# Azure Event Hubs, Confluent vs Apache Kafka Comparison

| | Azure Event Hubs | Confluent | Apache Kafka | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.2 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 13 | 114 | 131 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (66.7% of reviews) | Enterprise (35.1% of reviews) | Enterprise (46.8% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Azure Event Hubs

**Not enough data**

### Confluent

Pros:
- Cloud Computing (1 reviews)
- Cloud Services (1 reviews)

Cons:
- Cost Estimation (1 reviews)
- Expensive (1 reviews)

### Apache Kafka

Pros:
- Scalability (5 reviews)
- Real-time Data (3 reviews)

Cons:
- Complexity (1 reviews)
- Data Management Issues (1 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Azure Event Hubs | Confluent | Apache Kafka | 
|---|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 9.2 (8 reviews) | 8.7 (88 reviews) | 8.9 (95 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.3 (8 reviews) | 8.4 (89 reviews) | 8.6 (96 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | Not enough data | 8.2 (39 reviews) | 8.0 (34 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | Not enough data | 8.1 (39 reviews) | 7.8 (24 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 9.0 (7 reviews) | 8.3 (82 reviews) | 7.8 (84 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | Not enough data | 8.5 (36 reviews) | 8.3 (20 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.7 (9 reviews) | 9.0 (89 reviews) | 8.8 (91 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Azure Event Hubs

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### Confluent

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

Yes

### Apache Kafka

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Event Stream Processing

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Azure Event Hubs** | N/A | N/A |
| **Confluent** | 8.7/10 | 68 |
| **Apache Kafka** | 8.8/10 | 41 |

#### Data

| Feature | Azure Event Hubs | Confluent | Apache Kafka | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Data Processing** | Not enough data | 8.8 (63 reviews) | 9.0 (37 reviews) | 
| **Data Sources** | Not enough data | 8.8 (59 reviews) | 8.7 (35 reviews) | 
| **Integration** | Not enough data | 8.8 (63 reviews) | 8.9 (38 reviews) | 
| **Real-Time Processing** | Not enough data | 9.0 (64 reviews) | 9.1 (39 reviews) | 

#### Analytics

| Feature | Azure Event Hubs | Confluent | Apache Kafka | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Reporting & Analytics** | Not enough data | 8.3 (57 reviews) | 8.3 (31 reviews) | 

### Message Queue (MQ)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Azure Event Hubs** | N/A | N/A |
| **Confluent** | N/A | N/A |
| **Apache Kafka** | 8.4/10 | 54 |

#### Functionality

| Feature | Azure Event Hubs | Confluent | Apache Kafka | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Asynchronous Messaging** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.9 (52 reviews) | 
| **Language Support** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (49 reviews) | 
| **Cloud-based Messaging** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (45 reviews) | 
| **Latency** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.1 (49 reviews) | 

#### Integration

| Feature | Azure Event Hubs | Confluent | Apache Kafka | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Application Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (51 reviews) | 
| **Data Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (47 reviews) | 
| **Plugins and integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.1 (46 reviews) | 

#### Management

| Feature | Azure Event Hubs | Confluent | Apache Kafka | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Policies and Controls** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.2 (42 reviews) | 
| **Security Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.0 (42 reviews) | 
| **Activity Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (43 reviews) | 

#### Agentic AI - Message Queue (MQ)

| Feature | Azure Event Hubs | Confluent | Apache Kafka | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Big Data Processing and Distribution

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Azure Event Hubs** | N/A | N/A |
| **Confluent** | 8.3/10 | 23 |
| **Apache Kafka** | N/A | N/A |

