MQTT Platform Evaluation Checklist
Selecting the right MQTT broker or platform for your enterprise IoT or IIoT project is a strategic decision that affects scalability, security, and long-term success. Whether you're evaluating open-source brokers, cloud-managed MQTT services, or enterprise-grade platforms, this checklist helps IT leaders and enterprise architects compare MQTT brokers across critical dimensions including integration capabilities, performance, security, operational reliability, and total cost of ownership (TCO).
Designed to be vendor-neutral, it supports your decision-making process at every stage, from initial research to procurement. Use it to ensure your MQTT-powered architecture aligns with your organization’s digital transformation and industrial IoT (IIoT) strategy.
MQTT Broker Evaluation Criteria
Each section below highlights a key area to consider when selecting an MQTT platform that fits your architecture, deployment needs, and digital strategy. Start assessing and comparing MQTT brokers or platforms based on the criteria that matter most.
Security & Vendor Trust
| Criteria | Why It Matters | Yes/No/Maybe |
|---|---|---|
| TLS 1.2+, OAuth2, ACLs | Prevents unauthorized access and ensures secure communication. | |
| Enterprise IAM and audit logging (SSO, LDAP) | Enterprise IAM + audit logging (SSO, LDAP) Centralized user control and traceability for compliance. | |
| Transparent vendor ownership and governance | Reduces risks from opaque or untrusted software origins. | |
| ISO 27001, TISAX, or similar security certifications | Indicates readiness for regulated and security-sensitive environments. | |
| Trusted software supply chain | Ensures long-term reliability and avoids regulatory/legal entanglements. |
Cloud-Native & GitOps Ready
| Criteria | Why It Matters | Yes/No/Maybe |
|---|---|---|
| Helm charts, Kubernetes-native clustering | Enables scalable, resilient, modern deployments. | |
| GitOps compatibility (declarative, config-as-code) | Supports automation, consistency, and CI/CD workflows. | |
| Deployable across on-prem, cloud, hybrid, and edge | Avoids lock-in and supports flexible infrastructure strategy. |
Scalability, Reliability & Maintainability
| Criteria | Why It Matters | Yes/No/Maybe |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-node clustering without single point of failure | Ensures high availability and fault tolerance. | |
| Scales to millions of connections with high throughput | Handles large-scale IoT and industrial workloads reliably. | |
| Prometheus/OpenTelemetry metrics, structured logs | Supports observability, troubleshooting, and performance optimization. | |
| SLA-backed managed service offering | De-risks production with guaranteed uptime and expert support. |
Extensibility & Integration
| Criteria | Why It Matters | Yes/No/Maybe |
|---|---|---|
| Plugin architecture (Java SDK or similar) | Allows custom business logic without modifying broker core. | |
| Native connectors to Kafka, Snowflake, DBs, cloud | Simplifies integration with enterprise systems. | |
| Schema validation and data transformation on broker | Improves data quality and reduces downstream ETL needs. | |
| Bi-directional integrations (e.g., MQTT bridges) | Enables seamless data flow between edge and cloud systems. |
Open Standards & Industrial Support
| Criteria | Why It Matters | Yes/No/Maybe |
|---|---|---|
| Full MQTT 5.0 support (shared subs, user props) | Enables advanced control over messaging and subscriber behavior. | |
| Sparkplug B, OPC UA, Modbus bridging | Supports interoperability with legacy and industrial systems. | |
| Open protocols and APIs (no vendor lock-ins) | Maintains flexibility and integration options over time. |
Data Governance & Edge
| Criteria | Why It Matters | Yes/No/Maybe |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Data Hub for policy enforcement | Ensures data integrity and quality across MQTT deployments. | |
| Headless edge deployment with protocol translation | Facilitates seamless OT-IT integration without additional hardware. | |
| API-based management for edge components | Enables automated, scalable operations and integration with existing systems. |
Business Fit & Vendor Strength
| Criteria | Why It Matters | Yes/No/Maybe |
|---|---|---|
| MQTT is the vendor’s core business | Indicates focus, maturity, and roadmap alignment for MQTT. | |
| Clearly defined pricing and licensing | Reduces surprises and helps budget planning. | |
| Proven deployments at enterprise scale (Fortune 500) | De-risks implementation with real-world validation. | |
| Specialized support & documentation | Accelerates onboarding, reduces troubleshooting effort. |
Don’t leave your MQTT platform decision to guesswork. Arm yourself with a checklist trusted by enterprise architects building the future of connected systems. Download the MQTT Platform Evaluation Checklist today.
Are you using an open-source, self-managed, or fully-managed MQTT broker—and considering a switch to a platform that’s truly flexible, reliable, secure, observable, and scalable? Choose HiveMQ Enterprise Self-Managed edition for total control over your infrastructure or go live in minutes with our Fully-Managed HiveMQ Cloud service. Try HiveMQ.
