Hopsworks vs DuckDB: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Hopsworks and DuckDB 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:
Hopsworks
The unified AI Lakehouse platform for real-time ML feature engineering, deployment, and production.
Best for you if:
- • You need etl & data pipelines features specifically
- • Provides a unified AI Lakehouse for real-time ML, integrating feature engineering, MLOps, and model serving.
- • Features a high-performance Feature Store with sub-millisecond latency powered by RonDB for consistent online/offline data.
DuckDB
In-process analytics database
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • 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
| At a Glance |  Hopsworks |  DuckDB |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | ETL & Data Pipelines | Database Builders |
Rating | —/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Hopsworks | DuckDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | ETL & Data PipelinesData Warehouses | Database BuildersETL & Data Pipelines |
How Hopsworks and DuckDB Compare
Hopsworks
The unified AI Lakehouse platform for real-time ML feature engineering, deployment, and production.
Free tier available
DuckDB
In-process analytics database
Free · 88/100 score
Hopsworks is a etl & data pipelines tool. DuckDB is in database builders.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
DuckDB is free. Hopsworks is freemium.
Go with: DuckDB
Want the highest-rated option?
DuckDB scores 88/100. Hopsworks is unrated.
Go with: DuckDB
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: DuckDB
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Hopsworks is freemium. DuckDB is free. Go with DuckDB if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Hopsworks is a etl & data pipelines tool. DuckDB is in database builders. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
DuckDB
- Higher score: 88/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Hopsworks
- Better fit for etl & data pipelines
The Bottom Line
DuckDB (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hopsworks or DuckDB better?
DuckDB scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Hopsworks is freemium and DuckDB is free.
What are Hopsworks and DuckDB used for?
Hopsworks: The unified AI Lakehouse platform for real-time ML feature engineering, deployment, and production.. DuckDB: In-process analytics database.
What does Hopsworks cost vs DuckDB?
Hopsworks is freemium (free tier + paid plans). DuckDB is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.