Softwr

Software · head to head

Govee vs MQTT

Govee logo

Govee

Software

Colorful smart home and lighting solutions

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: Govee products are sold individually at hardware prices, e.g. the Uplighter Floor Lamp lists at 179.99 USD and the TV Backlight 3 Lite at 69.99 USD, rather than bundled into a subscription; 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: Govee covers RGBIC technology, MQTT covers Publish-Subscribe.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Govee and MQTT actually diverge.

Attributes where Govee and MQTT differ
AttributeGoveeMQTT
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelone-timeopen-source
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIOS, AndroidAny platform, Embedded devices, Cloud, Edge computing
Founded20171999

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 Govee

  • RGBIC technology
  • Music sync
  • DreamView
  • DIY scenes
  • Timer
  • Voice control
  • Amazon Alexa
  • Google Assistant

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.

Govee

  • Gaming setupnot MQTT
  • TV ambient lightingnot MQTT
  • Room decornot MQTT
  • Outdoor lightingnot MQTT

MQTT

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

Where each one falls short

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

Govee

  • Products are sold individually at hardware prices, e.g. the Uplighter Floor Lamp lists at 179.99 USD and the TV Backlight 3 Lite at 69.99 USD, rather than bundled into a subscription

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

Govee

On request
  • LED Strip Lights$20/month
    • Music sync
    • App control
    • Voice control
  • TV Backlights$70/month
    • Camera-based sync
    • RGBIC
    • Scene modes
  • Outdoor Lights$100/month
    • Weather resistant
    • RGBIC
    • Smart control

MQTT

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Govee if

  • You need rgbic technology.
  • You work on IOS, Android.
  • You also want music sync.
Govee 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 Govee or MQTT better?
Neither clearly leads. Govee 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, Govee or MQTT?
MQTT has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Govee and Free for MQTT.
Does Govee or MQTT run on more platforms?
Govee runs on IOS, Android. 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. Govee starts at On request.
What is Govee best used for?
Govee is most often used for gaming setup, tv ambient lighting, room decor, outdoor lighting. Of those, gaming setup and tv ambient lighting are not what MQTT is typically brought in for.
What can Govee do that MQTT cannot?
Govee covers RGBIC technology, Music sync, DreamView, DIY scenes. MQTT covers Publish-Subscribe, Lightweight, QoS Levels, Retained Messages.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Govee

More on MQTT

Keep looking

Other head to heads