Centrifugo
Self-HostedOpen-source real-time messaging server for scalable applications
Overview
Centrifugo is a high-performance real-time messaging server enabling bidirectional communication between backend services and clients. It supports WebSocket, SockJS, HTTP streaming, and WebTransport for reliable connectivity. Easy to integrate with any backend (Go, Python, JS, etc.) via REST or GRPC API. Deployable via Docker, prebuilt binaries, or cloud platforms. Ideal for chat apps, live updates, collaborative tools, and IoT dashboards.
Key Features
- Real-time bidirectional messaging
- Multi-transport connectivity (WebSocket, SockJS)
- Easy backend integration via API
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Centrifugo hard to install?
Centrifugo is easy to install via Docker, prebuilt binaries, or package managers. It has minimal dependencies and clear setup documentation, making it accessible for both developers and sysadmins.
? Is Centrifugo a good alternative to Pusher?
Yes—Centrifugo offers similar real-time messaging capabilities but is self-hosted, giving full control over data privacy and no recurring costs. It supports Pusher-compatible client libraries for seamless migration.
? Is Centrifugo completely free?
Centrifugo is open-source under the MIT license, so it’s 100% free to use, modify, and self-host without any restrictions or hidden fees.
Top Alternatives
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Privacy-focused self-hosting
- ⊕ No recurring subscription fees
Cons
- ⊖ Requires backend integration
- ⊖ Technical setup for clustering