DuckDB vs ClickHouse: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between DuckDB and ClickHouse 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:
DuckDB
In-process analytics database
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need database builders features specifically
- • DuckDB is an embedded analytical database designed for fast OLAP queries in applications
- • It runs SQL queries directly on Parquet, CSV, and JSON files without a server
ClickHouse
Fast open-source analytics database
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.8/10)
- • You need web analytics features specifically
- • ClickHouse is a column-oriented database for real-time analytics on massive datasets
- • It delivers sub-second query performance on billions of rows for OLAP workloads
| At a Glance |  DuckDB |  ClickHouse |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Database Builders | Web Analytics |
Rating | 88/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | DuckDB | ClickHouse |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Database BuildersETL & Data Pipelines | Web AnalyticsProduct Analytics |
How DuckDB and ClickHouse Compare
DuckDB
In-process analytics database
Free · 88/100 score
ClickHouse
Fast open-source analytics database
Paid · 90/100 score
DuckDB is a database builders tool. ClickHouse is in web analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
DuckDB is free. ClickHouse is paid.
Go with: DuckDB
Want the highest-rated option?
DuckDB: 88/100. ClickHouse: 90/100.
Go with: ClickHouse
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: ClickHouse
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
DuckDB is free. ClickHouse is paid. Go with DuckDB if free matters most.
What's your use case?
DuckDB is a database builders tool. ClickHouse is in web analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
ClickHouse scores higher: 90/100 vs 88/100.
Key Takeaways
ClickHouse
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 88
- Our pick for this comparison
DuckDB
- Completely free
- Better fit for database builders
The Bottom Line
ClickHouse (90/100) is our pick. That said, DuckDB is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DuckDB or ClickHouse better?
ClickHouse scores 90/100 in our evaluation. DuckDB is free and ClickHouse is paid.
What are DuckDB and ClickHouse used for?
DuckDB: In-process analytics database. ClickHouse: Fast open-source analytics database.
What does DuckDB cost vs ClickHouse?
DuckDB is completely free. ClickHouse is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.