BigQuery vs CrateDB: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between BigQuery and CrateDB 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:
BigQuery
Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.2/10 vs 7.7/10)
- • You need managed databases features specifically
- • BigQuery is Google's serverless data warehouse for analyzing petabytes of data with SQL
- • It offers blazing fast queries with automatic scaling and built-in ML capabilities
CrateDB
Real-time analytics database for instant insights from any data, at any scale, with SQL.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need business intelligence features specifically
- • Real-time analytics database for instant querying of diverse data at scale using SQL.
- • Supports complex aggregations, hybrid search (including vector similarity), and AI model integration.
| At a Glance |  BigQuery |  CrateDB |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Managed Databases | Business Intelligence |
Rating | 92/100 | 77/100 |
| Feature | BigQuery | CrateDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 92 | 77 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Managed DatabasesETL & Data Pipelines | Business IntelligenceETL & Data Pipelines |
How BigQuery and CrateDB Compare
BigQuery
Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics
Paid · 92/100 score
CrateDB
Real-time analytics database for instant insights from any data, at any scale, with SQL.
Free tier available · 77/100 score
BigQuery is a managed databases tool. CrateDB is in business intelligence.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
CrateDB has a free tier. BigQuery is paid only.
Go with: CrateDB
Want the highest-rated option?
BigQuery: 92/100. CrateDB: 77/100.
Go with: BigQuery
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: BigQuery
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
BigQuery is paid. CrateDB is freemium. CrateDB lets you start free.
What's your use case?
BigQuery is a managed databases tool. CrateDB is in business intelligence. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
BigQuery scores higher: 92/100 vs 77/100.
Key Takeaways
BigQuery
- Higher score: 92/100 vs 77
- Our pick for this comparison
CrateDB
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for business intelligence
The Bottom Line
BigQuery (92/100) is our pick. CrateDB has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BigQuery or CrateDB better?
BigQuery scores 92/100 in our evaluation. BigQuery is paid and CrateDB is freemium.
What are BigQuery and CrateDB used for?
BigQuery: Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics. CrateDB: Real-time analytics database for instant insights from any data, at any scale, with SQL..
What does BigQuery cost vs CrateDB?
BigQuery is a paid tool. CrateDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.