LanceDB vs Qdrant: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between LanceDB and Qdrant 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:
LanceDB
Serverless vector database for AI applications
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • LanceDB is an open-source vector database for AI and ML applications
- • It stores and queries embeddings with serverless deployment options
Qdrant
Vector database for similarity search
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • Qdrant is a vector database for AI similarity search applications
- • It stores and queries high-dimensional vectors with filtering support
| At a Glance |  LanceDB |  Qdrant |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Vector Databases | Vector Databases |
Rating | 82/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | LanceDB | Qdrant |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Vector DatabasesAI Model Deployment | Vector DatabasesAI Model Deployment |
How LanceDB and Qdrant Compare
LanceDB
Serverless vector database for AI applications
Free · 82/100 score
Qdrant
Vector database for similarity search
Free tier available · 88/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
LanceDB is free. Qdrant is freemium.
Go with: LanceDB
Want the highest-rated option?
LanceDB: 82/100. Qdrant: 88/100.
Go with: Qdrant
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Qdrant
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
LanceDB is free. Qdrant is freemium. Go with LanceDB if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are vector databases tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Qdrant scores higher: 88/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Qdrant
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
LanceDB
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Qdrant (88/100) is our pick. That said, LanceDB is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LanceDB or Qdrant better?
Qdrant scores 88/100 in our evaluation. LanceDB is free and Qdrant is freemium.
What are LanceDB and Qdrant used for?
LanceDB: Serverless vector database for AI applications. Qdrant: Vector database for similarity search.
What does LanceDB cost vs Qdrant?
LanceDB is completely free. Qdrant is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.