Side by side

Apache Artemis vs Apache RocketMQ

Both stand on message broker software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Apache Artemis

Free plan APILinuxMac+2

Apache Artemis offers a broad protocol and client-language range alongside clustering, persistence, and security options. Its free, self-hosted model fits teams prepared to deploy and operate the broker themselves.

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Apache RocketMQ

Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+2

Apache RocketMQ offers a broad set of messaging patterns and deployment options as self-hosted open-source middleware. Operators should account for the JDK requirement and configure access controls or restrict trusted networks.

Visit Apache RocketMQ

The facts

	Apache Artemis	Apache RocketMQ
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Yes
Runs on	API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows	API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Free or on request
Plans published	1	2
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	artemis.apache.org	rocketmq.apache.org
On message broker software	#6 of 39	#2 of 39

Apache Artemis: what it does well

Supports AMQP, MQTT, STOMP, OpenWire, and Core.
High availability can use shared storage or network replication.
Offers multiple persistence options, including JDBC.
Security is enabled by default.
Free under Apache License 2.0.

What to know first

Requires Java 17 or later.
Self-hosted deployment requires users to manage the broker.

Apache RocketMQ: what it does well

Free under the Apache License 2.0.
Supports several messaging patterns and consumption modes.
Lists persistence, replication, and failover.
Can run locally, in Docker, or Kubernetes.
Lists SDKs for Java, Go, Python, C++, and Rust.

What to know first

ACL is not enabled by default.
Quick-start requires a 64-bit JDK 1.8 or later.
Operators must configure ACL or restrict network access.

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