Apache Pulsar vs SurrealDB: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Apache Pulsar 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 Pulsar
Cloud-native, distributed messaging and streaming platform for real-time workloads.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need monitoring features specifically
- • Cloud-native, distributed messaging and streaming platform.
- • Scales horizontally with low latency and supports up to 1M topics.
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 |  SurrealDB | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Monitoring | Database Builders |
Rating | —/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Apache Pulsar | 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 | MonitoringLog Management | Database BuildersManaged Databases |
How Apache Pulsar and SurrealDB Compare
Apache Pulsar
Cloud-native, distributed messaging and streaming platform for real-time workloads.
Free
SurrealDB
The ultimate multi-model database for AI agents, simplifying your stack and accelerating development.
Free tier available · 80/100 score
Apache Pulsar is a monitoring tool. SurrealDB is in database builders.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Apache Pulsar is free. SurrealDB is freemium.
Go with: Apache Pulsar
Want the highest-rated option?
SurrealDB scores 80/100. Apache Pulsar 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 Pulsar is free. SurrealDB is freemium. Go with Apache Pulsar if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Apache Pulsar is a monitoring 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 Pulsar
- Completely free
- Better fit for monitoring
The Bottom Line
SurrealDB (80/100) is our pick. That said, Apache Pulsar is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apache Pulsar or SurrealDB better?
SurrealDB scores 80/100 in our evaluation. Apache Pulsar is free and SurrealDB is freemium.
What are Apache Pulsar and SurrealDB used for?
Apache Pulsar: Cloud-native, distributed messaging and streaming platform for real-time workloads.. SurrealDB: The ultimate multi-model database for AI agents, simplifying your stack and accelerating development..
What does Apache Pulsar cost vs SurrealDB?
Apache Pulsar is completely free. SurrealDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.