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 |  Prisma |  Drizzle ORM |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | API Tools | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 88/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Prisma | Drizzle ORM |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| 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
What's your budget?
Prisma is freemium. Drizzle ORM is free. Go with Drizzle ORM if free matters most.
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.
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.