HTTP vs MQTT

The internet's default language meets the iot whisperer. Here's our take.

HTTP

Nice Pick

The internet's default language. It's everywhere, but good luck debugging its quirks without a headache.

Pros

• Universally supported across all web platforms and devices
• Simple request-response model makes it easy to understand and implement
• Stateless nature allows for scalable and flexible server architectures

Cons

• Lacks built-in security, requiring HTTPS for encryption and authentication
• Can be verbose and inefficient for real-time or high-performance applications

MQTT

The IoT whisperer. Lightweight enough for your smart toaster, reliable enough for your industrial sensors.

Pros

• Minimal overhead makes it perfect for low-bandwidth or constrained devices
• Publish-subscribe model scales well for large numbers of connected devices
• Quality of Service levels ensure message delivery even on unreliable networks

Cons

• Lacks built-in security features, requiring additional layers for production use
• Can be overkill for simple applications due to its complexity in setup

The Verdict

Use HTTP if: You want universally supported across all web platforms and devices and can live with lacks built-in security, requiring https for encryption and authentication.

Use MQTT if: You prioritize minimal overhead makes it perfect for low-bandwidth or constrained devices over what HTTP offers.

The Bottom Line

HTTP wins

The internet's default language. It's everywhere, but good luck debugging its quirks without a headache.