8 Best-Selling MQTT Books Readers Can't Ignore

Explore MQTT books authored by leading experts offering trusted insights and practical solutions in IoT and networking.

Updated on June 27, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in technical fields like MQTT. As IoT continues to reshape industries, MQTT's lightweight messaging protocol has emerged as a cornerstone for device communication, driving a surge in demand for reliable literature. These best-selling books reflect proven approaches that many developers, engineers, and designers have found invaluable for mastering MQTT's nuances and applying it effectively.

These books are penned by authors with deep expertise and hands-on experience in software development, embedded systems, and IoT architecture. From Gastón C Hillar's extensive work on multi-platform MQTT applications to Tim Pulver's practical Arduino projects, each author brings a unique perspective that has resonated widely with the MQTT community. Their combined knowledge ensures these books are not just theoretical but grounded in real-world applications that address contemporary challenges.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks and practical insights, readers seeking content tailored to their specific MQTT needs might consider creating a personalized MQTT book that combines these validated approaches with customized guidance. Tailored content can complement these expert works by focusing on the exact skills and projects you want to tackle.

Best for multi-platform IoT developers
Italian computer scientist Gaston C. Hillar brings extensive expertise, having authored over a hundred software development articles and earned the Intel(R) Black Belt Software Developer award eight times. His deep understanding of software and IoT protocols underpins this book, which guides you through MQTT’s lightweight messaging system. Hillar’s unique combination of academic and practical insights equips you to build and secure MQTT-based solutions effectively across various platforms.
2017·280 pages·EMQ, MQTT, IOT Development, Networking, IoT

What started as Gastón C Hillar’s quest to simplify IoT communication protocols became a detailed guide into MQTT's practical uses and security. You’ll learn how to install and secure a Mosquitto MQTT broker, then apply MQTT messaging across multiple programming languages including Python, Java, and Swift. The book walks you through real projects like controlling drones and home automation, offering hands-on examples that build your IoT solution skills. If you want to understand MQTT beyond theory and deploy secure, multi-platform IoT applications, this book is tailored for you.

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Best for Python developers implementing MQTT
Gaston C Hillar is a computer engineer with more than 20 years of software development experience and multiple published books. His expertise shines through in this guide on MQTT programming using Python, aimed at developers eager to connect and secure IoT devices. Hillar’s background as a technology conference speaker highlights his ability to explain complex protocols clearly, empowering you to master MQTT’s latest features and practical implementations.
2018·228 pages·MQTT, Networking, Software Development, Python Programming, IoT

What happens when a seasoned computer engineer with over two decades in software development turns his attention to MQTT? Gaston C Hillar crafts a focused guide that blends the MQTT protocol intricacies with Python programming, making it accessible for developers working on IoT projects. You’ll gain hands-on experience installing MQTT brokers, securing connections with TLS encryption, and writing Python code to control real-world devices like vehicles and surfboards. This book is ideal if you want to understand MQTT’s latest features and apply them directly using Python, especially if you have some prior IoT or Python background.

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Best for custom IoT solutions
This AI-created book on MQTT mastery is tailored to your skill level and specific IoT project goals. It combines proven MQTT knowledge with your unique interests to focus on advanced strategies that matter most to you. Rather than a one-size-fits-all guide, this book is created just for you, ensuring your learning is efficient and directly applicable to complex IoT environments. Personalizing MQTT content helps you avoid unnecessary details and zero in on what truly advances your expertise.
2025·50-300 pages·MQTT, MQTT Basics, QoS Levels, Broker Architecture, Scalable Networks

This tailored book explores advanced MQTT techniques specifically designed for scalable IoT applications. It covers the nuanced aspects of MQTT that enable efficient, reliable communication across complex IoT networks. By focusing on your unique interests and background, it reveals how to implement MQTT features that support robust device connectivity and data flow in large-scale environments. The personalized content guides you through optimizing MQTT configurations, handling quality of service levels, and managing broker architectures tailored to your specific projects. This tailored approach ensures you gain deep insights that directly align with your goals, making your journey into advanced MQTT both effective and engaging.

