Pusher vs ably: What are the differences?

Introduction In this Markdown code snippets, I will provide a comparison of Pusher and Ably, outlining their key differences.

1. Scalability: Pusher is known for its ability to scale well and handle large amounts of data in real-time. It offers a multi-node architecture that allows for seamless scaling as demand increases. On the other hand, Ably provides a globally distributed network, ensuring low-latency communication for users worldwide, even during high traffic situations. This makes Ably more suitable for applications that require high scalability and global reach.

2. Pricing: Pusher offers a free plan with limited features and usage limits, making it suitable for small-scale applications. However, as the usage increases, the pricing for Pusher becomes relatively high compared to Ably. Ably provides a generous free tier with more features and higher usage limits, making it more cost-effective for applications with higher usage requirements.

3. SDK Support: Pusher offers a wide range of SDKs for different platforms and languages, including JavaScript, iOS, Android, and more. These SDKs provide ready-to-use components and tools to integrate Pusher seamlessly into applications. Ably also offers SDKs for various platforms, but its SDK coverage may not be as extensive as Pusher. Developers should consider the platform they are working on and the availability of SDKs when choosing between Pusher and Ably.

4. Real-time features: While both Pusher and Ably provide real-time communication capabilities, they differ in their feature sets. Pusher offers several additional features like presence channels, channel encryption, and private channels. These features can be beneficial for applications that require secure and personalized real-time communication. On the other hand, Ably focuses more on providing a reliable and scalable real-time infrastructure, with features like message history, message queues, and data synchronization. Developers should assess their specific requirements for real-time features when choosing between the two.

5. Authentication and Authorization: Pusher provides built-in authentication mechanisms that allow developers to control access to their channels and data. It supports authentication using various methods like JWT, token-based authentication, and webhooks. Ably also provides authentication and authorization capabilities, allowing developers to control access to their channels. However, compared to Pusher, the authentication options in Ably might be relatively less extensive or flexible. Developers should consider the authentication requirements of their application when deciding between Pusher and Ably.

6. Documentation and Support: Pusher offers comprehensive documentation and a wide range of tutorials, guides, and samples to help developers get started quickly. It also has an active community forum where developers can seek support and share knowledge. Ably also provides good documentation and support resources, including detailed guides and examples. However, the community around Ably might be relatively smaller compared to Pusher. Developers should consider the availability of documentation and support resources when evaluating their options.

In Summary, Pusher and Ably differ in their scalability, pricing, SDK support, real-time features, authentication, and documentation and support. Developers should consider these factors based on their specific requirements to choose the most suitable real-time communication platform.