diff --git a/packets/connack.go b/packets/connack.go
index 8d9c31c..750c1b5 100644
--- a/packets/connack.go
+++ b/packets/connack.go
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@ package packets
 import (
 	"bytes"
 	"errors"
-	"io"
 )
 
 // ConnackPacket contains the values of an MQTT CONNACK packet.
@@ -15,7 +14,17 @@ type ConnackPacket struct {
 }
 
 // Encode encodes and writes the packet data values to the buffer.
-func (pk *ConnackPacket) Encode(w io.Writer) error {
+func (pk *ConnackPacket) Encode(buf *bytes.Buffer) error {
+	pk.FixedHeader.Remaining = 2
+	pk.FixedHeader.encode(buf)
+	buf.WriteByte(encodeBool(pk.SessionPresent))
+	buf.WriteByte(pk.ReturnCode)
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+// Encode encodes and writes the packet data values to the buffer.
+/*func (pk *ConnackPacket) Encode(w io.Writer) error {
 	var body bytes.Buffer
 
 	// Write flags to packet body.
@@ -35,6 +44,8 @@ func (pk *ConnackPacket) Encode(w io.Writer) error {
 
 }
 
+*/
+
 // Decode extracts the data values from the packet.
 func (pk *ConnackPacket) Decode(buf []byte) error {
 
diff --git a/packets/connack_test.go b/packets/connack_test.go
index a28d8e3..75fa100 100644
--- a/packets/connack_test.go
+++ b/packets/connack_test.go
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 )
 
+/*
 func TestConnackEncode(t *testing.T) {
 	require.Contains(t, expectedPackets, Connack)
 	for i, wanted := range expectedPackets[Connack] {
@@ -38,7 +39,6 @@ func TestConnackEncode(t *testing.T) {
 		require.Equal(t, wanted.packet.(*ConnackPacket).SessionPresent, pk.SessionPresent, "Mismatched session present bool [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 	}
 }
-
 func BenchmarkConnackEncode(b *testing.B) {
 	pk := new(ConnackPacket)
 	copier.Copy(pk, expectedPackets[Connack][0].packet.(*ConnackPacket))
@@ -49,6 +49,47 @@ func BenchmarkConnackEncode(b *testing.B) {
 	}
 }
 
+*/
+
+func TestConnackEncode(t *testing.T) {
+	require.Contains(t, expectedPackets, Connack)
+	for i, wanted := range expectedPackets[Connack] {
+
+		if !encodeTestOK(wanted) {
+			continue
+		}
+
+		require.Equal(t, uint8(2), Connack, "Incorrect Packet Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
+		pk := new(ConnackPacket)
+		copier.Copy(pk, wanted.packet.(*ConnackPacket))
+
+		require.Equal(t, Connack, pk.Type, "Mismatched Packet Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
+		require.Equal(t, Connack, pk.FixedHeader.Type, "Mismatched FixedHeader Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
+
+		buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+		err := pk.Encode(buf)
+		require.NoError(t, err, "Expected no error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
+		encoded := buf.Bytes()
+
+		require.Equal(t, len(wanted.rawBytes), len(encoded), "Mismatched packet length [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
+		require.Equal(t, byte(Connack<<4), encoded[0], "Mismatched fixed header packets [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
+		require.EqualValues(t, wanted.rawBytes, encoded, "Mismatched byte values [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
+
+		require.Equal(t, wanted.packet.(*ConnackPacket).ReturnCode, pk.ReturnCode, "Mismatched return code [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
+		require.Equal(t, wanted.packet.(*ConnackPacket).SessionPresent, pk.SessionPresent, "Mismatched session present bool [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
+	}
+}
+
+func BenchmarkConnackEncode(b *testing.B) {
+	pk := new(ConnackPacket)
+	copier.Copy(pk, expectedPackets[Connack][0].packet.(*ConnackPacket))
+
+	buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+	for n := 0; n < b.N; n++ {
+		pk.Encode(buf)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestConnackDecode(t *testing.T) {
 	require.Contains(t, expectedPackets, Connack)
 	for i, wanted := range expectedPackets[Connack] {
diff --git a/packets/connect.go b/packets/connect.go
index f1f35ba..2d21071 100644
--- a/packets/connect.go
+++ b/packets/connect.go
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@ package packets
 import (
 	"bytes"
 	"errors"
-	"io"
 )
 
 // ConnectPacket contains the values of an MQTT CONNECT packet.
@@ -28,8 +27,7 @@ type ConnectPacket struct {
 }
 
 // Encode encodes and writes the packet data values to the buffer.
-func (pk *ConnectPacket) Encode(w io.Writer) error {
-
+func (pk *ConnectPacket) Encode(buf *bytes.Buffer) error {
 	var body bytes.Buffer
 
 	// Write flags to packet body.
@@ -55,15 +53,11 @@ func (pk *ConnectPacket) Encode(w io.Writer) error {
 		body.Write(encodeString(pk.Password))
 	}
 
-	// Set remaining length.
 	pk.FixedHeader.Remaining = body.Len()
+	pk.FixedHeader.encode(buf)
+	buf.Write(body.Bytes())
 
-	// Write header and packet to output.
-	out := pk.FixedHeader.encode()
-	out.Write(body.Bytes())
-	_, err := out.WriteTo(w)
-
-	return err
+	return nil
 }
 
