HiveMQ vs Apache Kafka: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between HiveMQ and Apache Kafka 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:
HiveMQ
Stream, contextualize, and analyze real-time operational data to power AI-driven industrial operations.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need etl & data pipelines features specifically
- • Provides a scalable MQTT platform for real-time operational data streaming from edge to cloud.
- • Contextualizes and governs industrial data to create a unified source of truth for IT and OT.
Apache Kafka
Distributed event streaming for real-time data pipelines
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.2/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need log management features specifically
- • Apache Kafka is a distributed event streaming platform used by 80% of Fortune 100 companies
- • It handles trillions of events daily for real-time data pipelines and streaming applications
| At a Glance |  HiveMQ |  Apache Kafka |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | ETL & Data Pipelines | Log Management |
Rating | —/100 | 92/100 |
| Feature | HiveMQ | Apache Kafka |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 92 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | ETL & Data PipelinesIoT Platforms | Log ManagementETL & Data Pipelines |
How HiveMQ and Apache Kafka Compare
HiveMQ
Stream, contextualize, and analyze real-time operational data to power AI-driven industrial operations.
Free tier available
Apache Kafka
Distributed event streaming for real-time data pipelines
Paid · 92/100 score
HiveMQ is a etl & data pipelines tool. Apache Kafka is in log management.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
HiveMQ has a free tier. Apache Kafka is paid only.
Go with: HiveMQ
Want the highest-rated option?
Apache Kafka scores 92/100. HiveMQ is unrated.
Go with: Apache Kafka
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Apache Kafka
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
HiveMQ is freemium. Apache Kafka is paid. HiveMQ lets you start free.
What's your use case?
HiveMQ is a etl & data pipelines tool. Apache Kafka is in log management. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Apache Kafka
- Higher score: 92/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
HiveMQ
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for etl & data pipelines
The Bottom Line
Apache Kafka (92/100) is our pick. HiveMQ has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HiveMQ or Apache Kafka better?
Apache Kafka scores 92/100 in our evaluation. HiveMQ is freemium and Apache Kafka is paid.
What are HiveMQ and Apache Kafka used for?
HiveMQ: Stream, contextualize, and analyze real-time operational data to power AI-driven industrial operations.. Apache Kafka: Distributed event streaming for real-time data pipelines.
What does HiveMQ cost vs Apache Kafka?
HiveMQ is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Apache Kafka is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.