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Prisma vs Drizzle ORM: Which Should You Choose in 2026?

Choosing between Prisma and Drizzle ORM 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:

Prisma

Node.js database ORM

Best for you if:

  • • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.5/10)
  • • You need api tools features specifically
  • Type-safe ORM for Node.js
  • Auto-generated database client

Drizzle ORM

TypeScript ORM

Best for you if:

  • • You need something completely free
  • • You need ide & code editors features specifically
  • TypeScript-first ORM for SQL databases.
  • Focuses on type safety, performance, and developer experience.
At a Glance
PrismaPrisma
Drizzle ORMDrizzle ORM
Price
Free + PaidFree
Best For
API ToolsIDE & Code Editors
Rating
88/10085/100
FeaturePrismaDrizzle ORM
Pricing ModelFreemiumFree
Editorial Score
88
85
Community RatingNo ratings yetNo ratings yet
Total Reviews00
Community Upvotes
0
0
Categories
API ToolsLow-Code Backend
IDE & Code EditorsAPI Tools

How Prisma and Drizzle ORM Compare

Prisma

Node.js database ORM

Free tier available · 88/100 score

Drizzle ORM

TypeScript ORM

Free · 85/100 score

Prisma is a api tools tool. Drizzle ORM is in ide & code editors.

Who Should Use What?

On a budget?

Drizzle ORM is free. Prisma is freemium.

Go with: Drizzle ORM

Want the highest-rated option?

Prisma: 88/100. Drizzle ORM: 85/100.

Go with: Prisma

Value user reviews?

Neither has user reviews yet.

Go with: Prisma

3 Questions to Help You Decide

1

What's your budget?

Prisma is freemium. Drizzle ORM is free. Go with Drizzle ORM if free matters most.

2

What's your use case?

Prisma is a api tools tool. Drizzle ORM is in ide & code editors. Pick the category that matches your needs.

3

How important are ratings?

Prisma scores higher: 88/100 vs 85/100.

Key Takeaways

Prisma

  • Higher score: 88/100 vs 85
  • Free tier available
  • Our pick for this comparison

Drizzle ORM

  • Completely free
  • Better fit for ide & code editors

The Bottom Line

Prisma (88/100) is our pick. That said, Drizzle ORM is free — hard to beat on price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Prisma or Drizzle ORM better?

Prisma scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Prisma is freemium and Drizzle ORM is free.

What are Prisma and Drizzle ORM used for?

Prisma: Node.js database ORM. Drizzle ORM: TypeScript ORM.

What does Prisma cost vs Drizzle ORM?

Prisma is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Drizzle ORM is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.

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