RisingWave vs Apache Kafka: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between RisingWave and Apache Kafka 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:
RisingWave
Enterprise-grade event streaming platform for real-time agents, apps, and analytics.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need big data analytics features specifically
- • Real-time event streaming platform with sub-100ms latency.
- • Unifies streaming and lakehouse with built-in Apache Iceberg integration.
Apache Kafka
Distributed event streaming for real-time data pipelines
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.2/10 vs 7.7/10)
- • You need log management features specifically
- • Apache Kafka is a distributed event streaming platform used by 80% of Fortune 100 companies
- • It handles trillions of events daily for real-time data pipelines and streaming applications
| At a Glance |  RisingWave |  Apache Kafka |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Big Data Analytics | Log Management |
Rating | 77/100 | 92/100 |
| Feature | RisingWave | Apache Kafka |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 77 | 92 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Big Data AnalyticsBusiness Intelligence | Log ManagementETL & Data Pipelines |
How RisingWave and Apache Kafka Compare
RisingWave
Enterprise-grade event streaming platform for real-time agents, apps, and analytics.
Free tier available · 77/100 score
Apache Kafka
Distributed event streaming for real-time data pipelines
Paid · 92/100 score
RisingWave is a big data analytics tool. Apache Kafka is in log management.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
RisingWave has a free tier. Apache Kafka is paid only.
Go with: RisingWave
Want the highest-rated option?
RisingWave: 77/100. Apache Kafka: 92/100.
Go with: Apache Kafka
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Apache Kafka
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
RisingWave is freemium. Apache Kafka is paid. RisingWave lets you start free.
What's your use case?
RisingWave is a big data analytics tool. Apache Kafka is in log management. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Apache Kafka scores higher: 92/100 vs 77/100.
Key Takeaways
Apache Kafka
- Higher score: 92/100 vs 77
- Our pick for this comparison
RisingWave
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for big data analytics
The Bottom Line
Apache Kafka (92/100) is our pick. RisingWave has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RisingWave or Apache Kafka better?
Apache Kafka scores 92/100 in our evaluation. RisingWave is freemium and Apache Kafka is paid.
What are RisingWave and Apache Kafka used for?
RisingWave: Enterprise-grade event streaming platform for real-time agents, apps, and analytics.. Apache Kafka: Distributed event streaming for real-time data pipelines.
What does RisingWave cost vs Apache Kafka?
RisingWave is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Apache Kafka is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.