MotherDuck vs Amazon Redshift: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between MotherDuck and Amazon Redshift 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:
MotherDuck
Ducking Simple Data Warehouse based on DuckDB for fast, scalable analytics.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need big data analytics features specifically
- • Cloud data warehouse built on DuckDB for fast, scalable analytics.
- • Supports internal BI, customer-facing analytics, and various data formats.
Amazon Redshift
Petabyte-scale data warehouse on AWS
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 7.4/10)
- • You need data warehouses features specifically
- • AWS cloud data warehouse
- • Petabyte-scale analytics
| At a Glance |  MotherDuck |  Amazon Redshift |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Big Data Analytics | Data Warehouses |
Rating | 74/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | MotherDuck | Amazon Redshift |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 74 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Big Data AnalyticsManaged Databases | Data WarehousesServerless Databases |
How MotherDuck and Amazon Redshift Compare
MotherDuck
Ducking Simple Data Warehouse based on DuckDB for fast, scalable analytics.
Free tier available · 74/100 score
Amazon Redshift
Petabyte-scale data warehouse on AWS
Paid · 88/100 score
MotherDuck is a big data analytics tool. Amazon Redshift is in data warehouses.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
MotherDuck has a free tier. Amazon Redshift is paid only.
Go with: MotherDuck
Want the highest-rated option?
MotherDuck: 74/100. Amazon Redshift: 88/100.
Go with: Amazon Redshift
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Amazon Redshift
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
MotherDuck is freemium. Amazon Redshift is paid. MotherDuck lets you start free.
What's your use case?
MotherDuck is a big data analytics tool. Amazon Redshift is in data warehouses. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Amazon Redshift scores higher: 88/100 vs 74/100.
Key Takeaways
Amazon Redshift
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 74
- Our pick for this comparison
MotherDuck
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for big data analytics
The Bottom Line
Amazon Redshift (88/100) is our pick. MotherDuck has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MotherDuck or Amazon Redshift better?
Amazon Redshift scores 88/100 in our evaluation. MotherDuck is freemium and Amazon Redshift is paid.
What are MotherDuck and Amazon Redshift used for?
MotherDuck: Ducking Simple Data Warehouse based on DuckDB for fast, scalable analytics.. Amazon Redshift: Petabyte-scale data warehouse on AWS.
What does MotherDuck cost vs Amazon Redshift?
MotherDuck is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Amazon Redshift is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.