 // Decode extracts the data values from the packet.
diff --git a/packets/connect_test.go b/packets/connect_test.go
index 0b321b2..be24b3d 100644
--- a/packets/connect_test.go
+++ b/packets/connect_test.go
@@ -22,15 +22,12 @@ func TestConnectEncode(t *testing.T) {
 		require.Equal(t, Connect, pk.Type, "Mismatched Packet Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.Equal(t, Connect, pk.FixedHeader.Type, "Mismatched FixedHeader Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 
-		var b bytes.Buffer
-		err := pk.Encode(&b)
-
-		encoded := b.Bytes()
+		buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+		pk.Encode(buf)
+		encoded := buf.Bytes()
 
 		require.Equal(t, len(wanted.rawBytes), len(encoded), "Mismatched packet length [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.Equal(t, byte(Connect<<4), encoded[0], "Mismatched fixed header packets [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
-
-		require.NoError(t, err, "Error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.EqualValues(t, wanted.rawBytes, encoded, "Mismatched byte values [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 
 		ok, _ := pk.Validate()
@@ -60,6 +57,16 @@ func TestConnectEncode(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func BenchmarkConnectEncode(b *testing.B) {
+	pk := new(ConnectPacket)
+	copier.Copy(pk, expectedPackets[Connect][0].packet.(*ConnectPacket))
+
+	buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+	for n := 0; n < b.N; n++ {
+		pk.Encode(buf)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestConnectDecode(t *testing.T) {
 	require.Contains(t, expectedPackets, Connect)
 	for i, wanted := range expectedPackets[Connect] {
diff --git a/packets/disconnect.go b/packets/disconnect.go
index dc5a83f..67e40f4 100644
--- a/packets/disconnect.go
+++ b/packets/disconnect.go
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 package packets
 
 import (
-	"io"
+	"bytes"
 )
 
 // DisconnectPacket contains the values of an MQTT DISCONNECT packet.
@@ -10,12 +10,9 @@ type DisconnectPacket struct {
 }
 
 // Encode encodes and writes the packet data values to the buffer.
-func (pk *DisconnectPacket) Encode(w io.Writer) error {
-
-	out := pk.FixedHeader.encode()
-	_, err := out.WriteTo(w)
-
-	return err
+func (pk *DisconnectPacket) Encode(buf *bytes.Buffer) error {
+	pk.FixedHeader.encode(buf)
+	return nil
 }
 
 // Decode extracts the data values from the packet.
diff --git a/packets/disconnect_test.go b/packets/disconnect_test.go
index 0fe6edb..ea46538 100644
--- a/packets/disconnect_test.go
+++ b/packets/disconnect_test.go
@@ -19,12 +19,23 @@ func TestDisconnectEncode(t *testing.T) {
 		require.Equal(t, Disconnect, pk.Type, "Mismatched Packet Type [i:%d]", i)
 		require.Equal(t, Disconnect, pk.FixedHeader.Type, "Mismatched FixedHeader Type [i:%d]", i)
 
-		var b bytes.Buffer
-		err := pk.Encode(&b)
+		buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+		err := pk.Encode(buf)
+		require.NoError(t, err, "Expected no error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
+		encoded := buf.Bytes()
 
-		require.NoError(t, err, "Error writing buffer [i:%d]", i)
-		require.Equal(t, len(wanted.rawBytes), len(b.Bytes()), "Mismatched packet length [i:%d]", i)
-		require.EqualValues(t, wanted.rawBytes, b.Bytes(), "Mismatched byte values [i:%d]", i)
+		require.Equal(t, len(wanted.rawBytes), len(encoded), "Mismatched packet length [i:%d]", i)
+		require.EqualValues(t, wanted.rawBytes, encoded, "Mismatched byte values [i:%d]", i)
+	}
+}
+
+func BenchmarkDisconnectEncode(b *testing.B) {
+	pk := new(DisconnectPacket)
+	copier.Copy(pk, expectedPackets[Disconnect][0].packet.(*DisconnectPacket))
+
+	buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+	for n := 0; n < b.N; n++ {
+		pk.Encode(buf)
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/packets/fixedheader.go b/packets/fixedheader.go
index f96a077..44b2af0 100644
--- a/packets/fixedheader.go
+++ b/packets/fixedheader.go
@@ -24,8 +24,14 @@ type FixedHeader struct {
 	Remaining int
 }
 
+// encode encodes the FixedHeader and returns a bytes buffer.
+func (fh *FixedHeader) encode(buf *bytes.Buffer) {
+	buf.WriteByte(fh.Type<<4 | encodeBool(fh.Dup)<<3 | fh.Qos<<1 | encodeBool(fh.Retain))
+	encodeLength(buf, fh.Remaining)
+}
+
 // Encode encodes the FixedHeader and returns a bytes buffer.
-func (fh *FixedHeader) encode() bytes.Buffer {
+/*func (fh *FixedHeader) encode() bytes.Buffer {
 	var encoded bytes.Buffer
 
 	// Encode flags.
@@ -37,6 +43,7 @@ func (fh *FixedHeader) encode() bytes.Buffer {
 	return encoded
 
 }
+*/
 
 // decode extracts the specification bits from the header byte.
 func (fh *FixedHeader) decode(headerByte byte) error {
@@ -77,7 +84,7 @@ func (fh *FixedHeader) decode(headerByte byte) error {
 }
 
 // encodeLength creates length bits for the header.
-func encodeLength(length int) []byte {
+/*func encodeLength(length int) []byte {
 	encodedLength := make([]byte, 0, 8)
 	for {
 		digit := byte(length % 128)
@@ -92,3 +99,19 @@ func encodeLength(length int) []byte {
 	}
 	return encodedLength
 }
+*/
+
+// encodeLength writes length bits for the header.
+func encodeLength(buf *bytes.Buffer, length int) {
+	for {
+		digit := byte(length % 128)
+		length /= 128
+		if length > 0 {
+			digit |= 0x80
+		}
+		buf.WriteByte(digit)
+		if length == 0 {
+			break
+		}
+	}
+}
diff --git a/packets/fixedheader_test.go b/packets/fixedheader_test.go
index f6da76a..5307692 100644
--- a/packets/fixedheader_test.go
+++ b/packets/fixedheader_test.go
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 package packets
 
 import (
-	//"bytes"
+	"bytes"
 	"math"
 	"testing"
 
@@ -149,15 +149,17 @@ var fixedHeaderExpected = []fixedHeaderTable{
 
 func TestFixedHeaderEncode(t *testing.T) {
 	for i, wanted := range fixedHeaderExpected {
-		b := wanted.header.encode()
-		require.Equal(t, len(wanted.rawBytes), len(b.Bytes()), "Mismatched fixedheader length [i:%d] %v", i, wanted.rawBytes)
-		require.EqualValues(t, wanted.rawBytes, b.Bytes(), "Mismatched byte values [i:%d] %v", i, wanted.rawBytes)
+		buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+		wanted.header.encode(buf)
+		require.Equal(t, len(wanted.rawBytes), len(buf.Bytes()), "Mismatched fixedheader length [i:%d] %v", i, wanted.rawBytes)
+		require.EqualValues(t, wanted.rawBytes, buf.Bytes(), "Mismatched byte values [i:%d] %v", i, wanted.rawBytes)
 	}
 }
 
 func BenchmarkFixedHeaderEncode(b *testing.B) {
+	buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
 	for n := 0; n < b.N; n++ {
-		fixedHeaderExpected[0].header.encode()
+		fixedHeaderExpected[0].header.encode(buf)
 	}
 }
 
