Influxdb vs Apache Druid: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Influxdb and Apache Druid 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:
Influxdb
Time series database
Best for you if:
- • You need real-time analytics features specifically
- • InfluxDB is a time series database optimized for metrics, events, and real-time analytics
- • It handles high write and query loads for monitoring, IoT, and observability workloads
Apache Druid
Real-time analytics database for high-speed queries
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need business intelligence features specifically
- • Apache Druid is a real-time analytics database designed for sub-second OLAP queries on streaming data
- • It ingests data in real-time and enables instant slice-and-dice analysis of billions of rows
| At a Glance |  Apache Druid | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Real-Time Analytics | Business Intelligence |
Rating | 78/100 | 78/100 |
| Feature | Influxdb | Apache Druid |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 78 | 78 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Real-Time AnalyticsData Visualization | Business IntelligenceData Visualization |
How Influxdb and Apache Druid Compare
Influxdb
Time series database
Free tier available · 78/100 score
Apache Druid
Real-time analytics database for high-speed queries
Free · 78/100 score
Influxdb is a real-time analytics tool. Apache Druid is in business intelligence.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Apache Druid is free. Influxdb is freemium.
Go with: Apache Druid
Want the highest-rated option?
Influxdb: 78/100. Apache Druid: 78/100.
Go with: Influxdb
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Influxdb
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Influxdb is freemium. Apache Druid is free. Go with Apache Druid if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Influxdb is a real-time analytics tool. Apache Druid is in business intelligence. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Both score 78/100.
Key Takeaways
Influxdb
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Apache Druid
- Completely free
- Better fit for business intelligence
The Bottom Line
Influxdb (78/100) is our pick. That said, Apache Druid is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Influxdb or Apache Druid better?
Influxdb scores 78/100 in our evaluation. Influxdb is freemium and Apache Druid is free.
What are Influxdb and Apache Druid used for?
Influxdb: Time series database. Apache Druid: Real-time analytics database for high-speed queries.
What does Influxdb cost vs Apache Druid?
Influxdb is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Apache Druid is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.