Private broker Open client

Compare MQTT brokers

ConnectMQ, EMQX, HiveMQ and Mosquitto side by side — who operates it, which MQTT features it supports, how it is secured and how it scales.

Recommended

ConnectMQ — a private MQTT broker without the operations work

  • Private, isolated instance
  • TLS & secure WebSockets
  • Username/password + per-topic ACLs
  • MQTT 3.1.1 and 5
Create your broker Connection details
Feature RecommendedConnectMQManaged MQTT brokerGet started EMQXEMQ TechnologiesHiveMQHiveMQMosquittoEclipse Foundation
Operations
Deployment modelManaged serviceSelf-hosted or EMQX CloudSelf-hosted or HiveMQ CloudSelf-hosted
No servers to run or patchWho installs, upgrades, monitors and backs up the broker.YesWith EMQX CloudWith HiveMQ CloudYou run it
Private, isolated brokerYour topics are not shared with other tenants.YesYesYesYes (your server)
Try it in TestMQTTbroker.connectmq.comPublic test brokerPublic test brokertest.mosquitto.org
Protocol
MQTT 3.1.1YesYesYesYes
MQTT 5YesYesYesYes
Secure WebSockets (browser clients)YesYesYesYes
QoS 2 (exactly once)YesYesYesYes
Security
TLS encryptionYesYesYesYes (you configure it)
Username / password authYesYesVia extensionsPassword file
Per-topic access controlYesYesVia extensionsACL file
Scale & licence
ScalingHandled by the serviceClusteringClustering in EnterpriseSingle node
LicenceCommercial serviceApache 2.0 (≤ 5.8) · BSL 1.1 (5.9+)CE: Apache 2.0 · Enterprise: commercialEPL 2.0 / EDL 1.0
Fit
Best forTeams that want a secure, private broker without running infrastructureLarge self-hosted clusters and data integrationEnterprise deployments in Java ecosystemsSingle servers, Raspberry Pi and home labs
Test itConnection details →Connection details →Connection details →Connection details →

Licences and editions change over time — check each vendor's site for current terms. Self-hosted brokers can all be secured with TLS and authentication, but you configure and maintain it yourself.

Which MQTT broker should you choose?

Start from what you need, not from the feature list.

You want a private broker for real devices without running servers

ConnectMQRecommended

Managed and isolated per customer, with TLS, username/password and per-topic access control ready from day one.

You are prototyping and want to move to production without changing code

ConnectMQRecommended

Test against broker.connectmq.com here, then point the same client code at your private instance.

A single Raspberry Pi or home lab

Mosquitto

Tiny footprint and simple configuration. You handle updates, TLS and backups yourself.

You operate your own large cluster and data pipelines

EMQX or HiveMQ Enterprise

Built for self-managed clustering; plan for the operational work and licensing.

Want the longer version? Read our guide to choosing an MQTT broker, browse the free MQTT brokers you can test today, or learn when to move from public to private brokers.

From the makers of TestMQTT

Skip running your own broker

Public test brokers are shared with thousands of strangers. ConnectMQ gives you a private MQTT broker you can trust with real devices — set up in minutes.

Create your broker Learn about ConnectMQ
  • Your own isolated broker — nobody else can read your topics
  • Username / password auth and per-topic access control
  • TLS and secure WebSockets, MQTT 3.1.1 and MQTT 5
  • Same client code from first test to production

MQTT broker comparison FAQ

Which MQTT broker is best?

It depends on who runs it. If you want a private, secure broker without operating servers, a managed broker such as ConnectMQ is the simplest choice. If you want to self-host, Mosquitto suits single servers and EMQX or HiveMQ suit clusters.

What is the difference between a managed and a self-hosted MQTT broker?

With a self-hosted broker you install, secure, upgrade, monitor and scale the server yourself. A managed broker is operated for you: you get an endpoint and credentials and connect your devices.

Do all MQTT brokers support MQTT 5?

All four brokers in this comparison support both MQTT 3.1.1 and MQTT 5. They differ mainly in who operates them, how they scale and how authentication and access control are set up.

Can I test these brokers before choosing?

Yes. ConnectMQ, EMQX, HiveMQ and Mosquitto have public endpoints you can connect to from the TestMQTT online client in seconds.