ClickHouse vs CrateDB: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between ClickHouse 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:
ClickHouse
Fast open-source analytics database
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 7.7/10)
- • You need web analytics features specifically
- • ClickHouse is a column-oriented database for real-time analytics on massive datasets
- • It delivers sub-second query performance on billions of rows for OLAP workloads
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 |  ClickHouse |  CrateDB |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Web Analytics | Business Intelligence |
Rating | 90/100 | 77/100 |
| Feature | ClickHouse | CrateDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 77 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Web AnalyticsProduct Analytics | Business IntelligenceETL & Data Pipelines |
How ClickHouse and CrateDB Compare
ClickHouse
Fast open-source analytics database
Paid · 90/100 score
CrateDB
Real-time analytics database for instant insights from any data, at any scale, with SQL.
Free tier available · 77/100 score
ClickHouse is a web analytics tool. CrateDB is in business intelligence.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
CrateDB has a free tier. ClickHouse is paid only.
Go with: CrateDB
Want the highest-rated option?
ClickHouse: 90/100. CrateDB: 77/100.
Go with: ClickHouse
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: ClickHouse
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
ClickHouse is paid. CrateDB is freemium. CrateDB lets you start free.
What's your use case?
ClickHouse is a web analytics tool. CrateDB is in business intelligence. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
ClickHouse scores higher: 90/100 vs 77/100.
Key Takeaways
ClickHouse
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 77
- Our pick for this comparison
CrateDB
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for business intelligence
The Bottom Line
ClickHouse (90/100) is our pick. CrateDB has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ClickHouse or CrateDB better?
ClickHouse scores 90/100 in our evaluation. ClickHouse is paid and CrateDB is freemium.
What are ClickHouse and CrateDB used for?
ClickHouse: Fast open-source analytics database. CrateDB: Real-time analytics database for instant insights from any data, at any scale, with SQL..
What does ClickHouse cost vs CrateDB?
ClickHouse is a paid tool. CrateDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.