#### Database

| Feature | Azure Event Hubs | Confluent | Apache Kafka | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Real-Time Data Collection** | Not enough data | 9.0 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Distribution** | Not enough data | 8.7 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Lake** | Not enough data | 8.3 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Integrations

| Feature | Azure Event Hubs | Confluent | Apache Kafka | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Hadoop Integration** | Not enough data | 8.3 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Spark Integration** | Not enough data | 8.2 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Platform

| Feature | Azure Event Hubs | Confluent | Apache Kafka | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Machine Scaling** | Not enough data | 8.2 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Preparation** | Not enough data | 7.8 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Spark Integration** | Not enough data | 8.2 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Processing

| Feature | Azure Event Hubs | Confluent | Apache Kafka | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Cloud Processing** | Not enough data | 8.2 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Workload Processing** | Not enough data | 8.3 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Big Data Analytics

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Azure Event Hubs** | N/A | N/A |
| **Confluent** | 8.3/10 | 26 |
| **Apache Kafka** | N/A | N/A |

#### Data Transformation

| Feature | Azure Event Hubs | Confluent | Apache Kafka | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Real-Time Analytics** | Not enough data | 8.9 (22 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Data Querying** | Not enough data | 8.4 (20 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 

#### Connectivity

| Feature | Azure Event Hubs | Confluent | Apache Kafka | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Hadoop Integration** | Not enough data | 8.2 (17 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Spark Integration** | Not enough data | 8.6 (19 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-Source Analysis** | Not enough data | 8.3 (22 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Data Lake** | Not enough data | 8.1 (19 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 

#### Operations

| Feature | Azure Event Hubs | Confluent | Apache Kafka | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Data Visualization** | Not enough data | 8.3 (22 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Data Workflow** | Not enough data | 7.9 (21 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Governed Discovery** | Not enough data | 8.2 (18 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Embedded Analytics** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Notebooks** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 

### Big Data

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Azure Event Hubs** | N/A | N/A |
| **Confluent** | N/A | N/A |
| **Apache Kafka** | N/A | N/A |

#### Building Reports

| Feature | Azure Event Hubs | Confluent | Apache Kafka | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Data Transformation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **WYSIWYG Report Design** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Integration APIs** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Platform

| Feature | Azure Event Hubs | Confluent | Apache Kafka | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Mobile User Support** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customization ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **User, Role, and Access Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Internationalization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Sandbox / Test Environments** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Performance and Reliability** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Breadth of Partner Applications** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Stream Analytics Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/stream-analytics)


**Unique to Confluent (3):** [Event Stream Processing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/event-stream-processing), [Big Data Processing And Distribution Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/big-data-processing-and-distribution), [Big Data Analytics Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/big-data-analytics)

**Unique to Apache Kafka (2):** [Message Queue (MQ) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/message-queue-mq), [Event Stream Processing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/event-stream-processing)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Azure Event Hubs | Confluent | Apache Kafka | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 66.7% | 34.2% | 20.6% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 0% | 30.6% | 32.5% | 
| **Enterprise** | 33.3% | 35.1% | 46.8% | 

### By Industry

#### Azure Event Hubs

- **Marketing and Advertising:** 16.7%
- **Entertainment:** 16.7%
- **Public Relations and Communications:** 8.3%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 8.3%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 8.3%
- **Higher Education:** 8.3%
- **Health, Wellness and Fitness:** 8.3%
- **Education Management:** 8.3%
- **Computer Software:** 8.3%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 8.3%

#### Confluent

- **Computer Software:** 21.8%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 15.5%
- **Financial Services:** 13.6%
- **Banking:** 5.5%
- **Retail:** 5.5%
- **Telecommunications:** 4.5%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 2.7%
- **Automotive:** 1.8%
- **Semiconductors:** 1.8%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 1.8%
- **Other:** 25.5%

#### Apache Kafka

- **Computer Software:** 24.6%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 19.0%
- **Financial Services:** 7.9%
- **Banking:** 5.6%
- **Retail:** 4.8%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 4.0%
- **Insurance:** 3.2%
- **Transportation/Trucking/Railroad:** 2.4%
- **Telecommunications:** 2.4%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 2.4%
- **Other:** 23.8%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Azure Event Hubs

