Top Ably Realtime Alternatives for Your Realtime Application Needs
Ably Realtime is a powerful Data Stream Network, renowned for its ability to provide developers with robust tools for creating, delivering, and managing complex real-time projects. With its 100% data delivery guarantee and sub-100ms real-time APIs, Ably ensures reliable data streaming between applications, websites, and servers globally. However, for various reasons such as specific feature requirements, pricing models, or preferred development ecosystems, developers often seek viable Ably Realtime alternative solutions. This article explores some of the best alternatives available.
Top Ably Realtime Alternatives
Whether you're building a chat application, a live dashboard, or any other real-time feature, finding the right platform is crucial. Here are some of the leading alternatives to Ably Realtime, each offering unique strengths to cater to diverse development needs.
Firebase
Firebase, a comprehensive mobile platform from Google, offers a suite of tools and infrastructure to build and grow successful applications. As a freemium platform supporting Web, it provides Backend, Database Publishing, Cloud Messaging, NoSQL database, Private messaging, Real-time traffic, REST API, Scalability, and Web Development features. Its real-time database and cloud functions make it a strong alternative for developers looking for a complete backend solution with robust real-time capabilities.
Socket.io
Socket.IO is a popular open-source JavaScript library that enables real-time, bidirectional, and event-based communication between web clients and servers. Available for Free across Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, and JavaScript environments, with support for C++, Java, and Node.JS, it's an excellent Ably Realtime alternative for developers who prioritize an open-source solution for features like Broadcasting messages, Java support, and general Real-time Web Development.
Pubnub
PubNub stands out as a global Real-Time Network, empowering software developers to build and scale real-time applications rapidly. This freemium platform supports a wide array of operating systems including Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS, and iPad. It offers Backend services, Data streaming, and Real-time pushing, making it a compelling alternative for those needing a highly scalable and reliable real-time communication platform.
deepstream.io
deepstream.io is an open-source, self-hosted, clusterable real-time server designed to handle persistent TCP and WebSocket connections. Available for Free on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it provides data-sync, pub/sub, and request/response functionalities with Java support. For developers seeking a self-hosted, open-source solution with granular control over their real-time infrastructure, deepstream.io is a strong Ably Realtime alternative.
Scaledrone
Scaledrone offers a real-time messaging service and platform, enabling developers to send live updates, create chatrooms, and build collaborative tools. This freemium service supports a wide range of platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, and iPad. Its features include Backend services, Push Notifications, Real-time pushing, Scalability, Web Development, and Websocket streams, positioning it as a versatile Ably Realtime alternative for live communication needs.
Fast.io
Fast.io is a Freemium Software as a Service (SaaS) platform designed to simplify the hosting and tracking of static files on major cloud platforms with a CDN. While not a direct real-time communication platform in the same vein as Ably, it's a valuable alternative for projects that require efficient Cloud Storage, CDN, and Web hosting. Its automation features reduce the complexity and cost often associated with managing static files.
Lightstreamer
Lightstreamer is a commercial server solution for delivering real-time messages to browser-based and mobile applications using WebSockets and HTTP. Available across Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Blackberry, Windows RT, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, iPad, and Self-Hosted environments, it focuses on Real-time communication, Sockets, and Web Development. Its dynamic throttling features and robust real-time capabilities make it a strong Ably Realtime alternative for demanding enterprise applications.
Pusher
Pusher provides a hosted API for quickly, easily, and securely adding scalable real-time functionality to web and mobile apps. As a commercial platform supporting Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and iPad, it specializes in Websocket streams and Web Development. Pusher is a highly regarded Ably Realtime alternative for its ease of integration and ability to scale real-time features without managing complex infrastructure.
MeshyDB
MeshyDB offers all the functionality native to MongoDB but through RESTful API calls, allowing connection to your app in minutes. This free Software as a Service (SaaS) platform for Web, Android, and iPhone provides features like MongoDB, NoSQL database, OpenID Connect, Permission system, REST API, User Roles, and a comprehensive API. While not solely a real-time messaging service, its real-time API capabilities and database features make it a viable alternative for projects requiring real-time data synchronization with a MongoDB-like backend.
Supabase
Supabase positions itself as an open-source Firebase alternative, adding real-time and RESTful APIs to Postgres without requiring a single line of code. This free, open-source web platform features API services, a Database, Real-time traffic, REST API, and a Web-Database. For developers seeking an open-source, PostgreSQL-based alternative to Ably Realtime with built-in real-time capabilities and robust API support, Supabase is an excellent choice.
Ultimately, the best Ably Realtime alternative for your project will depend on your specific needs regarding platform support, open-source preference, scalability requirements, and desired feature set. We encourage you to explore these options further to find the perfect fit for your real-time application.