@@ -203,12 +205,15 @@ func TestEncodeLength(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	for i, wanted := range tt {
-		require.Equal(t, wanted.want, encodeLength(wanted.have), "Returned bytes should match length [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.have)
+		buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+		encodeLength(buf, wanted.have)
+		require.Equal(t, wanted.want, buf.Bytes(), "Returned bytes should match length [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.have)
 	}
 }
 
 func BenchmarkEncodeLength(b *testing.B) {
+	buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
 	for n := 0; n < b.N; n++ {
-		encodeLength(120)
+		encodeLength(buf, 120)
 	}
 }
diff --git a/packets/parser.go b/packets/parser.go
index 4770ac8..6ab96a0 100644
--- a/packets/parser.go
+++ b/packets/parser.go
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package packets
 
 import (
 	"bufio"
+	"bytes"
 	"encoding/binary"
 	"errors"
 	"io"
@@ -13,8 +14,8 @@ import (
 // Packet is the base interface that all MQTT packets must implement.
 type Packet interface {
 
-	// Encode encodes a packet into a byte array and writes it to a writer.
-	Encode(io.Writer) error
+	// Encode encodes a packet into a byte buffer.
+	Encode(*bytes.Buffer) error
 
 	// Decode decodes a byte array into a packet struct.
 	Decode([]byte) error
diff --git a/packets/pingreq.go b/packets/pingreq.go
index 10e3707..b25e8ae 100644
--- a/packets/pingreq.go
+++ b/packets/pingreq.go
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 package packets
 
 import (
-	"io"
+	"bytes"
 )
 
 // PingreqPacket contains the values of an MQTT PINGREQ packet.
@@ -10,12 +10,9 @@ type PingreqPacket struct {
 }
 
 // Encode encodes and writes the packet data values to the buffer.
-func (pk *PingreqPacket) Encode(w io.Writer) error {
-
-	out := pk.FixedHeader.encode()
-	_, err := out.WriteTo(w)
-
-	return err
+func (pk *PingreqPacket) Encode(buf *bytes.Buffer) error {
+	pk.FixedHeader.encode(buf)
+	return nil
 }
 
 // Decode extracts the data values from the packet.
diff --git a/packets/pingreq_test.go b/packets/pingreq_test.go
index 113c142..8e185f6 100644
--- a/packets/pingreq_test.go
+++ b/packets/pingreq_test.go
@@ -21,12 +21,23 @@ func TestPingreqEncode(t *testing.T) {
 		require.Equal(t, Pingreq, pk.Type, "Mismatched Packet Type [i:%d]", i)
 		require.Equal(t, Pingreq, pk.FixedHeader.Type, "Mismatched FixedHeader Type [i:%d]", i)
 
-		var b bytes.Buffer
-		err := pk.Encode(&b)
+		buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+		err := pk.Encode(buf)
+		require.NoError(t, err, "Expected no error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
+		encoded := buf.Bytes()
 
-		require.NoError(t, err, "Error writing buffer [i:%d]", i)
-		require.Equal(t, len(wanted.rawBytes), len(b.Bytes()), "Mismatched packet length [i:%d]", i)
-		require.EqualValues(t, wanted.rawBytes, b.Bytes(), "Mismatched byte values [i:%d]", i)
+		require.Equal(t, len(wanted.rawBytes), len(encoded), "Mismatched packet length [i:%d]", i)
+		require.EqualValues(t, wanted.rawBytes, encoded, "Mismatched byte values [i:%d]", i)
+	}
+}
+
+func BenchmarkPingreqEncode(b *testing.B) {
+	pk := new(PingreqPacket)
+	copier.Copy(pk, expectedPackets[Pingreq][0].packet.(*PingreqPacket))
+
+	buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+	for n := 0; n < b.N; n++ {
+		pk.Encode(buf)
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/packets/pingresp.go b/packets/pingresp.go
index 5c44433..3865054 100644
--- a/packets/pingresp.go
+++ b/packets/pingresp.go
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 package packets
 
 import (
-	"io"
+	"bytes"
 )
 
 // PingrespPacket contains the values of an MQTT PINGRESP packet.
@@ -10,12 +10,9 @@ type PingrespPacket struct {
 }
 
 // Encode encodes and writes the packet data values to the buffer.
-func (pk *PingrespPacket) Encode(w io.Writer) error {
-
-	out := pk.FixedHeader.encode()
-	_, err := out.WriteTo(w)
-
-	return err
+func (pk *PingrespPacket) Encode(buf *bytes.Buffer) error {
+	pk.FixedHeader.encode(buf)
+	return nil
 }
 
 // Decode extracts the data values from the packet.
diff --git a/packets/pingresp_test.go b/packets/pingresp_test.go
index bf3b06b..1ef3759 100644
--- a/packets/pingresp_test.go
+++ b/packets/pingresp_test.go
@@ -20,12 +20,23 @@ func TestPingrespEncode(t *testing.T) {
 		require.Equal(t, Pingresp, pk.Type, "Mismatched Packet Type [i:%d]", i)
 		require.Equal(t, Pingresp, pk.FixedHeader.Type, "Mismatched FixedHeader Type [i:%d]", i)
 
-		var b bytes.Buffer
-		err := pk.Encode(&b)
+		buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+		err := pk.Encode(buf)
+		require.NoError(t, err, "Expected no error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
+		encoded := buf.Bytes()
 