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Best for Arduino IoT prototyping enthusiasts
Tim Pulver is a Berlin-based interaction designer and developer who combines hands-on prototyping with interface design and emerging technologies like 3D printing and machine learning. His background in physical prototyping and web technologies uniquely positions him to guide you through practical MQTT applications for IoT. This book reflects his passion for blending hardware craftsmanship with software innovation, making it a valuable resource for those eager to create their own connected devices and prototypes.
2019·350 pages·Internet of Things, MQTT, IOT Development, Microcontrollers, Prototyping

Drawing from his expertise as an interaction designer skilled in physical prototyping and interface design, Tim Pulver offers a practical guide to MQTT through real-world projects. You get hands-on experience building internet-connected devices like an automatic pet food dispenser and a smart e-ink to-do list, while learning how to integrate microcontrollers with web servers using MQTT messaging. The book also explores modern prototyping tools such as 3D printing and laser cutting, helping you understand not just the software protocols but also the hardware craftsmanship behind IoT devices. If you're comfortable with Arduino basics and want to expand into scalable IoT projects, this book lays out concrete examples and technical insights to elevate your skills.

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Best for ESP32 and MQTT hardware integration
Janani Sathish is a skilled author and expert in Arduino and IoT projects, known for her practical approach to technology and coding. Her hands-on experience shines through in this book, where she explains the strengths of the ESP32 microcontroller and guides you through coding, circuit design, and MQTT-based IoT applications. This practical knowledge reflects her deep understanding of both hardware and software integration, making the book a valuable guide for anyone aiming to build connected devices with confidence.
2021·214 pages·MQTT, Networking, IoT, Embedded Systems, Microcontrollers

What started as an exploration of the ESP32's capabilities became Janani Sathish's detailed guide on integrating Arduino coding with IoT projects using MQTT protocols. You’ll gain a clear understanding of the ESP32’s dual-core processor, ultra-low power coprocessor, and built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, alongside practical circuit diagrams and project examples that bring these features to life. The book breaks down complex hardware and software interactions into manageable sections, ideal if you want hands-on skills with IoT device programming and network communication. If you’re looking to deepen your grasp on combining Arduino with MQTT for real-world applications, this book offers a solid foundation without unnecessary jargon.

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Best for newcomers to MQTT protocol basics
Stephen Cope is a technical author and full-time webmaster with a degree in Electronics and vast experience spanning telecommunications, Microsoft products, networking, and website technologies. His deep understanding of these fields uniquely equips him to introduce MQTT to newcomers. This book reflects his commitment to helping IoT engineers and developers grasp MQTT essentials clearly and confidently, including the latest updates in MQTTv5.
2022·71 pages·MQTT, Networking, Software Development, IoT, MQTT Protocol

When Stephen Cope first realized how pivotal MQTT is for the Internet of Things, he set out to demystify this protocol for newcomers. You’ll learn not just the basics of MQTT, but also how its key features operate and how to implement them confidently in your own projects. The book’s updated content on MQTTv5 reflects the latest protocol enhancements, making it relevant for today’s developers. Whether you’re an IoT engineer or a developer stepping into smart home technologies, this concise guide provides a solid foundation without overwhelming technical jargon. It’s best suited for those who want a clear, approachable introduction rather than deep protocol internals.

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Best for personal skill boosts
This AI-created book on MQTT programming is tailored to your skill level and specific learning goals. You share your background and which MQTT topics you want to focus on, and the book provides a clear, step-by-step path designed for rapid results. By concentrating on what matters most to you, it makes learning MQTT practical and efficient, cutting through unnecessary complexity.
2025·50-300 pages·MQTT, MQTT Basics, Message Handling, Broker Setup, QoS Levels

This tailored book explores MQTT programming through a step-by-step, hands-on approach designed to accelerate your learning over 30 days. It delves into core MQTT concepts, message handling, broker configurations, and practical coding examples that match your background and specific goals. By focusing on your interests and skill level, this personalized guide reveals how to implement MQTT in real-world projects, optimizing your understanding and application of this lightweight messaging protocol. Combining reader-validated knowledge with a customized learning path, it breaks down complex topics into manageable daily lessons that build confidence and proficiency. This tailored content helps you rapidly enhance your MQTT skills without wading through unrelated material, making your learning experience efficient and engaging.

Tailored Guide
Protocol Expertise
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for Raspberry Pi IoT project builders
Dhairya Parikh is an electronics engineer and data engineer at Accenture who writes extensively on IoT and machine learning projects. His hands-on experience building impactful IoT solutions and contributing to Circuit Cellar magazine informs this guide, which equips you with the skills to build and scale MQTT-based projects using Raspberry Pi and popular development boards. His practical approach reflects real-world challenges and opportunities in IoT development.
2022·272 pages·MQTT, IoT, Networking, Raspberry Pi, ESP8266

After building numerous IoT projects in his free time, Dhairya Parikh developed this guide to help you harness Raspberry Pi and MQTT for innovative prototyping. You’ll learn how to set up your own MQTT server on a Raspberry Pi, connect popular development boards like ESP8266 and ESP32, and create interactive dashboards using Node-RED. The book also covers hosting MQTT brokers on cloud platforms and integrating tools like Home Assistant and MariaDB, offering practical examples such as an IoT weather station and smart switchboard. It's ideal if you want to move beyond theory and build functional IoT prototypes with accessible hardware and software.

