Centrifugo vs Ably: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Centrifugo and Ably comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Centrifugo
Scalable real-time messaging server for interactive applications, designed for high performance and easy integration.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Self-hosted, language-agnostic real-time messaging server.
- • Handles persistent connections over various transports (WebSocket, SSE, etc.).
Ably
Realtime messaging infrastructure for chat, notifications, and live updates
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Ably is a real-time messaging infrastructure provider for apps requiring live updates and sync
- • It handles pub/sub messaging, presence detection, and message history at global scale
| At a Glance |  Centrifugo |  Ably |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Centrifugo | Ably |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsLive Chat | API ToolsLow-Code Backend |
How Centrifugo and Ably Compare
Centrifugo
Scalable real-time messaging server for interactive applications, designed for high performance and easy integration.
Free
Ably
Realtime messaging infrastructure for chat, notifications, and live updates
Free tier available · 85/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Centrifugo is free. Ably is freemium.
Go with: Centrifugo
Want the highest-rated option?
Ably scores 85/100. Centrifugo is unrated.
Go with: Ably
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Ably
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Centrifugo is free. Ably is freemium. Go with Centrifugo if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are api tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Ably
- Higher score: 85/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Centrifugo
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Ably (85/100) is our pick. That said, Centrifugo is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centrifugo or Ably better?
Ably scores 85/100 in our evaluation. Centrifugo is free and Ably is freemium.
What are Centrifugo and Ably used for?
Centrifugo: Scalable real-time messaging server for interactive applications, designed for high performance and easy integration.. Ably: Realtime messaging infrastructure for chat, notifications, and live updates.
What does Centrifugo cost vs Ably?
Centrifugo is completely free. Ably is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.