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Eclipse Mosquitto
What it is
Eclipse Mosquitto is a free, open-source message broker that implements MQTT 5.0, 3.1.1 and 3.1. It uses a publish/subscribe model to carry messages between applications and connected devices, including low-power sensors, phones, embedded computers and microcontrollers. The project describes Mosquitto as lightweight, with uses ranging from low-power single-board computers to full servers. It runs on Linux, macOS and Windows, and can be self-hosted. Alongside the broker, the project provides a C library for MQTT clients and the mosquitto_pub and mosquitto_sub command-line clients. Supported protocols include MQTT and MQTT over WebSockets, and delivery guarantees are configurable. The project also operates a public test MQTT server with plain MQTT, TLS, client-certificate TLS and WebSocket options. Community assistance is best effort through GitHub, a mailing list, Matrix and Cedalo forums. Cedalo offers hosted or on-premises instances, consulting and custom development as commercial support options.
For and against
For
- Implements MQTT 5.0, 3.1.1 and 3.1.
- Available for Linux, macOS and Windows.
- Includes a C client library and command-line clients.
- Public test server offers TLS and WebSocket options.
Against
- Community support is best effort.
- Commercial hosting and consulting are offered by Cedalo.
The verdict
Mosquitto provides a free, self-hosted broker with client tools and support for several MQTT versions. Community help is best effort; commercial services are available separately through Cedalo.
Who it suits
It suits developers and operators building MQTT-based messaging for connected devices, from small embedded systems to servers. It can also suit teams seeking a self-hosted broker with client tools.
Plans and prices
Open-source Mosquitto
Core MQTT features · On-premises
Read 4 Oct 2026 · mosquitto.org
On the record
- Client tools
- The project also provides a C library for MQTT clients and the mosquitto_pub and mosquitto_sub command-line clients.mosquitto.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Commercial support
- Cedalo offers hosted or on-premises instances, consulting, and custom development for Mosquitto.mosquitto.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Community support
- Community support is available on a best-effort basis through the project’s GitHub repository, mailing list, Matrix, and Cedalo forums.mosquitto.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Lightweight
- The project describes Mosquitto as lightweight and suitable for devices ranging from low-power single-board computers to full servers.mosquitto.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Linux support
- The download page lists Snap installation and packages or repositories for Debian, Raspberry Pi, and Ubuntu.mosquitto.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- macOS support
- The download page says Mosquitto can be installed on Mac using Homebrew.mosquitto.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Messaging model
- MQTT uses a publish/subscribe model suited to IoT messaging, including low-power sensors, phones, embedded computers, and microcontrollers.mosquitto.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Mosquitto is an open-source message broker that implements MQTT 5.0, 3.1.1, and 3.1.mosquitto.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Related integration
- The project says Streamsheets uses Mosquitto as a core component and can process incoming MQTT data.mosquitto.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security
- The project directs people who find a vulnerability to report it through the Eclipse Security page and lists past security issues and fixes.mosquitto.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Testing
- The project runs a public test MQTT server with plain MQTT, TLS, client-certificate TLS, and WebSocket options.mosquitto.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The site names manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and smart-home systems among MQTT broker application areas.mosquitto.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Windows support
- The download page provides supported Windows x64 and x86 installers.mosquitto.org · read 4 Oct 2026
