SSE vs WebSockets for Real-time Product Workflows

Start from workflow direction

If most updates are server-to-client streams, SSE is often simpler and more stable. If you need full duplex interaction with low-latency bidirectional state, WebSockets may be the right fit.

Operational tradeoffs

SSE usually wins on simplicity:

• easier infrastructure behavior through HTTP semantics
• simpler reconnect handling
• lower coordination overhead for many dashboard-style experiences

WebSockets win when interaction semantics require it, but they introduce more state and operational complexity.

Practical decision rule

Pick SSE by default for status updates, progress streams, and event timelines. Move to WebSockets only when your product behavior truly needs two-way session semantics.

Common mistake

Teams often choose WebSockets because it feels more powerful, then spend weeks maintaining connection edge cases they did not actually need.