Centrifugo vs Socket.io: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Centrifugo and Socket.io 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 api tools features specifically
- • Self-hosted, language-agnostic real-time messaging server.
- • Handles persistent connections over various transports (WebSocket, SSE, etc.).
Socket.io
Enable real-time, bidirectional, and event-based communication between web clients and servers.
Best for you if:
- • You need websocket tools features specifically
- • Enables real-time, bidirectional communication.
- • Offers reliable connections with WebSocket and HTTP long-polling fallback.
| At a Glance |  Centrifugo |  Socket.io |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | API Tools | WebSocket Tools |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Centrifugo | Socket.io |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsLive Chat | WebSocket Tools |
How Centrifugo and Socket.io Compare
Centrifugo
Scalable real-time messaging server for interactive applications, designed for high performance and easy integration.
Free
Socket.io
Enable real-time, bidirectional, and event-based communication between web clients and servers.
Free
Centrifugo is a api tools tool. Socket.io is in websocket tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Centrifugo
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: Centrifugo
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Centrifugo
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Centrifugo is a api tools tool. Socket.io is in websocket tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Centrifugo
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Socket.io
- Better fit for websocket tools
The Bottom Line
Centrifugo is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centrifugo or Socket.io better?
Centrifugo scores high/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Centrifugo and Socket.io used for?
Centrifugo: Scalable real-time messaging server for interactive applications, designed for high performance and easy integration.. Socket.io: Enable real-time, bidirectional, and event-based communication between web clients and servers..
What does Centrifugo cost vs Socket.io?
Centrifugo is completely free. Socket.io is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.