Apache Kafka is a more established platform with a larger community and ecosystem, making it a better choice for complex systems requiring extensive integrations. For instance, in a project that needs to integrate with various big data tools like Apache Hadoop and Apache Spark, choosing Apache Kafka would ensure better compatibility and support.
You would use Redpanda over Apache Kafka when you require a highly performant and easy-to-manage streaming platform without the overhead of ZooKeeper. For example, in a cloud-based application with stringent latency requirements, using Redpanda can enhance performance while simplifying deployment and management.