Dragonfly vs KeyDB: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Dragonfly and KeyDB 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:
Dragonfly
An in-memory data store for massive workloads, offering Redis/Valkey/Memcached compatibility and superior performance.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • 25x faster than Redis with 80% cost reduction.
- • 100% API compatible with Redis, Valkey, and Memcached.
KeyDB
The Faster Redis Alternative for high-throughput, low-latency data storage.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need database builders features specifically
- • Multithreaded Redis alternative for high performance.
- • Achieves over 1 million ops/sec with low latency.
| At a Glance |  Dragonfly |  KeyDB |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | API Tools | Database Builders |
Rating | 86/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Dragonfly | KeyDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsManaged Databases | Database BuildersManaged Databases |
How Dragonfly and KeyDB Compare
Dragonfly
An in-memory data store for massive workloads, offering Redis/Valkey/Memcached compatibility and superior performance.
Free tier available · 86/100 score
KeyDB
The Faster Redis Alternative for high-throughput, low-latency data storage.
Free · 82/100 score
Dragonfly is a api tools tool. KeyDB is in database builders.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
KeyDB is free. Dragonfly is freemium.
Go with: KeyDB
Want the highest-rated option?
Dragonfly: 86/100. KeyDB: 82/100.
Go with: Dragonfly
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Dragonfly
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Dragonfly is freemium. KeyDB is free. Go with KeyDB if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Dragonfly is a api tools tool. KeyDB is in database builders. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Dragonfly scores higher: 86/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Dragonfly
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
KeyDB
- Completely free
- Better fit for database builders
The Bottom Line
Dragonfly (86/100) is our pick. That said, KeyDB is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dragonfly or KeyDB better?
Dragonfly scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Dragonfly is freemium and KeyDB is free.
What are Dragonfly and KeyDB used for?
Dragonfly: An in-memory data store for massive workloads, offering Redis/Valkey/Memcached compatibility and superior performance.. KeyDB: The Faster Redis Alternative for high-throughput, low-latency data storage..
What does Dragonfly cost vs KeyDB?
Dragonfly is freemium (free tier + paid plans). KeyDB is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.