Databricks vs Materialize: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Databricks and Materialize 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:
Databricks
Data and AI platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 7.1/10)
- • You need business intelligence features specifically
- • Data and AI platform using consumption-based DBU pricing from $0.07 to $0.65+/DBU
- • Lakehouse combines data lake and warehouse on AWS, Azure, or GCP with Spark engine
Materialize
The Live Data Layer for Apps and AI Agents, enabling real-time insights with SQL.
Best for you if:
- • You need big data analytics features specifically
- • Provides a live data layer for real-time applications and AI agents.
- • Processes data streams and allows querying fresh data using standard SQL.
| At a Glance |  Databricks |  Materialize |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Business Intelligence | Big Data Analytics |
Rating | 87/100 | 71/100 |
| Feature | Databricks | Materialize |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 71 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Business IntelligenceData Visualization | Big Data AnalyticsBusiness Intelligence |
How Databricks and Materialize Compare
Databricks
Data and AI platform
Paid · 87/100 score
Materialize
The Live Data Layer for Apps and AI Agents, enabling real-time insights with SQL.
Paid · 71/100 score
Databricks is a business intelligence tool. Materialize is in big data analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Databricks
Want the highest-rated option?
Databricks: 87/100. Materialize: 71/100.
Go with: Databricks
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Databricks
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Databricks is a business intelligence tool. Materialize is in big data analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Databricks scores higher: 87/100 vs 71/100.
Key Takeaways
Databricks
- Higher score: 87/100 vs 71
- Our pick for this comparison
Materialize
- Better fit for big data analytics
The Bottom Line
Databricks (87/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Databricks or Materialize better?
Databricks scores 87/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Databricks and Materialize used for?
Databricks: Data and AI platform. Materialize: The Live Data Layer for Apps and AI Agents, enabling real-time insights with SQL..
What does Databricks cost vs Materialize?
Databricks is a paid tool. Materialize is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.