Apache Druid vs CrateDB: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Apache Druid and CrateDB 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Apache Druid
Real-time analytics database for high-speed queries
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.8/10 vs 7.7/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • Apache Druid is a real-time analytics database designed for sub-second OLAP queries on streaming data
- • It ingests data in real-time and enables instant slice-and-dice analysis of billions of rows
CrateDB
Real-time analytics database for instant insights from any data, at any scale, with SQL.
Best for you if:
- • Real-time analytics database for instant querying of diverse data at scale using SQL.
- • Supports complex aggregations, hybrid search (including vector similarity), and AI model integration.
| At a Glance |  Apache Druid |  CrateDB |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Business Intelligence | Business Intelligence |
Rating | 78/100 | 77/100 |
| Feature | Apache Druid | CrateDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 78 | 77 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Business IntelligenceData Visualization | Business IntelligenceETL & Data Pipelines |
How Apache Druid and CrateDB Compare
Apache Druid
Real-time analytics database for high-speed queries
Free · 78/100 score
CrateDB
Real-time analytics database for instant insights from any data, at any scale, with SQL.
Free tier available · 77/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Apache Druid is free. CrateDB is freemium.
Go with: Apache Druid
Want the highest-rated option?
Apache Druid: 78/100. CrateDB: 77/100.
Go with: Apache Druid
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Apache Druid
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Apache Druid is free. CrateDB is freemium. Go with Apache Druid if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are business intelligence tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Apache Druid scores higher: 78/100 vs 77/100.
Key Takeaways
Apache Druid
- Higher score: 78/100 vs 77
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
CrateDB
The Bottom Line
Apache Druid (78/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apache Druid or CrateDB better?
Apache Druid scores 78/100 in our evaluation. Apache Druid is free and CrateDB is freemium.
What are Apache Druid and CrateDB used for?
Apache Druid: Real-time analytics database for high-speed queries. CrateDB: Real-time analytics database for instant insights from any data, at any scale, with SQL..
What does Apache Druid cost vs CrateDB?
Apache Druid is completely free. CrateDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.