Apache Spark vs ClickHouse: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Apache Spark and ClickHouse 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 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Apache Spark
Unified analytics engine for big data
Best for you if:
- • You need data visualization features specifically
- • Apache Spark is a multi-language engine for large-scale data engineering, data science, and machine learning.
- • It supports batch and real-time streaming data processing, SQL analytics, and scales from single-node machines to clusters.
ClickHouse
Fast open-source analytics database
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need web analytics features specifically
- • ClickHouse is a column-oriented database for real-time analytics on massive datasets
- • It delivers sub-second query performance on billions of rows for OLAP workloads
| At a Glance |  Apache Spark |  ClickHouse |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Data Visualization | Web Analytics |
Rating | —/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Apache Spark | ClickHouse |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Open_source | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 145 | 0 |
| Categories | Data VisualizationETL & Data Pipelines | Web AnalyticsProduct Analytics |
How Apache Spark and ClickHouse Compare
Apache Spark
Unified analytics engine for big data
Paid
ClickHouse
Fast open-source analytics database
Paid · 90/100 score
Apache Spark is a data visualization tool. ClickHouse is in web analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are open_source. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: ClickHouse
Want the highest-rated option?
ClickHouse scores 90/100. Apache Spark is unrated.
Go with: ClickHouse
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: ClickHouse
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Apache Spark is open_source. ClickHouse is paid.
What's your use case?
Apache Spark is a data visualization tool. ClickHouse is in web analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
ClickHouse
- Higher score: 90/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Apache Spark
- More community upvotes (145)
- Better fit for data visualization
The Bottom Line
ClickHouse (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apache Spark or ClickHouse better?
ClickHouse scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Apache Spark is open_source and ClickHouse is paid.
What are Apache Spark and ClickHouse used for?
Apache Spark: Unified analytics engine for big data. ClickHouse: Fast open-source analytics database.
What does Apache Spark cost vs ClickHouse?
Apache Spark is a paid tool. ClickHouse is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.