CockroachDB vs TiDB: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between CockroachDB and TiDB 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 TiDB if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
CockroachDB
Distributed SQL database built for cloud
Best for you if:
- • You want distributed SQL
TiDB
Distributed SQL database for hybrid workloads
Best for you if:
- • You want distributed MySQL
| At a Glance | CockroachDB | TiDB |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | Free Free plan |
Category | Data & Databases Cloud & Infrastructure | Data & Databases Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.3/5 G2 4.3 29 reviews | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 67 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | 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. | Overage fees for storage/RUs beyond free tier in Cloud Serverless. |
Choose CockroachDB or TiDB?
Choose CockroachDB if
- You want distributed SQL
- You want PostgreSQL compatible
Choose TiDB if
- You want distributed MySQL
- You want good scalability
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
- Pro: Distributed SQL
- Pro: PostgreSQL compatible
- Pro: Multi-region
- Pro: Strong consistency
- Pro: Good scaling
Weaknesses
- Con: Complex operations
- Con: Expensive at scale
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Latency vs single-node
- Con: Specific use cases
Key features
TiDB
Distributed SQL database for hybrid workloads
TiDB's pricing is quite generous, offering substantial free tiers for both self-hosted and cloud serverless options.
Watch out
Overage fees for storage/RUs beyond free tier in Cloud Serverless.
Strengths
- Pro: Distributed MySQL
- Pro: Good scalability
- Pro: MySQL compatible
- Pro: Active development
- Pro: Open source
Weaknesses
- Con: Operational complexity
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Resource intensive
- Con: Cloud expensive
- Con: Compatibility gaps
Key features
Pricing: CockroachDB vs TiDB
| Plan | CockroachDB | TiDB |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Basic | Free Community (Self-Hosted) |
| Tier 2 | $0.18 /hour (2 vCPUs) Standard | Free Cloud Serverless |
| Tier 3 | $0.6 /hour (4 vCPUs) Advanced | Custom Cloud Dedicated |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on CockroachDB pricing and TiDB pricing.
Key Takeaways
CockroachDB
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
TiDB
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (67 reviews)
The Bottom Line
CockroachDB wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CockroachDB or TiDB better in 2026?
CockroachDB wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. Pick CockroachDB for data & databases workflows (main strength: distributed SQL). Pick TiDB for data & databases workflows (main strength: distributed MySQL).
What are CockroachDB and TiDB used for?
CockroachDB: Distributed SQL database built for cloud. TiDB: Distributed SQL database for hybrid workloads.
What does CockroachDB cost vs TiDB?
CockroachDB's paid plans start at Free (Standard). TiDB pricing is on their site.
What's the main difference between CockroachDB and TiDB?
CockroachDB's main strength: distributed SQL. TiDB's main strength: distributed MySQL.