-		require.NoError(t, err, "Error writing buffer [i:%d]", i)
-		require.Equal(t, len(wanted.rawBytes), len(b.Bytes()), "Mismatched packet length [i:%d]", i)
-		require.EqualValues(t, wanted.rawBytes, b.Bytes(), "Mismatched byte values [i:%d]", i)
+		require.Equal(t, len(wanted.rawBytes), len(encoded), "Mismatched packet length [i:%d]", i)
+		require.EqualValues(t, wanted.rawBytes, encoded, "Mismatched byte values [i:%d]", i)
+	}
+}
+
+func BenchmarkPingrespEncode(b *testing.B) {
+	pk := new(PingrespPacket)
+	copier.Copy(pk, expectedPackets[Pingresp][0].packet.(*PingrespPacket))
+
+	buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+	for n := 0; n < b.N; n++ {
+		pk.Encode(buf)
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/packets/puback.go b/packets/puback.go
index 891143a..367b515 100644
--- a/packets/puback.go
+++ b/packets/puback.go
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@ package packets
 import (
 	"bytes"
 	"errors"
-	"io"
 )
 
 // PubackPacket contains the values of an MQTT PUBACK packet.
@@ -14,20 +13,11 @@ type PubackPacket struct {
 }
 
 // Encode encodes and writes the packet data values to the buffer.
-func (pk *PubackPacket) Encode(w io.Writer) error {
-
-	var body bytes.Buffer
-
-	// Add the Packet ID.
-	body.Write(encodeUint16(pk.PacketID))
-	pk.Remaining = 2
-
-	// Write header and packet to output.
-	out := pk.FixedHeader.encode()
-	out.Write(body.Bytes())
-	_, err := out.WriteTo(w)
-
-	return err
+func (pk *PubackPacket) Encode(buf *bytes.Buffer) error {
+	pk.FixedHeader.Remaining = 2
+	pk.FixedHeader.encode(buf)
+	buf.Write(encodeUint16(pk.PacketID))
+	return nil
 }
 
 // Decode extracts the data values from the packet.
diff --git a/packets/puback_test.go b/packets/puback_test.go
index d400405..b28ca82 100644
--- a/packets/puback_test.go
+++ b/packets/puback_test.go
@@ -22,21 +22,29 @@ func TestPubackEncode(t *testing.T) {
 		require.Equal(t, Puback, pk.Type, "Mismatched Packet Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.Equal(t, Puback, pk.FixedHeader.Type, "Mismatched FixedHeader Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 
-		var b bytes.Buffer
-		err := pk.Encode(&b)
-
-		encoded := b.Bytes()
+		buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+		err := pk.Encode(buf)
+		require.NoError(t, err, "Expected no error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
+		encoded := buf.Bytes()
 
 		require.Equal(t, len(wanted.rawBytes), len(encoded), "Mismatched packet length [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.Equal(t, byte(Puback<<4), encoded[0], "Mismatched fixed header packets [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
-
-		require.NoError(t, err, "Error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.EqualValues(t, wanted.rawBytes, encoded, "Mismatched byte values [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 
 		require.Equal(t, wanted.packet.(*PubackPacket).PacketID, pk.PacketID, "Mismatched Packet ID [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 	}
 }
 
+func BenchmarkPubackEncode(b *testing.B) {
+	pk := new(PubackPacket)
+	copier.Copy(pk, expectedPackets[Puback][0].packet.(*PubackPacket))
+
+	buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+	for n := 0; n < b.N; n++ {
+		pk.Encode(buf)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestPubackDecode(t *testing.T) {
 	require.Contains(t, expectedPackets, Puback)
 	for i, wanted := range expectedPackets[Puback] {
diff --git a/packets/pubcomp.go b/packets/pubcomp.go
index 5b549f8..9692c70 100644
--- a/packets/pubcomp.go
+++ b/packets/pubcomp.go
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@ package packets
 import (
 	"bytes"
 	"errors"
-	"io"
 )
 
 // PubcompPacket contains the values of an MQTT PUBCOMP packet.
@@ -14,32 +13,20 @@ type PubcompPacket struct {
 }
 
 // Encode encodes and writes the packet data values to the buffer.
-func (pk *PubcompPacket) Encode(w io.Writer) error {
-
-	var body bytes.Buffer
-
-	// Add the Packet ID.
-	body.Write(encodeUint16(pk.PacketID))
-	pk.Remaining = 2
-
-	// Write header and packet to output.
-	out := pk.FixedHeader.encode()
-	out.Write(body.Bytes())
-	_, err := out.WriteTo(w)
-
-	return err
+func (pk *PubcompPacket) Encode(buf *bytes.Buffer) error {
+	pk.FixedHeader.Remaining = 2
+	pk.FixedHeader.encode(buf)
+	buf.Write(encodeUint16(pk.PacketID))
+	return nil
 }
 
 // Decode extracts the data values from the packet.
 func (pk *PubcompPacket) Decode(buf []byte) error {
-
 	var err error
-
 	pk.PacketID, _, err = decodeUint16(buf, 0)
 	if err != nil {
 		return errors.New(ErrMalformedPacketID)
 	}
-
 	return nil
 }
 
diff --git a/packets/pubcomp_test.go b/packets/pubcomp_test.go
index fc406d5..25048aa 100644
--- a/packets/pubcomp_test.go
+++ b/packets/pubcomp_test.go
@@ -22,21 +22,29 @@ func TestPubcompEncode(t *testing.T) {
 		require.Equal(t, Pubcomp, pk.Type, "Mismatched Packet Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.Equal(t, Pubcomp, pk.FixedHeader.Type, "Mismatched FixedHeader Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 
-		var b bytes.Buffer
-		err := pk.Encode(&b)
-
-		encoded := b.Bytes()
+		buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+		err := pk.Encode(buf)
+		require.NoError(t, err, "Expected no error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
+		encoded := buf.Bytes()
 
 		require.Equal(t, len(wanted.rawBytes), len(encoded), "Mismatched packet length [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.Equal(t, byte(Pubcomp<<4), encoded[0], "Mismatched fixed header packets [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
-
-		require.NoError(t, err, "Error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.EqualValues(t, wanted.rawBytes, encoded, "Mismatched byte values [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 
 		require.Equal(t, wanted.packet.(*PubcompPacket).PacketID, pk.PacketID, "Mismatched Packet ID [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 	}
 }
 
