MotherDuck vs SingleStore: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between MotherDuck and SingleStore 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.
SingleStore
Distributed SQL database for real-time analytics
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 7.4/10)
- • You need managed databases features specifically
- • SingleStore is a distributed SQL database for real-time analytics
- • It handles transactional and analytical workloads in one system
| At a Glance |  MotherDuck |  SingleStore |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Big Data Analytics | Managed Databases |
Rating | 74/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | MotherDuck | SingleStore |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 74 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Big Data AnalyticsManaged Databases | Managed DatabasesETL & Data Pipelines |
How MotherDuck and SingleStore Compare
MotherDuck
Ducking Simple Data Warehouse based on DuckDB for fast, scalable analytics.
Free tier available · 74/100 score
SingleStore
Distributed SQL database for real-time analytics
Paid · 82/100 score
MotherDuck is a big data analytics tool. SingleStore is in managed databases.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
MotherDuck has a free tier. SingleStore is paid only.
Go with: MotherDuck
Want the highest-rated option?
MotherDuck: 74/100. SingleStore: 82/100.
Go with: SingleStore
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: SingleStore
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
MotherDuck is freemium. SingleStore is paid. MotherDuck lets you start free.
What's your use case?
MotherDuck is a big data analytics tool. SingleStore is in managed databases. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
SingleStore scores higher: 82/100 vs 74/100.
Key Takeaways
SingleStore
- Higher score: 82/100 vs 74
- Our pick for this comparison
MotherDuck
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for big data analytics
The Bottom Line
SingleStore (82/100) is our pick. MotherDuck has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MotherDuck or SingleStore better?
SingleStore scores 82/100 in our evaluation. MotherDuck is freemium and SingleStore is paid.
What are MotherDuck and SingleStore used for?
MotherDuck: Ducking Simple Data Warehouse based on DuckDB for fast, scalable analytics.. SingleStore: Distributed SQL database for real-time analytics.
What does MotherDuck cost vs SingleStore?
MotherDuck is freemium (free tier + paid plans). SingleStore is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.