compare
NATS vs Apache RocketMQ
The same facts for both, read from GitHub every night, and the relation a person reviewed.
| Fact | NATS | Apache RocketMQ |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Go | Java |
| Licence | Apache-2.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Stars | 21k | 23k |
| Latest | v2.15.0 | rocketmq-all-5.5.1 |
| Last push | 2026-10-06 | 2026-10-03 |
| Release cadence | too few releases | about 119 days between releases |
| Active contributors | 33+ commit authors on the default branch in the last 90 days | 21 commit authors on the default branch in the last 90 days |
| Flags | none | none |
How they relate
Both replace Apache Kafka. Alternatives to Apache Kafka →
PartialNATSDurable streams with JetStream, without Kafka's protocol.
Full replacementApache RocketMQStreaming and messaging with transactional and delayed messages, through its own protocol and clients.
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 RocketMQ
- rocketmq-all-5.5.12026-08-20This maintenance release removes fastjson 1.x from the distribution (fastjson2 upgraded to 2.0.63 and DLedger bumped to…
- rocketmq-all-5.5.02026-04-10This version introduces Lite Mode, a lightweight subscription mechanism designed for AI scenarios, alongside enhancemen…
- rocketmq-all-5.4.02025-12-24This version introduces two new features and a few minor fixes.
- rocketmq-all-5.3.42025-11-27This is a bug-fix release that includes numerous improvements to enhance stability, performance, and correctness. Key h…
- rocketmq-all-5.3.32025-05-07This version no longer supports "ACL 1.0" related features, please use "ACL 2.0".
NATS
✓ signed The latest release, v2.15.0, carries a signature GitHub verified.
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Apache RocketMQ
✓ signed The latest release, rocketmq-all-5.5.1, carries a signature GitHub verified.
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