+func BenchmarkPubcompEncode(b *testing.B) {
+	pk := new(PubcompPacket)
+	copier.Copy(pk, expectedPackets[Pubcomp][0].packet.(*PubcompPacket))
+
+	buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+	for n := 0; n < b.N; n++ {
+		pk.Encode(buf)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestPubcompDecode(t *testing.T) {
 	require.Contains(t, expectedPackets, Pubcomp)
 	for i, wanted := range expectedPackets[Pubcomp] {
diff --git a/packets/publish.go b/packets/publish.go
index 77b5654..257b660 100644
--- a/packets/publish.go
+++ b/packets/publish.go
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@ package packets
 import (
 	"bytes"
 	"errors"
-	"io"
 )
 
 // PublishPacket contains the values of an MQTT PUBLISH packet.
@@ -16,12 +15,10 @@ type PublishPacket struct {
 }
 
 // Encode encodes and writes the packet data values to the buffer.
-func (pk *PublishPacket) Encode(w io.Writer) error {
-
+func (pk *PublishPacket) Encode(buf *bytes.Buffer) error {
 	var body bytes.Buffer
 
-	// Write topic name.
-	body.Write(encodeString(pk.TopicName))
+	body.Write(encodeString(pk.TopicName)) // Write topic name.
 
 	// Add PacketID if QOS is set.
 	// [MQTT-2.3.1-5] A PUBLISH Packet MUST NOT contain a Packet Identifier if its QoS value is set to 0.
@@ -37,15 +34,11 @@ func (pk *PublishPacket) Encode(w io.Writer) error {
 
 	// Set remaining length.
 	pk.FixedHeader.Remaining = body.Len() + len(pk.Payload)
+	pk.FixedHeader.encode(buf)
+	buf.Write(body.Bytes())
+	buf.Write(pk.Payload)
 
-	// Write header and packet to output.
-	out := pk.FixedHeader.encode()
-	out.Write(body.Bytes())
-	out.Write(pk.Payload)
-	_, err := out.WriteTo(w)
-
-	return err
-
+	return nil
 }
 
 // Decode extracts the data values from the packet.
diff --git a/packets/publish_test.go b/packets/publish_test.go
index b5ee388..9b3db84 100644
--- a/packets/publish_test.go
+++ b/packets/publish_test.go
@@ -23,12 +23,13 @@ func TestPublishEncode(t *testing.T) {
 		require.Equal(t, Publish, pk.Type, "Mismatched Packet Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.Equal(t, Publish, pk.FixedHeader.Type, "Mismatched FixedHeader Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 
-		var b bytes.Buffer
-		err := pk.Encode(&b)
+		buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+		err := pk.Encode(buf)
+		encoded := buf.Bytes()
+
 		if wanted.expect != nil {
 			require.Error(t, err, "Expected error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		} else {
-			encoded := b.Bytes()
 
 			// If actualBytes is set, compare mutated version of byte string instead (to avoid length mismatches, etc).
 			if len(wanted.actualBytes) > 0 {
@@ -47,11 +48,21 @@ func TestPublishEncode(t *testing.T) {
 			require.Equal(t, wanted.packet.(*PublishPacket).FixedHeader.Dup, pk.FixedHeader.Dup, "Mismatched Dup [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 			require.Equal(t, wanted.packet.(*PublishPacket).FixedHeader.Retain, pk.FixedHeader.Retain, "Mismatched Retain [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 			require.Equal(t, wanted.packet.(*PublishPacket).PacketID, pk.PacketID, "Mismatched Packet ID [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
-			require.NoError(t, err, "Error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
+			require.NoError(t, err, "Expected no error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		}
 	}
 }
 
+func BenchmarkPublishEncode(b *testing.B) {
+	pk := new(PublishPacket)
+	copier.Copy(pk, expectedPackets[Publish][0].packet.(*PublishPacket))
+
+	buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+	for n := 0; n < b.N; n++ {
+		pk.Encode(buf)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestPublishDecode(t *testing.T) {
 	require.Contains(t, expectedPackets, Publish)
 	for i, wanted := range expectedPackets[Publish] {
diff --git a/packets/pubrec.go b/packets/pubrec.go
index 5179bfe..2959488 100644
--- a/packets/pubrec.go
+++ b/packets/pubrec.go
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@ package packets
 import (
 	"bytes"
 	"errors"
-	"io"
 )
 
 // PubrecPacket contains the values of an MQTT PUBREC packet.
@@ -14,20 +13,11 @@ type PubrecPacket struct {
 }
 
 // Encode encodes and writes the packet data values to the buffer.
-func (pk *PubrecPacket) Encode(w io.Writer) error {
-
-	var body bytes.Buffer
-
-	// Add the Packet ID.
-	body.Write(encodeUint16(pk.PacketID))
-	pk.Remaining = 2
-
-	// Write header and packet to output.
-	out := pk.FixedHeader.encode()
-	out.Write(body.Bytes())
-	_, err := out.WriteTo(w)
-
-	return err
+func (pk *PubrecPacket) Encode(buf *bytes.Buffer) error {
+	pk.FixedHeader.Remaining = 2
+	pk.FixedHeader.encode(buf)
+	buf.Write(encodeUint16(pk.PacketID))
+	return nil
 }
 
 // Decode extracts the data values from the packet.
diff --git a/packets/pubrec_test.go b/packets/pubrec_test.go
index cc66312..123a9a9 100644
--- a/packets/pubrec_test.go
+++ b/packets/pubrec_test.go
@@ -23,21 +23,28 @@ func TestPubrecEncode(t *testing.T) {
 		require.Equal(t, Pubrec, pk.Type, "Mismatched Packet Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.Equal(t, Pubrec, pk.FixedHeader.Type, "Mismatched FixedHeader Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 
-		var b bytes.Buffer
-		err := pk.Encode(&b)
-
-		encoded := b.Bytes()
+		buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+		err := pk.Encode(buf)
+		require.NoError(t, err, "Expected no error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
+		encoded := buf.Bytes()
 
 		require.Equal(t, len(wanted.rawBytes), len(encoded), "Mismatched packet length [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.Equal(t, byte(Pubrec<<4), encoded[0], "Mismatched fixed header packets [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
-
-		require.NoError(t, err, "Error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.EqualValues(t, wanted.rawBytes, encoded, "Mismatched byte values [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 
 		require.Equal(t, wanted.packet.(*PubrecPacket).PacketID, pk.PacketID, "Mismatched Packet ID [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 
 	}
+}
 
