compare
Apache Kafka vs NATS
The same facts for both, read from GitHub every night, and the relation a person reviewed.
| Fact | Apache Kafka | NATS |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Java | Go |
| Licence | Apache-2.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Stars | 34k | 21k |
| Latest | 4.3.1 | v2.15.0 |
| Last push | 2026-10-06 | 2026-10-06 |
| Release cadence | too few releases | too few releases |
| Active contributors | 115+ commit authors on the default branch in the last 90 days | 33+ commit authors on the default branch in the last 90 days |
| Flags | none | none |
How they relate
NATS replaces Apache Kafka. Alternatives to Apache Kafka →
PartialDurable streams with JetStream, without Kafka's protocol.
Apache Kafka
This repository publishes tags, not GitHub releases.
NATS
- v2.14.8-RC.22026-10-06Release v2.14.8-RC.2pre-release
- v2.15.1-RC.22026-10-06Release v2.15.1-RC.2pre-release
- v2.14.8-RC.12026-09-28Release v2.14.8-RC.1pre-release
- v2.15.1-RC.12026-09-28Release v2.15.1-RC.1pre-release
- v2.15.02026-09-17Release v2.15.0
Apache Kafka
unsigned The latest release, 4.3.1, carries no signature GitHub could verify.
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NATS
✓ signed The latest release, v2.15.0, carries a signature GitHub verified.
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