Amazon Neptune vs TigerGraph: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Amazon Neptune and TigerGraph 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 TigerGraph if you need a free tier to start with.
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
TigerGraph
Enterprise graph database and analytics
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
| At a Glance | Amazon Neptune | TigerGraph |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0.1/db.r5.large hour On-Demand | Free Free plan |
Category | Data & Databases Cloud & Infrastructure | Data & Databases Analytics |
Rating | 2.4/5 Trustpilot 1.3 · G2 4.4 398 reviews | 4.7/5 G2 4.6 · SourceForge 5.0 12 reviews |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Watch out for | Backup storage costs | n/a |
Choose Amazon Neptune or TigerGraph?
Choose Amazon Neptune if
- You want managed graph database
- You want AWS integrated
Choose TigerGraph if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want graph database
- You want good performance
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
TigerGraph
Enterprise graph database and analytics
However, the 'pay-per-use' model for Savanna Cloud suggests a potentially fair approach for variable workloads, while the Enterprise tier targets large organizations needing on-premises solutions.
Strengths
- Pro: Graph database
- Pro: Good performance
- Pro: Enterprise ready
- Pro: Active development
- Pro: Good for analytics
Weaknesses
- Con: Expensive
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Complex platform
- Con: Less known than Neo4j
- Con: Enterprise focus
Key features
Pricing: Amazon Neptune vs TigerGraph
| Plan | Amazon Neptune | TigerGraph |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0.1 /db.r5.large hour On-Demand | Custom Savanna Cloud |
| Tier 2 | Usage-based Serverless | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Amazon Neptune pricing and TigerGraph pricing.
Key Takeaways
Amazon Neptune
- Larger review base (398 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
TigerGraph
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Amazon Neptune wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. TigerGraph has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amazon Neptune or TigerGraph 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 TigerGraph for data & databases workflows (main strength: graph database).
What are Amazon Neptune and TigerGraph used for?
Amazon Neptune: Fully managed graph database service on AWS. TigerGraph: Enterprise graph database and analytics.
What does Amazon Neptune cost vs TigerGraph?
Amazon Neptune's paid plans start at $0.1/db.r5.large hour (On-Demand). TigerGraph pricing is on their site.
What's the main difference between Amazon Neptune and TigerGraph?
Amazon Neptune's main strength: managed graph database. TigerGraph's main strength: graph database.