Milvus vs SurrealDB: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Milvus and SurrealDB 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:
Milvus
Open-source vector database for AI
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need managed databases features specifically
- • Milvus is an open-source vector database for AI similarity search
- • It handles billion-scale vector search for recommendation and AI applications
SurrealDB
The ultimate multi-model database for AI agents, simplifying your stack and accelerating development.
Best for you if:
- • You need database builders features specifically
- • Unified multi-model database (document, graph, time-series, relational, geospatial, key-value) for AI applications.
- • Built for AI with integrated vector, full-text, and hybrid search, supporting RAG and Knowledge Graphs.
| At a Glance |  Milvus |  SurrealDB |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Managed Databases | Database Builders |
Rating | 86/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Milvus | SurrealDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Managed DatabasesVector Databases | Database BuildersManaged Databases |
How Milvus and SurrealDB Compare
Milvus
Open-source vector database for AI
Free · 86/100 score
SurrealDB
The ultimate multi-model database for AI agents, simplifying your stack and accelerating development.
Free tier available · 80/100 score
Milvus is a managed databases tool. SurrealDB is in database builders.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Milvus is free. SurrealDB is freemium.
Go with: Milvus
Want the highest-rated option?
Milvus: 86/100. SurrealDB: 80/100.
Go with: Milvus
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Milvus
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Milvus is free. SurrealDB is freemium. Go with Milvus if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Milvus is a managed databases tool. SurrealDB is in database builders. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Milvus scores higher: 86/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Milvus
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 80
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
SurrealDB
- Better fit for database builders
The Bottom Line
Milvus (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Milvus or SurrealDB better?
Milvus scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Milvus is free and SurrealDB is freemium.
What are Milvus and SurrealDB used for?
Milvus: Open-source vector database for AI. SurrealDB: The ultimate multi-model database for AI agents, simplifying your stack and accelerating development..
What does Milvus cost vs SurrealDB?
Milvus is completely free. SurrealDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.