What is Apache Kafka and what does Apache Kafka do?

Apache Kafka is a distributed streaming platform designed for high-throughput, fault-tolerant data pipelines. It handles real-time data feeds and enables seamless integration across diverse applications, making it ideal for large enterprises with demanding data streaming needs. Kafka's scalability and reliability ensure efficient data processing for mission-critical operations.

How does Apache Kafka integrate with other tools?

Apache Kafka integrates with various tools and platforms using Kafka Connect and other integration tools. It also offers client libraries for multiple languages, enabling seamless connectivity with diverse systems.

What the main competitors of Apache Kafka?

Apache Kafka's main competitors include MuleSoft Anypoint Platform, Axual, StreamSets, Azure Logic Apps, and Ably Realtime. These alternatives offer similar data streaming and integration capabilities, often with a focus on user-friendly interfaces or specific industry needs.

Is Apache Kafka legit?

Yes, Apache Kafka is a legitimate and widely used open-source platform. Known for its reliability and scalability in handling real-time data streams, Kafka is safe and trusted by numerous large enterprises for mission-critical applications.

How much does Apache Kafka cost?

Apache Kafka is an open-source platform, so the software itself is free. However, deploying and managing Kafka often involves costs for infrastructure, support, and related services. Is Kafka worth it? That depends on your specific project needs and budget.

Is Apache Kafka customer service good?

Customer reviews on Apache Kafka's customer service are mixed. Some users express frustration with the lack of strong community support, having to rely on themselves to resolve issues. Others praise the excellent community support and ease of use.

Apache Kafka

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Ratings

4.5/5

(122)

Apache Kafka description

Apache Kafka is a platform that helps different parts of your business talk to each other using streams of data. Imagine it as a super-fast, reliable, and scalable messaging system. It can handle massive amounts of information and makes sure nothing gets lost. Many large companies in various industries use Kafka for important tasks, from processing financial transactions to powering real-time analytics. It's known for its reliability and ability to scale as your business grows.

Who is Apache Kafka best for

Apache Kafka excels at real-time data streaming and processing for large enterprises, especially in finance, tech, and retail. Its distributed architecture ensures high throughput and low latency, as praised by users. However, some find the setup complex. Kafka's scalability and reliability make it suitable for mission-critical applications.

Best fit for large enterprises needing real-time data streaming.
Ideal for finance, tech, and retail sectors requiring mission-critical data processing.

Apache Kafka features

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Supported

Kafka is designed for real-time data streaming and ingestion.

Supported

Kafka integrates with various tools and platforms using Kafka Connect and other integration tools.

Supported

Kafka supports multiple languages via official and community-provided client libraries.

Supported

Kafka offers immutable data storage via its commit log, which can only be appended to.

Supported

Kafka is designed for high availability and scaling, using replication and clustering.

Supported

Kafka is designed for high-volume scalability and efficiency, reducing costs by distributing data and scaling horizontally.

Supported

Kafka supports real-time processing, suitable for banking transactions and reporting.

Qualities

We evaluate the sentiment that users express about non-functional aspects of the software

Ease of Use

Strongly positive

+1

Reliability and Performance

Strongly positive

+1

Ease of Implementation

Neutral

+0.2

Scalability

Strongly positive

+0.71

Apache Kafka reviews

We've summarised 120 Apache Kafka reviews (Apache Kafka G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.

Pros of Apache Kafka

High throughput and low latency.
Horizontally scalable due to partitioning.
Distributed architecture.
Reliable and fault-tolerant.
Easy integration with Java applications.
Large and active community.
Open-source and cost-effective.
Supports multiple languages and frameworks.

Cons of Apache Kafka

Steep learning curve for new users.
Limited Python support.
Complex setup and configuration.
Resource intensive, especially memory consumption.
Lacks built-in security features.
Message ordering not guaranteed across partitions.
Monitoring tools can be improved.

Apache Kafka alternatives

MuleSoft Anypoint Platform

Better for users who need a simpler interface and robust security features. It has broader industry applicability but less focus on real-time data streaming. A steeper learning curve and higher licensing costs may be drawbacks for some users. It is growing faster than Apache Kafka.
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Axual

Better for users seeking simpler Kafka management. Specifically designed for large enterprises needing an easier way to handle real-time data streams with Kafka. Has more momentum than Apache Kafka.
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StreamSets

Better for users comfortable with visual interfaces for building data pipelines. More suitable for organizations focused on hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Has faster website traffic and employee growth, indicating more momentum. Users praise the drag-and-drop interface and customer support. However, users note some limitations in connector options and debugging complexity. Pricing sentiment is negative.
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Looker

Better for business intelligence and data visualization. Easier to use, particularly for non-technical users. A strong Looker alternative for those already invested in the Google Cloud ecosystem. More suitable for data analysis and reporting.
Read more
Lenses

Better for data management within Kafka, offering a centralized platform for monitoring, analysis, security, and deployment. Geared towards larger organizations with more developers. Has slightly better ratings and is growing faster.
Read more
Azure Logic Apps

Better for automating tasks and workflows across cloud and on-premises applications, especially for mid-sized companies. It offers a user-friendly, no-code interface with pre-built connectors, simplifying integration. It is growing faster and has more momentum. A good fit for Finance, E-commerce, Consumer Goods, Transportation & Logistics, Media & Entertainment, Software/IT, Marketing & Advertising, Professional Services and Automotive industries.
Read more

Apache Kafka FAQ

What is Apache Kafka and what does Apache Kafka do?

Apache Kafka is a distributed streaming platform designed for high-throughput, fault-tolerant data pipelines. It handles real-time data feeds and enables seamless integration across diverse applications, making it ideal for large enterprises with demanding data streaming needs. Kafka's scalability and reliability ensure efficient data processing for mission-critical operations.
How does Apache Kafka integrate with other tools?

Apache Kafka integrates with various tools and platforms using Kafka Connect and other integration tools. It also offers client libraries for multiple languages, enabling seamless connectivity with diverse systems.
What the main competitors of Apache Kafka?

Apache Kafka's main competitors include MuleSoft Anypoint Platform, Axual, StreamSets, Azure Logic Apps, and Ably Realtime. These alternatives offer similar data streaming and integration capabilities, often with a focus on user-friendly interfaces or specific industry needs.
Is Apache Kafka legit?

Yes, Apache Kafka is a legitimate and widely used open-source platform. Known for its reliability and scalability in handling real-time data streams, Kafka is safe and trusted by numerous large enterprises for mission-critical applications.
How much does Apache Kafka cost?

Apache Kafka is an open-source platform, so the software itself is free. However, deploying and managing Kafka often involves costs for infrastructure, support, and related services. Is Kafka worth it? That depends on your specific project needs and budget.
Is Apache Kafka customer service good?

Customer reviews on Apache Kafka's customer service are mixed. Some users express frustration with the lack of strong community support, having to rely on themselves to resolve issues. Others praise the excellent community support and ease of use.

Reviewed by

MK

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

TT

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.