HiveMQ vs Particle: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between HiveMQ and Particle 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 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.
Particle
An integrated IoT Platform-as-a-Service for intelligent devices, from hardware to cloud.
Best for you if:
- • You need iot platforms features specifically
- • Integrated IoT platform for building, connecting, and managing intelligent devices.
- • Provides edge infrastructure, reliable multi-radio connectivity, and cloud services.
| At a Glance |  HiveMQ |  Particle |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | ETL & Data Pipelines | IoT Platforms |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | HiveMQ | Particle |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | ETL & Data PipelinesIoT Platforms | IoT PlatformsEdge Computing |
How HiveMQ and Particle Compare
HiveMQ
Stream, contextualize, and analyze real-time operational data to power AI-driven industrial operations.
Free tier available
Particle
An integrated IoT Platform-as-a-Service for intelligent devices, from hardware to cloud.
Free tier available
HiveMQ is a etl & data pipelines tool. Particle is in iot platforms.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: HiveMQ
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: HiveMQ
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: HiveMQ
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
HiveMQ is a etl & data pipelines tool. Particle is in iot platforms. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
HiveMQ
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Particle
- Better fit for iot platforms
The Bottom Line
HiveMQ is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HiveMQ or Particle better?
HiveMQ scores high/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are HiveMQ and Particle used for?
HiveMQ: Stream, contextualize, and analyze real-time operational data to power AI-driven industrial operations.. Particle: An integrated IoT Platform-as-a-Service for intelligent devices, from hardware to cloud..
What does HiveMQ cost vs Particle?
HiveMQ is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Particle is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.