- [Amazon Kinesis Data Streams](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-amazon-kinesis-data-streams/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (90 reviews)
- [Google Cloud Pub/Sub](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-pub-sub/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (39 reviews)
- [Apache Flink](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-flink/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (16 reviews)
- [Spotfire Analytics](https://www.g2.com/products/spotfire-analytics/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (362 reviews)
- [HubSpot Data Hub](https://www.g2.com/products/hubspot-data-hub/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (576 reviews)
- [Tealium Customer Data Hub](https://www.g2.com/products/tealium-customer-data-hub/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (474 reviews)
- [IBM StreamSets](https://www.g2.com/products/ibm-streamsets/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (117 reviews)
- [Evam](https://www.g2.com/products/evam/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (216 reviews)
- [Cloudera Data Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/cloudera-cloudera-data-platform/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (136 reviews)
- [Amazon Managed Streaming for Apache Kafka (Amazon MSK)](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-managed-streaming-for-apache-kafka-amazon-msk/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (22 reviews)

### Alternatives to Confluent

- [Cloudera Data Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/cloudera-cloudera-data-platform/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (136 reviews)
- [Lenses](https://www.g2.com/products/lenses/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (17 reviews)
- [Amazon Kinesis Data Streams](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-amazon-kinesis-data-streams/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (90 reviews)
- [Amazon Managed Streaming for Apache Kafka (Amazon MSK)](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-managed-streaming-for-apache-kafka-amazon-msk/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (22 reviews)
- [Aiven for Apache Kafka](https://www.g2.com/products/aiven-for-apache-kafka/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (250 reviews)
- [Splunk Enterprise](https://www.g2.com/products/splunk-enterprise/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (432 reviews)
- [Databricks](https://www.g2.com/products/databricks/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (768 reviews)
- [Snowflake](https://www.g2.com/products/snowflake/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (743 reviews)
- [Alteryx](https://www.g2.com/products/alteryx/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (809 reviews)
- [Teradata Vantage](https://www.g2.com/products/teradata-teradata-vantage/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (373 reviews)

### Alternatives to Apache Kafka

- [Google Cloud Pub/Sub](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-pub-sub/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (39 reviews)
- [MuleSoft Anypoint Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/mulesoft-anypoint-platform/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (743 reviews)
- [IBM MQ](https://www.g2.com/products/ibm-mq/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (174 reviews)
- [Amazon Kinesis Data Streams](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-amazon-kinesis-data-streams/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (90 reviews)
- [Azure Logic Apps](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-logic-apps/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (103 reviews)
- [RabbitMQ](https://www.g2.com/products/rabbitmq/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (47 reviews)
- [Google Cloud Dataflow](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-dataflow/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (45 reviews)
- [Amazon MQ](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-mq/reviews) — 3.6/5 stars (18 reviews)
- [Azure Queue Storage](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-queue-storage/reviews) — 3.9/5 stars (13 reviews)
- [KubeMQ](https://www.g2.com/products/kubemq/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (12 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Azure Event Hubs

No discussions available for this product.

### Confluent

No discussions available for this product.

### Apache Kafka

- Title: [What is Apache Kafka used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-apache-kafka-used-for) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "It is an advanced message broker with very high throughput based on Sequential IO, Zero copy and Compression principles with Publisher and Subscriber models."
- Title: [What is Apache Kafka used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/apache-kafka-what-is-apache-kafka-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "It used this Mnemonic to remember what kafka is and what it is used for -
S - Stream Data in Real-Time:
Handles and processes live data (e.g., Uber car..."
- Title: [What is the maximum limit of the number of partitions in a Kafka topic?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/26572-what-is-the-maximum-limit-of-the-number-of-partitions-in-a-kafka-topic) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "The answer is closely related to the version of the Kafka broker that you are running. A reasonably up to date cluster can hold up to 4,000 partitions per..."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/azure-event-hubs-vs-confluent-vs-apache-kafka)