Cassandra vs SurrealDB: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Cassandra 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:
Cassandra
Distributed NoSQL database for massive scale
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • Apache Cassandra is a distributed NoSQL database designed for massive scalability
- • It handles petabytes of data across multiple data centers with no single point of failure
SurrealDB
The ultimate multi-model database for AI agents, simplifying your stack and accelerating development.
Best for you if:
- • 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 |  Cassandra |  SurrealDB |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Database Builders | Database Builders |
Rating | 82/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Cassandra | SurrealDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Database BuildersManaged Databases | Database BuildersManaged Databases |
How Cassandra and SurrealDB Compare
Cassandra
Distributed NoSQL database for massive scale
Free · 82/100 score
SurrealDB
The ultimate multi-model database for AI agents, simplifying your stack and accelerating development.
Free tier available · 80/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Cassandra is free. SurrealDB is freemium.
Go with: Cassandra
Want the highest-rated option?
Cassandra: 82/100. SurrealDB: 80/100.
Go with: Cassandra
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Cassandra
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Cassandra is free. SurrealDB is freemium. Go with Cassandra if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are database builders tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Cassandra scores higher: 82/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Cassandra
- Higher score: 82/100 vs 80
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
SurrealDB
The Bottom Line
Cassandra (82/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cassandra or SurrealDB better?
Cassandra scores 82/100 in our evaluation. Cassandra is free and SurrealDB is freemium.
What are Cassandra and SurrealDB used for?
Cassandra: Distributed NoSQL database for massive scale. SurrealDB: The ultimate multi-model database for AI agents, simplifying your stack and accelerating development..
What does Cassandra cost vs SurrealDB?
Cassandra is completely free. SurrealDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.