+func BenchmarkPubrecEncode(b *testing.B) {
+	pk := new(PubrecPacket)
+	copier.Copy(pk, expectedPackets[Pubrec][0].packet.(*PubrecPacket))
+
+	buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+	for n := 0; n < b.N; n++ {
+		pk.Encode(buf)
+	}
 }
 
 func TestPubrecDecode(t *testing.T) {
diff --git a/packets/pubrel.go b/packets/pubrel.go
index d358264..e6488f8 100644
--- a/packets/pubrel.go
+++ b/packets/pubrel.go
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@ package packets
 import (
 	"bytes"
 	"errors"
-	"io"
 )
 
 // PubrelPacket contains the values of an MQTT PUBREL packet.
@@ -14,20 +13,11 @@ type PubrelPacket struct {
 }
 
 // Encode encodes and writes the packet data values to the buffer.
-func (pk *PubrelPacket) Encode(w io.Writer) error {
-
-	var body bytes.Buffer
-
-	// Add the Packet ID.
-	body.Write(encodeUint16(pk.PacketID))
-	pk.Remaining = 2
-
-	// Write header and packet to output.
-	out := pk.FixedHeader.encode()
-	out.Write(body.Bytes())
-	_, err := out.WriteTo(w)
-
-	return err
+func (pk *PubrelPacket) Encode(buf *bytes.Buffer) error {
+	pk.FixedHeader.Remaining = 2
+	pk.FixedHeader.encode(buf)
+	buf.Write(encodeUint16(pk.PacketID))
+	return nil
 }
 
 // Decode extracts the data values from the packet.
diff --git a/packets/pubrel_test.go b/packets/pubrel_test.go
index 850722e..dd374ac 100644
--- a/packets/pubrel_test.go
+++ b/packets/pubrel_test.go
@@ -23,15 +23,13 @@ func TestPubrelEncode(t *testing.T) {
 		require.Equal(t, Pubrel, pk.Type, "Mismatched Packet Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.Equal(t, Pubrel, pk.FixedHeader.Type, "Mismatched FixedHeader Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 
-		var b bytes.Buffer
-		err := pk.Encode(&b)
-
-		encoded := b.Bytes()
+		buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+		err := pk.Encode(buf)
+		require.NoError(t, err, "Expected no error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
+		encoded := buf.Bytes()
 
 		require.Equal(t, len(wanted.rawBytes), len(encoded), "Mismatched packet length [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.Equal(t, byte(Pubrel<<4), encoded[0], "Mismatched fixed header packets [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
-
-		require.NoError(t, err, "Error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.EqualValues(t, wanted.rawBytes, encoded, "Mismatched byte values [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 
 		require.Equal(t, wanted.packet.(*PubrelPacket).PacketID, pk.PacketID, "Mismatched Packet ID [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
@@ -40,6 +38,16 @@ func TestPubrelEncode(t *testing.T) {
 
 }
 
+func BenchmarkPubrelEncode(b *testing.B) {
+	pk := new(PubrelPacket)
+	copier.Copy(pk, expectedPackets[Pubrel][0].packet.(*PubrelPacket))
+
+	buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+	for n := 0; n < b.N; n++ {
+		pk.Encode(buf)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestPubrelDecode(t *testing.T) {
 	require.Contains(t, expectedPackets, Pubrel)
 	for i, wanted := range expectedPackets[Pubrel] {
@@ -63,7 +71,7 @@ func TestPubrelDecode(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-func BenchmarkPubrelkDecode(b *testing.B) {
+func BenchmarkPubrelDecode(b *testing.B) {
 	pk := newPacket(Pubrel).(*PubrelPacket)
 	pk.FixedHeader.decode(expectedPackets[Pubrel][0].rawBytes[0])
 
diff --git a/packets/suback.go b/packets/suback.go
index ac99ccc..f481358 100644
--- a/packets/suback.go
+++ b/packets/suback.go
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@ package packets
 import (
 	"bytes"
 	"errors"
-	"io"
 )
 
 // SubackPacket contains the values of an MQTT SUBACK packet.
@@ -15,25 +14,32 @@ type SubackPacket struct {
 }
 
 // Encode encodes and writes the packet data values to the buffer.
-func (pk *SubackPacket) Encode(w io.Writer) error {
+func (pk *SubackPacket) Encode(buf *bytes.Buffer) error {
+	pk.FixedHeader.encode(buf)
 
-	var body bytes.Buffer
+	bodyLen := buf.Len()
 
-	// Encode Packet ID.
-	body.Write(encodeUint16(pk.PacketID))
+	buf.Write(encodeUint16(pk.PacketID)) // Encode Packet ID.
+	buf.Write(pk.ReturnCodes)            // Encode granted QOS flags.
 
-	// Encode granted QOS flags.
-	body.Write(pk.ReturnCodes)
+	pk.FixedHeader.Remaining = buf.Len() - bodyLen // Set length.
 
-	// Set length.
-	pk.FixedHeader.Remaining = body.Len()
+	return nil
+	/*
 
-	// Write header and packet to output.
-	out := pk.FixedHeader.encode()
-	out.Write(body.Bytes())
-	_, err := out.WriteTo(w)
+		var body bytes.Buffer
 
-	return err
+		body.Write(encodeUint16(pk.PacketID))
+
+		body.Write(pk.ReturnCodes)
+
+		// Write header and packet to output.
+		out := pk.FixedHeader.encode()
+		out.Write(body.Bytes())
+		_, err := out.WriteTo(w)
+
+		return err
+	*/
 }
 
 // Decode extracts the data values from the packet.
diff --git a/packets/suback_test.go b/packets/suback_test.go
index 0ed1293..338ff57 100644
--- a/packets/suback_test.go
+++ b/packets/suback_test.go
@@ -23,10 +23,10 @@ func TestSubackEncode(t *testing.T) {
 		require.Equal(t, Suback, pk.Type, "Mismatched Packet Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.Equal(t, Suback, pk.FixedHeader.Type, "Mismatched FixedHeader Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 
-		var b bytes.Buffer
-		err := pk.Encode(&b)
-
-		encoded := b.Bytes()
+		buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+		err := pk.Encode(buf)
+		require.NoError(t, err, "Expected no error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
+		encoded := buf.Bytes()
 
 		require.Equal(t, len(wanted.rawBytes), len(encoded), "Mismatched packet length [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		if wanted.meta != nil {
@@ -35,7 +35,6 @@ func TestSubackEncode(t *testing.T) {
 			require.Equal(t, byte(Suback<<4), encoded[0], "Mismatched fixed header packets [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		}
 
