Neon vs Dragonfly: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Neon and Dragonfly 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Neon
Serverless Postgres
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 8.6/10)
- • You need serverless databases features specifically
- • Serverless Postgres that scales to zero
- • Branching for database development
Dragonfly
An in-memory data store for massive workloads, offering Redis/Valkey/Memcached compatibility and superior performance.
Best for you if:
- • You need managed databases features specifically
- • 25x faster than Redis with 80% cost reduction.
- • 100% API compatible with Redis, Valkey, and Memcached.
| At a Glance |  Neon |  Dragonfly |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Serverless Databases | Managed Databases |
Rating | 87/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Neon | Dragonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Serverless DatabasesManaged Databases | Managed DatabasesServerless Databases |
Understanding the Differences
Both Neon and Dragonfly solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Neon positions itself as "serverless postgres" while Dragonflyfocuses on "an in-memory data store for massive workloads, offering redis/valkey/memcached compatibility and superior performance.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Neon
Neon makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 87/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Dragonfly
Dragonfly is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Neon lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Neon
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Neon handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Neon
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Neon
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Neon, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Neon higher (87/100). But the community has upvoted Dragonfly more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Neon Does Better
- Higher overall score (87/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Dragonfly If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Neon (87/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Neon scores higher in our analysis, but Dragonfly might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Neon or Dragonfly better?
Based on our analysis, Neon scores higher with 87/100. Neon isfreemium while Dragonfly is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Neon to Dragonfly easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Neon and Dragonfly offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Neon is freemium with a free tier.Dragonfly is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.