ArangoDB vs Dgraph: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between ArangoDB and Dgraph 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: Dgraph wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. Pick ArangoDB if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
ArangoDB
Multi-model database for graphs, documents, and key-value
Best for you if:
- • You want multi-model database
- • You want graph + document + K/V
Dgraph
Distributed graph database with GraphQL
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want native GraphQL database
- • You want distributed
| At a Glance | ArangoDB | Dgraph |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0.2/hourOasis | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose ArangoDB or Dgraph?
Choose ArangoDB if
Multi-model database for graphs, documents, and key-value
- You want multi-model database
- You want graph + document + K/V
- Budget matters ($0.2/hour vs Free)
Choose Dgraph if
Distributed graph database with GraphQL
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want native GraphQL database
- You want distributed
| Feature | ArangoDB | Dgraph |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 116 reviews | ★4.7/5 22 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesManaged Databases | Data & DatabasesGraphQL Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
ArangoDB
Multi-model database for graphs, documents, and key-value
ArangoDB's pricing is quite generous, offering a robust Community edition for free and a flexible Oasis managed service starting at $0.20/hour.
Strengths
- +Multi-model database
- +Graph + document + K/V
- +Good performance
- +AQL query language
- +Open source
Weaknesses
- -Smaller community
- -Learning curve
- -Less known
- -Documentation gaps
- -Ecosystem smaller
Key features
Dgraph
Distributed graph database with GraphQL
Dgraph's pricing is quite generous, especially with its robust Free tier offering 1GB of data and 5K queries/day.
Watch out
No clear pricing for scaling Dedicated instances beyond 100GB+.
Strengths
- +Native GraphQL database
- +Distributed
- +Good performance
- +Horizontally scalable
- +Open source
Weaknesses
- -Company had issues
- -Smaller community
- -Documentation gaps
- -Some stability concerns
- -Learning curve
Key features
Pricing: ArangoDB vs Dgraph
| Plan | ArangoDB | Dgraph |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Community | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | Custom Enterprise | $99 month Dedicated |
| Tier 3 | $0.2 hour Oasis | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on ArangoDB pricing and Dgraph pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Dgraph has a free tier. ArangoDB is paid only.
Go with: Dgraph
Want the highest-rated option?
ArangoDB: 4.5/5 (116 reviews). Dgraph: 4.7/5 (22 reviews).
Go with: Dgraph
Value user reviews?
ArangoDB: 116 reviews (4.5/5). Dgraph: 22 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: ArangoDB
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
ArangoDB is paid. Dgraph is freemium. Dgraph lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are data & databases tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Dgraph is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
Dgraph
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.5/5
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
ArangoDB
- Larger review base (116 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Dgraph wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ArangoDB or Dgraph better?
Dgraph is rated in our evaluation. ArangoDB is paid and Dgraph is freemium.
What are ArangoDB and Dgraph used for?
ArangoDB: Multi-model database for graphs, documents, and key-value. Dgraph: Distributed graph database with GraphQL.
What does ArangoDB cost vs Dgraph?
ArangoDB is a paid tool. Dgraph is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.