Azure Synapse vs Materialize: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Azure Synapse and Materialize 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:
Azure Synapse
Analytics service combining data warehousing and big data
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 7.1/10)
- • You need business intelligence features specifically
- • Azure Synapse Analytics combines data warehousing and big data analytics in one service
- • It queries data lakes and warehouses with SQL or Spark at massive scale
Materialize
The Live Data Layer for Apps and AI Agents, enabling real-time insights with SQL.
Best for you if:
- • You need big data analytics features specifically
- • Provides a live data layer for real-time applications and AI agents.
- • Processes data streams and allows querying fresh data using standard SQL.
| At a Glance |  Materialize | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Business Intelligence | Big Data Analytics |
Rating | 84/100 | 71/100 |
| Feature | Azure Synapse | Materialize |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 71 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Business IntelligenceETL & Data Pipelines | Big Data AnalyticsBusiness Intelligence |
How Azure Synapse and Materialize Compare
Azure Synapse
Analytics service combining data warehousing and big data
Paid · 84/100 score
Materialize
The Live Data Layer for Apps and AI Agents, enabling real-time insights with SQL.
Paid · 71/100 score
Azure Synapse is a business intelligence tool. Materialize is in big data analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Azure Synapse
Want the highest-rated option?
Azure Synapse: 84/100. Materialize: 71/100.
Go with: Azure Synapse
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Azure Synapse
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Azure Synapse is a business intelligence tool. Materialize is in big data analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Azure Synapse scores higher: 84/100 vs 71/100.
Key Takeaways
Azure Synapse
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 71
- Our pick for this comparison
Materialize
- Better fit for big data analytics
The Bottom Line
Azure Synapse (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Azure Synapse or Materialize better?
Azure Synapse scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Azure Synapse and Materialize used for?
Azure Synapse: Analytics service combining data warehousing and big data. Materialize: The Live Data Layer for Apps and AI Agents, enabling real-time insights with SQL..
What does Azure Synapse cost vs Materialize?
Azure Synapse is a paid tool. Materialize is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.