MqttWk
MqttWk: A self-hosted MQTT 3.1.1 broker with Redis clustering and optional Kafka forwarding. Ranked #30 of 46 in MQTT Broker Software by our editors (6.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for teams self-hosting MQTT 3.1.1 with Redis and Kafka.
At a glance
- Editor score6.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forTeams self-hosting MQTT 3.1.1 with Redis and Kafka
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Deployment modelSelf-hosted
- Facts checked14 Nov 2026
Where it wins
- Supports QoS, retained messages, and will messages.
- Redis provides clustering and message caching.
- Optional Kafka forwarding and WebSocket connectivity.
Where it doesn't
- Implements MQTT 3.1.1 rather than MQTT 5.
- Requires self-hosted deployment and Java-based setup.
- Support is community-based.
Our verdict on MqttWk
MqttWk is an open-source Java MQTT broker for teams that want to run a broker themselves rather than use a hosted service. Its project describes an MQTT 3.1.1 implementation with QoS service levels, retained and will messages, and topic filtering with wildcard subscriptions. Small and mid-market teams comfortable managing a self-hosted service are its clearest fit; it is a less natural choice for organizations seeking a managed broker or MQTT 5 support.
The project’s integration story centers on Redis and Kafka. Redis is used for message caching and clustering, while Kafka forwarding is optional, letting a deployment connect MQTT message handling with a Kafka-based workflow. WebSocket connectivity is also supported. These capabilities give MqttWk a useful combination for teams whose architecture already includes Redis or Kafka, but they also make the product more relevant to technically managed environments than to buyers seeking a simple hosted endpoint.
Deployment instructions describe building and running the broker from a JAR, with YAML configuration. The project also lists message delivery retry and heartbeat mechanisms, optional client authentication and SSL connections, and username/password authentication with RSA-encrypted passwords; authentication methods are described as extensible. Support is community-based. Choose MqttWk if self-hosting, MQTT 3.1.1, and Redis-backed clustering or Kafka forwarding match your requirements. Look at an MQTT 5 alternative or a hosted broker if newer protocol support or vendor-managed operations are central to your decision.
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MqttWk pricing
MqttWk fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Deployment model | Self-hosted |
| MQTT versions | 3.1.1 |
| Retained messages | Yes |
| Clustering | Yes |
| Connection limit | Not verified |
| Authentication methods | Username/password with RSA-encrypted password; extensible authentication methods |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Support | Community |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: Redis, Kafka |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 14 Nov 2026 |
MqttWk integrations
MqttWk lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- Redis
- Kafka
Alternatives to MqttWk
- 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
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
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