Presto vs QuestDB: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Presto and QuestDB 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 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Presto
Query petabytes of data across diverse sources with lightning-fast, open-source SQL.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need big data analytics features specifically
- • Open-source SQL query engine for massive datasets.
- • Queries data across multiple sources with high performance.
QuestDB
Time series database for fast analytics
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need time tracking features specifically
- • QuestDB is a time-series database optimized for fast ingest and queries
- • It handles millions of rows per second with SQL and PostgreSQL compatibility
| At a Glance |  Presto |  QuestDB |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Big Data Analytics | Time Tracking |
Rating | —/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Presto | QuestDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Big Data AnalyticsBusiness Intelligence | Time TrackingETL & Data Pipelines |
How Presto and QuestDB Compare
Presto
Query petabytes of data across diverse sources with lightning-fast, open-source SQL.
Free
QuestDB
Time series database for fast analytics
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Presto is a big data analytics tool. QuestDB is in time tracking.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Presto is free. QuestDB is freemium.
Go with: Presto
Want the highest-rated option?
QuestDB scores 82/100. Presto is unrated.
Go with: QuestDB
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: QuestDB
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Presto is free. QuestDB is freemium. Go with Presto if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Presto is a big data analytics tool. QuestDB is in time tracking. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
QuestDB
- Higher score: 82/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Presto
- Completely free
- Better fit for big data analytics
The Bottom Line
QuestDB (82/100) is our pick. That said, Presto is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Presto or QuestDB better?
QuestDB scores 82/100 in our evaluation. Presto is free and QuestDB is freemium.
What are Presto and QuestDB used for?
Presto: Query petabytes of data across diverse sources with lightning-fast, open-source SQL.. QuestDB: Time series database for fast analytics.
What does Presto cost vs QuestDB?
Presto is completely free. QuestDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.