Cassandra vs Yugabyte: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Cassandra and Yugabyte 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 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
Yugabyte
AI-ready, distributed, PostgreSQL-compatible database for modern cloud-native applications.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • Distributed PostgreSQL for cloud-native applications with built-in resilience and scalability.
- • Supports AI/GenAI applications with advanced vector indexing and integrations.
| At a Glance |  Cassandra |  Yugabyte |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Database Builders | Database Builders |
Rating | 82/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | Cassandra | Yugabyte |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 87 |
| 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 Yugabyte Compare
Cassandra
Distributed NoSQL database for massive scale
Free · 82/100 score
Yugabyte
AI-ready, distributed, PostgreSQL-compatible database for modern cloud-native applications.
Free tier available · 87/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Cassandra is free. Yugabyte is freemium.
Go with: Cassandra
Want the highest-rated option?
Cassandra: 82/100. Yugabyte: 87/100.
Go with: Yugabyte
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Yugabyte
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Cassandra is free. Yugabyte 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?
Yugabyte scores higher: 87/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Yugabyte
- Higher score: 87/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Cassandra
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Yugabyte (87/100) is our pick. That said, Cassandra is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cassandra or Yugabyte better?
Yugabyte scores 87/100 in our evaluation. Cassandra is free and Yugabyte is freemium.
What are Cassandra and Yugabyte used for?
Cassandra: Distributed NoSQL database for massive scale. Yugabyte: AI-ready, distributed, PostgreSQL-compatible database for modern cloud-native applications..
What does Cassandra cost vs Yugabyte?
Cassandra is completely free. Yugabyte is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.