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Software · head to head

Crestron vs MQTT

Crestron logo

Crestron

Software

Enterprise-grade control and automation technology

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
MQTT logo

MQTT

Software

Lightweight messaging protocol for IoT devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only MQTT has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Crestron crestron does not sell direct or publish prices; its own site's How-To-Buy navigation routes buyers only to a dealer/partner search (Elite Platinum Commercial Dealers) or an authorized representative, with no online pricing or purchase path.; MQTT mQTT is an OASIS standard messaging protocol maintained by a standards committee, not sold by a vendor; there is no company-controlled price list, subscription, or edition to compare because implementations are independent open source or commercial products built on the spec
  • They diverge on capability: Crestron covers Enterprise Control, MQTT covers Publish-Subscribe.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Crestron and MQTT actually diverge.

Attributes where Crestron and MQTT differ
AttributeCrestronMQTT
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelquoteopen-source
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsControl systems, Mobile apps, Web interfaces, Touch screensAny platform, Embedded devices, Cloud, Edge computing
Founded19711999

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Crestron

  • Enterprise Control
  • Powerful Programming
  • Extensive Integration
  • Reliability
  • 5000+ devices
  • Custom protocols
  • Web/Mobile apps
  • Touch panels

Only in MQTT

  • Publish-Subscribe
  • Lightweight
  • QoS Levels
  • Retained Messages
  • IoT platforms
  • Home automation
  • Cloud services
  • Edge devices

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Crestron

  • Conference room automationnot MQTT
  • Building managementnot MQTT
  • Campus-wide controlnot MQTT
  • Corporate AVnot MQTT

MQTT

  • IoT messagingnot Crestron
  • Sensor datanot Crestron
  • Real-time updatesnot Crestron
  • Device telemetrynot Crestron

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Crestron

  • Crestron does not sell direct or publish prices; its own site's How-To-Buy navigation routes buyers only to a dealer/partner search (Elite Platinum Commercial Dealers) or an authorized representative, with no online pricing or purchase path.

MQTT

  • MQTT is an OASIS standard messaging protocol maintained by a standards committee, not sold by a vendor; there is no company-controlled price list, subscription, or edition to compare because implementations are independent open source or commercial products built on the spec

Pricing, plan by plan

Crestron

On request
  • Professional$1000/month
    • Programming tools
    • Device control
    • Advanced features
  • Enterprise$10000/month
    • Large deployments
    • Custom solutions
    • Enterprise support

MQTT

Free
  • Open ProtocolFree
    • Publish-subscribe
    • Lightweight
    • QoS levels

Which should you pick?

Choose Crestron if

  • You need enterprise control.
  • You work on Control systems, Mobile apps, Web interfaces, Touch screens.
  • You also want powerful programming.
Crestron review

Choose MQTT if

  • You need publish-subscribe.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Any platform, Embedded devices, Cloud, Edge computing.
  • You also want lightweight.
MQTT review

Questions people ask

Is Crestron or MQTT better?
Neither clearly leads. Crestron starts at On request and MQTT at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Crestron or MQTT?
MQTT has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Crestron and Free for MQTT.
Does Crestron or MQTT run on more platforms?
Crestron runs on Control systems, Mobile apps, Web interfaces, Touch screens. MQTT runs on Any platform, Embedded devices, Cloud, Edge computing.
Can I use MQTT for free?
Yes. MQTT has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Crestron starts at On request.
What is Crestron best used for?
Crestron is most often used for conference room automation, building management, campus-wide control, corporate av. Of those, conference room automation and building management are not what MQTT is typically brought in for.
What can Crestron do that MQTT cannot?
Crestron covers Enterprise Control, Powerful Programming, Extensive Integration, Reliability. MQTT covers Publish-Subscribe, Lightweight, QoS Levels, Retained Messages.
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