Side by side
Apache RocketMQ vs DataStax Astra Streaming
Both stand on event streaming platforms. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
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 Free plan APISelf-hostedWeb
A free option and broad connector support make Astra Streaming relevant to teams building Pulsar-based streaming systems. Check shared-cluster limits and connector coverage against your workload before choosing a plan.
Visit DataStax Astra StreamingThe facts
| Apache RocketMQ | DataStax Astra Streaming | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | API, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | rocketmq.apache.org | docs.datastax.com |
| On event streaming platforms | #2 of 27 | #6 of 27 |
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.
DataStax Astra Streaming: what it does well
- Supports streaming, pub/sub, queuing, and change data capture.
- Offers a free plan.
- Includes a broad range of source and sink connectors.
- Supports C#, Golang, Java, Node.js, Python, and Spring Boot.
- Connections use authentication, authorization, and TLS.
What to know first
- Custom source and sink connectors are not supported.
- Experimental connectors are not fully supported or tested.
- Shared-cluster throughput guardrail is 5,000 messages per second per topic.
- Private connectivity is unavailable for shared clusters.
Alternatives to Apache RocketMQ Alternatives to DataStax Astra Streaming The whole list