CouchDB vs SurrealDB: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between CouchDB 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:
CouchDB
Document database with sync and offline support
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • CouchDB is a document-oriented database that uses JSON and JavaScript for queries
- • It provides built-in replication, offline-first sync, and a RESTful HTTP API
SurrealDB
The ultimate multi-model database for AI agents, simplifying your stack and accelerating development.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • 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 |  CouchDB |  SurrealDB |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Database Builders | Database Builders |
Rating | 78/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | CouchDB | SurrealDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 78 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Database BuildersMobile Backend | Database BuildersManaged Databases |
How CouchDB and SurrealDB Compare
CouchDB
Document database with sync and offline support
Free · 78/100 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?
CouchDB is free. SurrealDB is freemium.
Go with: CouchDB
Want the highest-rated option?
CouchDB: 78/100. SurrealDB: 80/100.
Go with: SurrealDB
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: SurrealDB
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
CouchDB is free. SurrealDB is freemium. Go with CouchDB if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are database builders tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
SurrealDB scores higher: 80/100 vs 78/100.
Key Takeaways
SurrealDB
- Higher score: 80/100 vs 78
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
CouchDB
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
SurrealDB (80/100) is our pick. That said, CouchDB is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CouchDB or SurrealDB better?
SurrealDB scores 80/100 in our evaluation. CouchDB is free and SurrealDB is freemium.
What are CouchDB and SurrealDB used for?
CouchDB: Document database with sync and offline support. SurrealDB: The ultimate multi-model database for AI agents, simplifying your stack and accelerating development..
What does CouchDB cost vs SurrealDB?
CouchDB is completely free. SurrealDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.