Stream vs Centrifugo: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Stream and Centrifugo 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 May 6, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Stream
Activity feeds and chat API
Best for you if:
- 0
- • Stream is an API for building scalable chat and activity feeds
- • It provides real-time messaging with moderation and customization
Centrifugo
Scalable real-time messaging server for interactive applications, designed for high performance and easy integration.
Best for you if:
- 0
- • You need something completely free
- • Self-hosted, language-agnostic real-time messaging server.
- • Handles persistent connections over various transports (WebSocket, SSE, etc.).
| At a Glance |  Stream |  Centrifugo |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | Stream | Centrifugo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsLow-Code Backend | API ToolsLive Chat |
How Stream and Centrifugo Compare
Stream
Activity feeds and chat API
Free tier available
Centrifugo
Scalable real-time messaging server for interactive applications, designed for high performance and easy integration.
Free
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Centrifugo is free. Stream is freemium.
Go with: Centrifugo
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Stream
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Stream
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Stream is freemium. Centrifugo is free. 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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Stream
- 0
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Centrifugo
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Stream is our pick. That said, Centrifugo is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stream or Centrifugo better?
Stream is rated high in our evaluation. Stream is freemium and Centrifugo is free.
What are Stream and Centrifugo used for?
Stream: Activity feeds and chat API. Centrifugo: Scalable real-time messaging server for interactive applications, designed for high performance and easy integration..
What does Stream cost vs Centrifugo?
Stream is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Centrifugo is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.