Amazon Neptune vs JanusGraph: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Amazon Neptune and JanusGraph comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Amazon Neptune wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. Pick JanusGraph if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Amazon Neptune
Fully managed graph database service on AWS
Best for you if:
- • You want managed graph database
JanusGraph
Distributed graph database for scale
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Amazon Neptune requires payment)
| At a Glance | Amazon Neptune | JanusGraph |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0.1/db.r5.large hour On-Demand | Free 100% free |
Category | Data & Databases Cloud & Infrastructure | Data & Databases Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 2.4/5 Trustpilot 1.3 · G2 4.4 398 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Watch out for | Backup storage costs | n/a |
Choose Amazon Neptune or JanusGraph?
Choose Amazon Neptune if
- You want managed graph database
- You want AWS integrated
Choose JanusGraph if
- You want a fully free tool (Amazon Neptune requires payment)
- You want open source graph DB
- You want scalable
In-Depth Analysis
Amazon Neptune
Fully managed graph database service on AWS
Amazon Neptune's pricing is fair, especially with the On-Demand tier starting at $0.1 per db.r5.large hour, offering a predictable cost for consistent usage.
Watch out
Backup storage costs
Strengths
- Pro: Managed graph database
- Pro: AWS integrated
- Pro: High availability
- Pro: SPARQL and Gremlin
- Pro: Good for knowledge graphs
Weaknesses
- Con: AWS lock-in
- Con: Expensive
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Complex pricing
- Con: Limited features vs Neo4j
Key features
JanusGraph
Distributed graph database for scale
JanusGraph's pricing is exceptionally generous as it is entirely free, being an open-source project.
Strengths
- Pro: Open source graph DB
- Pro: Scalable
- Pro: Multiple backends
- Pro: Apache TinkerPop
- Pro: Active community
Weaknesses
- Con: Complex setup
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Documentation gaps
- Con: Operational overhead
- Con: Neo4j often preferred
Key features
Pricing: Amazon Neptune vs JanusGraph
| Plan | Amazon Neptune | JanusGraph |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0.1 /db.r5.large hour On-Demand | Free Free (Open Source) |
| Tier 2 | Usage-based Serverless | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Amazon Neptune pricing and JanusGraph pricing.
Key Takeaways
Amazon Neptune
- Our pick for this comparison
JanusGraph
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Amazon Neptune wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. That said, JanusGraph is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amazon Neptune or JanusGraph better in 2026?
Amazon Neptune wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. Pick Amazon Neptune for data & databases workflows (main strength: managed graph database). Pick JanusGraph for data & databases workflows (main strength: open source graph DB).
What are Amazon Neptune and JanusGraph used for?
Amazon Neptune: Fully managed graph database service on AWS. JanusGraph: Distributed graph database for scale.
What does Amazon Neptune cost vs JanusGraph?
Amazon Neptune's paid plans start at $0.1/db.r5.large hour (On-Demand). JanusGraph is free.
What's the main difference between Amazon Neptune and JanusGraph?
Amazon Neptune's main strength: managed graph database. JanusGraph's main strength: open source graph DB.