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Best for IoT architects focusing on MQTT design
Mohsen Hallaj Asghar is an expert in Internet of Things and has contributed significantly to the field through research and publications. His deep understanding of IoT connectivity challenges and protocol design led him to author this book, aiming to clarify how MQTT can enable seamless communication among billions of smart objects. Readers benefit from his focused perspective on integrating IoT systems using MQTT, which is essential for developers and engineers building scalable smart networks.
2016·88 pages·Internet of Things, MQTT, Networking, MQTT Protocol, IoT Architecture

What started as a deep dive into the connectivity challenges of everyday objects became Mohsen Hallaj Asghar's focused exploration of IoT architecture using MQTT protocol. This book walks you through how interconnected devices communicate efficiently, emphasizing lightweight messaging crucial for scalable smart systems. You'll gain insights on integrating MQTT in environments like home automation and business middleware, understanding both technical design and practical application. If you're working on IoT solutions that demand reliable, low-bandwidth communication, this book provides the foundational knowledge to build and manage those networks effectively.

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What sets this IBM Redbooks publication apart is its focus on applying MQTT within real-time mobile solutions, leveraging IBM MessageSight for scalability and security. The book guides you through a practical journey—from a simple remote key fob example to a sophisticated Ride Share app featuring voice, GPS location sharing, and chat across multiple mobile platforms. As a resource grounded in proven IBM technology, it addresses the demands of IoT messaging at scale, making it particularly useful if you're aiming to develop or maintain robust, secure, and scalable IoT communications infrastructure.
264 pages·MQTT, Networking, IoT, Messaging Protocols, MQTT Architecture

Drawing from IBM's extensive experience in IoT and messaging systems, this book lays out the practical application of MQTT combined with IBM MessageSight technology. You gain detailed insights into building scalable, secure real-time mobile solutions, exemplified by a Ride Share and Taxi app that integrates voice, GPS, and chat across platforms. Chapters walk you through securing connections, configuring messaging policies, and handling millions of concurrent devices, making it a solid guide if you're developing robust IoT communication networks. While it's technical, the examples help you grasp how MQTT functions in real-world, high-demand environments, ideal if you work with mobile or IoT infrastructure.

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Conclusion

This collection of MQTT books highlights a few clear themes: practical application of MQTT protocols, integration with popular IoT hardware platforms, and scalable solutions for real-world systems. If you prefer proven methods grounded in robust projects, starting with "MQTT Essentials" and "Hands-On MQTT Programming with Python" offers a solid foundation. For those seeking validated approaches in prototyping and system design, combining "Hands-On Internet of Things with MQTT" with "Internet of Things Architecture and Research App with MQTT Protocol" provides complementary perspectives.

Each book brings a unique angle, whether it's security, mobile integration, or embedded development, giving you a well-rounded view of MQTT's capabilities. Alternatively, you can create a personalized MQTT book to combine proven methods with your unique needs, accelerating your learning and project success.

These widely-adopted approaches have helped many succeed in building connected devices and scalable IoT systems. With these books at hand, you’re equipped to navigate MQTT’s evolving landscape confidently and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which MQTT book should I start with?

Starting with "MQTT For Complete Beginners" offers a clear introduction if you're new to MQTT. From there, "MQTT Essentials" broadens your understanding with practical examples across platforms.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to MQTT?

Not at all. Titles like "MQTT For Complete Beginners" and "MQTT Essentials" are designed for newcomers, gradually building your skills without overwhelming technical jargon.

What’s the best order to read these MQTT books?

Begin with foundational books like "MQTT For Complete Beginners," then progress to application-focused titles such as "Hands-On MQTT Programming with Python" and "Raspberry Pi and MQTT Essentials" for hands-on experience.

Do these books focus more on theory or practical application?

Most emphasize practical application. For example, "Hands-On Internet of Things with MQTT" and "LEARN ESP32 WITH ARDUINO" feature real projects, while "Internet of Things Architecture and Research App with MQTT Protocol" balances theory and design.

Are these MQTT books still relevant given how fast the technology changes?

Yes. Many include the latest MQTTv5 updates and practical implementation advice, helping you stay current with evolving protocol features and industry trends.

Can I get MQTT guidance tailored to my specific goals?

Absolutely. While these expert books provide solid foundations, you can create a personalized MQTT book to focus exactly on the aspects you want to master, blending proven methods with your unique needs.

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