Apache Hudi vs SurrealDB: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Apache Hudi and SurrealDB 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 Hudi
An open data lakehouse platform bringing database functionality to your data lakes.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need etl & data pipelines features specifically
- • Brings database functionality (ACID transactions, updates, deletes) to data lakes.
- • Enables incremental processing for low-latency, minute-level analytics, replacing batch pipelines.
SurrealDB
The ultimate multi-model database for AI agents, simplifying your stack and accelerating development.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need database builders features specifically
- • Unified multi-model database (document, graph, time-series, relational, geospatial, key-value) for AI applications.
- • Built for AI with integrated vector, full-text, and hybrid search, supporting RAG and Knowledge Graphs.
| At a Glance |  Apache Hudi |  SurrealDB |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | ETL & Data Pipelines | Database Builders |
Rating | —/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Apache Hudi | SurrealDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | ETL & Data PipelinesData Warehouses | Database BuildersManaged Databases |
How Apache Hudi and SurrealDB Compare
Apache Hudi
An open data lakehouse platform bringing database functionality to your data lakes.
Free
SurrealDB
The ultimate multi-model database for AI agents, simplifying your stack and accelerating development.
Free tier available · 80/100 score
Apache Hudi is a etl & data pipelines tool. SurrealDB is in database builders.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Apache Hudi is free. SurrealDB is freemium.
Go with: Apache Hudi
Want the highest-rated option?
SurrealDB scores 80/100. Apache Hudi is unrated.
Go with: SurrealDB
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: SurrealDB
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Apache Hudi is free. SurrealDB is freemium. Go with Apache Hudi if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Apache Hudi is a etl & data pipelines tool. SurrealDB is in database builders. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
SurrealDB
- Higher score: 80/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Apache Hudi
- Completely free
- Better fit for etl & data pipelines
The Bottom Line
SurrealDB (80/100) is our pick. That said, Apache Hudi is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apache Hudi or SurrealDB better?
SurrealDB scores 80/100 in our evaluation. Apache Hudi is free and SurrealDB is freemium.
What are Apache Hudi and SurrealDB used for?
Apache Hudi: An open data lakehouse platform bringing database functionality to your data lakes.. SurrealDB: The ultimate multi-model database for AI agents, simplifying your stack and accelerating development..
What does Apache Hudi cost vs SurrealDB?
Apache Hudi is completely free. SurrealDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.