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BullMQ

BullMQ is a free, MIT-licensed job queue for Node.js and other languages on Redis or PostgreSQL, with a paid Pro edition for advanced features.

Our take: BullMQ gives Node.js teams a mature, free queue with the features most apps need: delays, cron schedules, retries, flows and rate limits.

Best forNode.js background jobs
ReviewedPricing: Freemium
7.9 out of 105 criteria · see breakdown
Try BullMQFree (MIT); Pro $139/mo per deployment

BullMQ is a free, MIT-licensed job queue library for Node.js and six other languages that stores jobs in Redis or PostgreSQL. It is for developers who run their own background jobs; the paid extras are BullMQ Pro at $139 a month per deployment and the Taskforce.sh dashboard from $19.95 a month.

The bottom line

The default free choice for background jobs in Node.js if you can run the datastore.

Our score

Reviewed by the Conversion Gems editorial team. Hover a facet to focus it; click to pin.Tap a facet to focus it.

What it is, and why we rate it

One line each. Open a row for detail.

What it really isAn open-source job queue library on Redis or PostgreSQL, with a paid Pro edition and dashboard.
Our takeBullMQ gives Node.js teams a mature, free queue with the features most apps need: delays, cron schedules, retries, flows and rate limits.
Because it is a library, you own the uptime of Redis or PostgreSQL and the workers. The new PostgreSQL backend removes the need for Redis, at a throughput cost. Pay for Pro only if you need per-tenant groups or batches, or want support from the maintainers.
Why we rate itFree MIT licence, a deep feature set for job queues and clients in seven languages.
The catchYou operate the datastore and workers, and advanced features and support sit behind a per-deployment Pro licence.

Best / not good for

Best for
  • Node.js and TypeScript services needing background jobs
  • Teams already running Redis or PostgreSQL
  • Polyglot backends sharing one queue
Not good for
  • Teams that want a fully managed job service
  • No-code users
  • Long-running workflows that need durable state across months
Trade-offs

Friction report

Trade-offs to know before signing up.

  1. Time to value
    Under an hour for a developer with Redis running; a queue and worker take a few lines of code.
  2. Scale breakpoint
    Per-tenant rate limits or batches push you to BullMQ Pro; production monitoring often adds Taskforce.sh.
  3. Walled garden
    Low: MIT code, standard Redis or PostgreSQL storage.
Still a fit?
If none of these block you, start on the free plan.
Try BullMQ

BullMQ, BullMQ Pro and Taskforce.sh pricing

ProductPriceCovers
BullMQFree (MIT)Full queue library; no limits on workers or concurrency
BullMQ Pro Standard$139/mo or $1,395/yrPer deployment; groups, batches, observables, professional support
BullMQ Pro EnterpriseQuote-basedMultiple deployments, volume discounts, priority support
BullMQ Pro EmbeddedQuote-basedRedistribution rights for products you sell
Taskforce.sh Starter$19.95/mo or $195/yrDashboard, 1 connection, unlimited queues and users
Taskforce.sh Growing$49.95/mo or $495/yr5 connections
Taskforce.sh Enterprise$99.95/mo or $995/yr15 connections

From bullmq.io and BullMQ's Bull Board vs Taskforce.sh guide, checked 4 October 2026. Taskforce.sh has a 15-day free trial with no card; BullMQ Pro trial tokens are available on request.

BullMQ vs BullMQ Pro

CapabilityBullMQ (free)BullMQ Pro
Delayed jobs, cron schedulers, retries, prioritiesYesYes
Parent-child flows, rate limiting, deduplicationYesYes
Groups with per-group rate limit and concurrencyNoYes
Batches and observablesNoYes
Professional support from the maintainersNo (GitHub community)Yes

From bullmq.io and the BullMQ Pro documentation, checked 4 October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BullMQ free?

Yes. BullMQ is MIT-licensed with no limits on workers or concurrency. Paid options are BullMQ Pro at $139 a month or $1,395 a year per deployment, and the Taskforce.sh dashboard from $19.95 a month (checked 4 October 2026).

Can I use BullMQ without Redis?

Yes. BullMQ's docs describe an optional PostgreSQL backend with the same Queue, Worker, QueueEvents and FlowProducer API. It needs PostgreSQL 13 or newer, and the docs say Redis remains the default and that PostgreSQL throughput is typically 1.5 to 2 times lower. Redis-compatible stores such as Valkey and DragonflyDB also work.

What is BullMQ for?

Running work outside the request cycle: sending emails, processing files, calling AI models, retrying failed payments or running cron-style tasks. Producers add jobs to a queue and workers process them, with delays, retries, priorities and rate limits.

What does BullMQ Pro add?

Groups with their own rate limits and concurrency, batches, observables with cancellation and professional support. Standard costs $139 a month or $1,395 a year per deployment; Enterprise and Embedded licences are quote-based. A trial token can be requested from Taskforce.sh (checked 4 October 2026).

What is the difference between Bull and BullMQ?

BullMQ is the TypeScript rewrite and successor of Bull. Bull's GitHub README says it is in maintenance mode with bug fixes only and points to BullMQ for new features.

What are some alternatives to BullMQ?

Inngest and Trigger.dev run background jobs as hosted services that can also be self-hosted, Temporal handles long-running durable workflows, and AWS Step Functions is a managed workflow service. BullMQ stays the lighter option if you already run Redis or PostgreSQL.

BullMQ alternatives

Other background job and workflow tools to compare:

Showing 1–3 of 4
Sources checked October 4, 2026: BullMQ homepage, BullMQ documentation, BullMQ PostgreSQL backend, BullMQ Pro introduction, Bull Board vs Taskforce.sh (BullMQ guide), BullMQ on GitHub, Bull on GitHub (maintenance notice).

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Tags

#NodeJS#JobQueue#Redis#OpenSource

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