guarantees are configurable, while the free and open-source model keeps the product aligned with self-hosted deployments rather than a hosted service plan structure.
Moquette suits developers and IoT teams that value embeddability, MQTT 3 and 5 coverage, and control over deployment. Its main trade-off is platform breadth: verified coverage is limited to Windows and Android, so teams requiring broader documented platform support should evaluate alternatives. The dated documentation may also add friction during onboarding, even though the project shows ongoing maintenance through its 0.18.1 release. Choose Moquette when a focused MQTT broker for Java or IoT software is the priority; choose another product when broader platform coverage or a more guided operating model matters more.
Moquette pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Supports MQTT 3 and MQTT 5 with QoS 0, 1, and 2
- Embeds as a dependency in Java projects or runs as a self-contained distribution
- Includes expiry, shared subscriptions, flow control, and access control
- Where it doesn't
- Verified platform coverage is limited to Windows and Android
- Self-hosted deployment requires managing the broker environment
- The documentation is dated
Moquette fact sheet, pricing and score →
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