QuestDB vs ClickHouse: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between QuestDB and ClickHouse 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:
QuestDB
Time series database for fast analytics
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • 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
ClickHouse
Fast open-source analytics database
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need web analytics features specifically
- • ClickHouse is a column-oriented database for real-time analytics on massive datasets
- • It delivers sub-second query performance on billions of rows for OLAP workloads
| At a Glance |  ClickHouse | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Time Tracking | Web Analytics |
Rating | 82/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | QuestDB | ClickHouse |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Time TrackingETL & Data Pipelines | Web AnalyticsProduct Analytics |
How QuestDB and ClickHouse Compare
QuestDB
Time series database for fast analytics
Free tier available · 82/100 score
ClickHouse
Fast open-source analytics database
Paid · 90/100 score
QuestDB is a time tracking tool. ClickHouse is in web analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
QuestDB has a free tier. ClickHouse is paid only.
Go with: QuestDB
Want the highest-rated option?
QuestDB: 82/100. ClickHouse: 90/100.
Go with: ClickHouse
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: ClickHouse
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
QuestDB is freemium. ClickHouse is paid. QuestDB lets you start free.
What's your use case?
QuestDB is a time tracking tool. ClickHouse is in web analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
ClickHouse scores higher: 90/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
ClickHouse
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 82
- Our pick for this comparison
QuestDB
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for time tracking
The Bottom Line
ClickHouse (90/100) is our pick. QuestDB has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is QuestDB or ClickHouse better?
ClickHouse scores 90/100 in our evaluation. QuestDB is freemium and ClickHouse is paid.
What are QuestDB and ClickHouse used for?
QuestDB: Time series database for fast analytics. ClickHouse: Fast open-source analytics database.
What does QuestDB cost vs ClickHouse?
QuestDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). ClickHouse is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.