CockroachDB vs RethinkDB: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between CockroachDB and RethinkDB 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.
Bottom line: CockroachDB wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. Pick RethinkDB if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
CockroachDB
Distributed SQL database built for cloud
Best for you if:
- • You want distributed SQL
- • You want postgreSQL compatible
RethinkDB
Real-time database for modern apps
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (CockroachDB requires payment)
- • You want real-time database
- • You want good for live updates
| At a Glance | CockroachDB | RethinkDB |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose CockroachDB or RethinkDB?
Choose CockroachDB if
Distributed SQL database built for cloud
- You want distributed SQL
- You want postgreSQL compatible
Choose RethinkDB if
Real-time database for modern apps
- You want a fully free tool (CockroachDB requires payment)
- You want real-time database
- You want good for live updates
| Feature | CockroachDB | RethinkDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 29 reviews | ★4.3/5 15 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesCloud & Infrastructure | Data & DatabasesWebSocket Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
CockroachDB
Distributed SQL database built for cloud
CockroachDB offers one of the most compelling free tiers in the database market, 50M Request Units and 10 GiB storage per month with scale-to-zero is enough to run a real production app at low traffic for free.
Watch out
Request Unit consumption varies dramatically by query complexity. A simple key lookup costs ~1 RU, but a full table scan or complex JOIN can consume thousands of RUs. The 50M free RUs can evaporate quickly with unoptimized queries.
Strengths
- +Distributed SQL
- +PostgreSQL compatible
- +Multi-region
- +Strong consistency
- +Good scaling
Weaknesses
- -Complex operations
- -Expensive at scale
- -Learning curve
- -Latency vs single-node
- -Specific use cases
Key features
RethinkDB
Real-time database for modern apps
RethinkDB's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it is entirely open-source and free.
Strengths
- +Real-time database
- +Good for live updates
- +Open source
- +Good query language
- +Push architecture
Weaknesses
- -Less popular now
- -Company dissolved
- -Community smaller
- -Production concerns
- -Better alternatives exist
Key features
Pricing: CockroachDB vs RethinkDB
| Plan | CockroachDB | RethinkDB |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Basic | Free Open Source |
| Tier 2 | $0.18 /hour (2 vCPUs) Standard | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $0.6 /hour (4 vCPUs) Advanced | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on CockroachDB pricing and RethinkDB pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
RethinkDB is free. CockroachDB is freemium.
Go with: RethinkDB
Want the highest-rated option?
CockroachDB: 4.3/5 (29 reviews). RethinkDB: 4.3/5 (15 reviews).
Go with: CockroachDB
Value user reviews?
CockroachDB: 29 reviews (4.3/5). RethinkDB: 15 reviews (4.3/5).
Go with: CockroachDB
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
CockroachDB is freemium. RethinkDB is free. Go with RethinkDB if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are data & databases tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Both are rated 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
CockroachDB
- Larger review base (29 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
RethinkDB
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
CockroachDB wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. That said, RethinkDB is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CockroachDB or RethinkDB better?
CockroachDB is rated in our evaluation. CockroachDB is freemium and RethinkDB is free.
What are CockroachDB and RethinkDB used for?
CockroachDB: Distributed SQL database built for cloud. RethinkDB: Real-time database for modern apps.
What does CockroachDB cost vs RethinkDB?
CockroachDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). RethinkDB is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.