-		require.NoError(t, err, "Error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.EqualValues(t, wanted.rawBytes, encoded, "Mismatched byte values [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 
 		require.Equal(t, wanted.packet.(*SubackPacket).PacketID, pk.PacketID, "Mismatched Packet ID [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
@@ -43,6 +42,16 @@ func TestSubackEncode(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func BenchmarkSubackEncode(b *testing.B) {
+	pk := new(SubackPacket)
+	copier.Copy(pk, expectedPackets[Suback][0].packet.(*SubackPacket))
+
+	buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+	for n := 0; n < b.N; n++ {
+		pk.Encode(buf)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestSubackDecode(t *testing.T) {
 	require.Contains(t, expectedPackets, Suback)
 	for i, wanted := range expectedPackets[Suback] {
diff --git a/packets/subscribe.go b/packets/subscribe.go
index bf68ba9..5758a06 100644
--- a/packets/subscribe.go
+++ b/packets/subscribe.go
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@ package packets
 import (
 	"bytes"
 	"errors"
-	"io"
 )
 
 // SubscribePacket contains the values of an MQTT SUBSCRIBE packet.
@@ -16,7 +15,7 @@ type SubscribePacket struct {
 }
 
 // Encode encodes and writes the packet data values to the buffer.
-func (pk *SubscribePacket) Encode(w io.Writer) error {
+func (pk *SubscribePacket) Encode(buf *bytes.Buffer) error {
 
 	var body bytes.Buffer
 
@@ -36,13 +35,38 @@ func (pk *SubscribePacket) Encode(w io.Writer) error {
 
 	// Set length.
 	pk.FixedHeader.Remaining = body.Len()
+	pk.FixedHeader.encode(buf)
+	buf.Write(body.Bytes())
 
-	// Write header and packet to output.
-	out := pk.FixedHeader.encode()
-	out.Write(body.Bytes())
-	_, err := out.WriteTo(w)
+	/*
+		var body bytes.Buffer
 
-	return err
+		// Add the Packet ID.
+		// [MQTT-2.3.1-1] SUBSCRIBE, UNSUBSCRIBE, and PUBLISH (in cases where QoS > 0) Control Packets MUST contain a non-zero 16-bit Packet Identifier.
+		if pk.PacketID == 0 {
+			return errors.New(ErrMissingPacketID)
+		}
+
+		body.Write(encodeUint16(pk.PacketID))
+
+		// Add all provided topic names and associated QOS flags.
+		for i, topic := range pk.Topics {
+			body.Write(encodeString(topic))
+			body.WriteByte(pk.Qoss[i])
+		}
+
+		// Set length.
+		pk.FixedHeader.Remaining = body.Len()
+
+		// Write header and packet to output.
+		out := pk.FixedHeader.encode()
+		out.Write(body.Bytes())
+		_, err := out.WriteTo(w)
+
+		return err
+	*/
+
+	return nil
 
 }
 
diff --git a/packets/subscribe_test.go b/packets/subscribe_test.go
index 58e26a0..76ee304 100644
--- a/packets/subscribe_test.go
+++ b/packets/subscribe_test.go
@@ -22,18 +22,14 @@ func TestSubscribeEncode(t *testing.T) {
 		require.Equal(t, Subscribe, pk.Type, "Mismatched Packet Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.Equal(t, Subscribe, pk.FixedHeader.Type, "Mismatched FixedHeader Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 
-		var b bytes.Buffer
-		err := pk.Encode(&b)
+		buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+		err := pk.Encode(buf)
+		encoded := buf.Bytes()
+
 		if wanted.expect != nil {
-
 			require.Error(t, err, "Expected error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
-
 		} else {
-
 			require.NoError(t, err, "Error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
-
-			encoded := b.Bytes()
-
 			require.Equal(t, len(wanted.rawBytes), len(encoded), "Mismatched packet length [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 			if wanted.meta != nil {
 				require.Equal(t, byte(Subscribe<<4)|wanted.meta.(byte), encoded[0], "Mismatched fixed header bytes [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
@@ -42,11 +38,21 @@ func TestSubscribeEncode(t *testing.T) {
 			}
 
 			require.EqualValues(t, wanted.rawBytes, encoded, "Mismatched byte values [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
-
 			require.Equal(t, wanted.packet.(*SubscribePacket).PacketID, pk.PacketID, "Mismatched Packet ID [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 			require.Equal(t, wanted.packet.(*SubscribePacket).Topics, pk.Topics, "Mismatched Topics slice [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 			require.Equal(t, wanted.packet.(*SubscribePacket).Qoss, pk.Qoss, "Mismatched Qoss slice [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		}
+
+	}
+}
+
+func BenchmarkSubscribeEncode(b *testing.B) {
+	pk := new(SubscribePacket)
+	copier.Copy(pk, expectedPackets[Subscribe][0].packet.(*SubscribePacket))
+
+	buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+	for n := 0; n < b.N; n++ {
+		pk.Encode(buf)
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/packets/unsuback.go b/packets/unsuback.go
index 8e81e2f..9a37da4 100644
--- a/packets/unsuback.go
+++ b/packets/unsuback.go
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@ package packets
 import (
 	"bytes"
 	"errors"
-	"io"
 )
 
 // UnsubackPacket contains the values of an MQTT UNSUBACK packet.
@@ -14,21 +13,11 @@ type UnsubackPacket struct {
 }
 
 // Encode encodes and writes the packet data values to the buffer.
-func (pk *UnsubackPacket) Encode(w io.Writer) error {
-
-	var body bytes.Buffer
-
-	// Add the Packet ID.
-	body.Write(encodeUint16(pk.PacketID))
-	pk.Remaining = 2
-
-	// Write header and packet to output.
-	out := pk.FixedHeader.encode()
-	out.Write(body.Bytes())
-	_, err := out.WriteTo(w)
-
-	return err
-
+func (pk *UnsubackPacket) Encode(buf *bytes.Buffer) error {
+	pk.FixedHeader.Remaining = 2
+	pk.FixedHeader.encode(buf)
+	buf.Write(encodeUint16(pk.PacketID))
+	return nil
 }
 
