BigQuery vs SurrealDB: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between BigQuery 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:
BigQuery
Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.2/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • 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
SurrealDB
The ultimate multi-model database for AI agents, simplifying your stack and accelerating development.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • 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 |  BigQuery |  SurrealDB |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Managed Databases | Database Builders |
Rating | 92/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | BigQuery | SurrealDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 92 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Managed DatabasesETL & Data Pipelines | Database BuildersManaged Databases |
How BigQuery and SurrealDB Compare
BigQuery
Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics
Paid · 92/100 score
SurrealDB
The ultimate multi-model database for AI agents, simplifying your stack and accelerating development.
Free tier available · 80/100 score
BigQuery is a managed databases tool. SurrealDB is in database builders.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
SurrealDB has a free tier. BigQuery is paid only.
Go with: SurrealDB
Want the highest-rated option?
BigQuery: 92/100. SurrealDB: 80/100.
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. SurrealDB is freemium. SurrealDB lets you start free.
What's your use case?
BigQuery is a managed databases tool. SurrealDB is in database builders. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
BigQuery scores higher: 92/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
BigQuery
- Higher score: 92/100 vs 80
- Our pick for this comparison
SurrealDB
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for database builders
The Bottom Line
BigQuery (92/100) is our pick. SurrealDB has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BigQuery or SurrealDB better?
BigQuery scores 92/100 in our evaluation. BigQuery is paid and SurrealDB is freemium.
What are BigQuery and SurrealDB used for?
BigQuery: Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics. SurrealDB: The ultimate multi-model database for AI agents, simplifying your stack and accelerating development..
What does BigQuery cost vs SurrealDB?
BigQuery is a paid tool. SurrealDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.