Upstash QStash

What is Upstash QStash?

QStash is an HTTP-based message queue: instead of running a worker process that pulls jobs off a queue, you POST a job to QStash with a target URL, and QStash handles scheduling, retries, and delivery back to your own HTTP endpoint later. That model maps naturally onto serverless and edge functions, which can't run long-lived worker processes in the first place.

Key features

• Pure HTTP interface for both publishing and receiving jobs, no queue client library or persistent connection required
• Automatic retries with configurable backoff if your endpoint fails or times out
• Delayed and scheduled delivery, including cron-style recurring jobs
• Signature verification on incoming webhook calls so you can trust a delivery actually came from QStash
• Part of the broader Upstash ecosystem, so it pairs naturally if you're already using Upstash Redis or Kafka

Who it's for

Serverless and edge-deployed apps that need reliable background job delivery without standing up a worker process or queue infrastructure. If you need heavier job orchestration (complex retries, step functions, long-running tasks with state), something like Trigger.dev or Inngest offers more structure.

Pricing

Free tier for low-volume use, usage-based pricing per message beyond that. No fixed monthly minimum for getting started.