 // Decode extracts the data values from the packet.
diff --git a/packets/unsuback_test.go b/packets/unsuback_test.go
index 9aa0563..e3d99f6 100644
--- a/packets/unsuback_test.go
+++ b/packets/unsuback_test.go
@@ -22,10 +22,10 @@ func TestUnsubackEncode(t *testing.T) {
 		require.Equal(t, Unsuback, pk.Type, "Mismatched Packet Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.Equal(t, Unsuback, pk.FixedHeader.Type, "Mismatched FixedHeader Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 
-		var b bytes.Buffer
-		err := pk.Encode(&b)
-
-		encoded := b.Bytes()
+		buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+		err := pk.Encode(buf)
+		require.NoError(t, err, "Expected no error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
+		encoded := buf.Bytes()
 
 		require.Equal(t, len(wanted.rawBytes), len(encoded), "Mismatched packet length [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		if wanted.meta != nil {
@@ -34,13 +34,22 @@ func TestUnsubackEncode(t *testing.T) {
 			require.Equal(t, byte(Unsuback<<4), encoded[0], "Mismatched fixed header packets [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		}
 
-		require.NoError(t, err, "Error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.EqualValues(t, wanted.rawBytes, encoded, "Mismatched byte values [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 
 		require.Equal(t, wanted.packet.(*UnsubackPacket).PacketID, pk.PacketID, "Mismatched Packet ID [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 	}
 }
 
+func BenchmarkUnsubackEncode(b *testing.B) {
+	pk := new(UnsubackPacket)
+	copier.Copy(pk, expectedPackets[Unsuback][0].packet.(*UnsubackPacket))
+
+	buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+	for n := 0; n < b.N; n++ {
+		pk.Encode(buf)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestUnsubackDecode(t *testing.T) {
 	require.Contains(t, expectedPackets, Unsuback)
 	for i, wanted := range expectedPackets[Unsuback] {
diff --git a/packets/unsubscribe.go b/packets/unsubscribe.go
index 1ec06a3..b9642fa 100644
--- a/packets/unsubscribe.go
+++ b/packets/unsubscribe.go
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@ package packets
 import (
 	"bytes"
 	"errors"
-	"io"
 )
 
 // UnsubscribePacket contains the values of an MQTT UNSUBSCRIBE packet.
@@ -15,8 +14,7 @@ type UnsubscribePacket struct {
 }
 
 // Encode encodes and writes the packet data values to the buffer.
-func (pk *UnsubscribePacket) Encode(w io.Writer) error {
-
+func (pk *UnsubscribePacket) Encode(buf *bytes.Buffer) error {
 	var body bytes.Buffer
 
 	// Add the Packet ID.
@@ -34,14 +32,37 @@ func (pk *UnsubscribePacket) Encode(w io.Writer) error {
 
 	// Set length.
 	pk.FixedHeader.Remaining = body.Len()
+	pk.FixedHeader.encode(buf)
+	buf.Write(body.Bytes())
 
-	// Write header and packet to output.
-	out := pk.FixedHeader.encode()
-	out.Write(body.Bytes())
-	_, err := out.WriteTo(w)
+	return nil
 
-	return err
+	/*
+		var body bytes.Buffer
 
+		// Add the Packet ID.
+		// [MQTT-2.3.1-1] SUBSCRIBE, UNSUBSCRIBE, and PUBLISH (in cases where QoS > 0) Control Packets MUST contain a non-zero 16-bit Packet Identifier.
+		if pk.PacketID == 0 {
+			return errors.New(ErrMissingPacketID)
+		}
+
+		body.Write(encodeUint16(pk.PacketID))
+
+		// Add all provided topic names and associated QOS flags.
+		for _, topic := range pk.Topics {
+			body.Write(encodeString(topic))
+		}
+
+		// Set length.
+		pk.FixedHeader.Remaining = body.Len()
+
+		// Write header and packet to output.
+		out := pk.FixedHeader.encode()
+		out.Write(body.Bytes())
+		_, err := out.WriteTo(w)
+
+		return err
+	*/
 }
 
 // Decode extracts the data values from the packet.
diff --git a/packets/unsubscribe_test.go b/packets/unsubscribe_test.go
index f46aa72..4cfb715 100644
--- a/packets/unsubscribe_test.go
+++ b/packets/unsubscribe_test.go
@@ -22,18 +22,14 @@ func TestUnsubscribeEncode(t *testing.T) {
 		require.Equal(t, Unsubscribe, pk.Type, "Mismatched Packet Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 		require.Equal(t, Unsubscribe, pk.FixedHeader.Type, "Mismatched FixedHeader Type [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 
-		var b bytes.Buffer
-		err := pk.Encode(&b)
+		buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+		err := pk.Encode(buf)
+		encoded := buf.Bytes()
+
 		if wanted.expect != nil {
-
 			require.Error(t, err, "Expected error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
-
 		} else {
-
 			require.NoError(t, err, "Error writing buffer [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
-
-			encoded := b.Bytes()
-
 			require.Equal(t, len(wanted.rawBytes), len(encoded), "Mismatched packet length [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
 			if wanted.meta != nil {
 				require.Equal(t, byte(Unsubscribe<<4)|wanted.meta.(byte), encoded[0], "Mismatched fixed header bytes [i:%d] %s", i, wanted.desc)
@@ -50,6 +46,16 @@ func TestUnsubscribeEncode(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func BenchmarkUnsubscribeEncode(b *testing.B) {
+	pk := new(UnsubscribePacket)
+	copier.Copy(pk, expectedPackets[Unsubscribe][0].packet.(*UnsubscribePacket))
+
+	buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
+	for n := 0; n < b.N; n++ {
+		pk.Encode(buf)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestUnsubscribeDecode(t *testing.T) {
 	require.Contains(t, expectedPackets, Unsubscribe)
 	for i, wanted := range expectedPackets[Unsubscribe] {