SingleStore vs Apache Druid: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between SingleStore and Apache Druid 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:
SingleStore
Distributed SQL database for real-time analytics
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • You need managed databases features specifically
- • SingleStore is a distributed SQL database for real-time analytics
- • It handles transactional and analytical workloads in one system
Apache Druid
Real-time analytics database for high-speed queries
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need business intelligence features specifically
- • Apache Druid is a real-time analytics database designed for sub-second OLAP queries on streaming data
- • It ingests data in real-time and enables instant slice-and-dice analysis of billions of rows
| At a Glance |  SingleStore |  Apache Druid |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | Managed Databases | Business Intelligence |
Rating | 82/100 | 78/100 |
| Feature | SingleStore | Apache Druid |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 78 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Managed DatabasesETL & Data Pipelines | Business IntelligenceData Visualization |
How SingleStore and Apache Druid Compare
SingleStore
Distributed SQL database for real-time analytics
Paid · 82/100 score
Apache Druid
Real-time analytics database for high-speed queries
Free · 78/100 score
SingleStore is a managed databases tool. Apache Druid is in business intelligence.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Apache Druid is free. SingleStore is paid.
Go with: Apache Druid
Want the highest-rated option?
SingleStore: 82/100. Apache Druid: 78/100.
Go with: SingleStore
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: SingleStore
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
SingleStore is paid. Apache Druid is free. Go with Apache Druid if free matters most.
What's your use case?
SingleStore is a managed databases tool. Apache Druid is in business intelligence. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
SingleStore scores higher: 82/100 vs 78/100.
Key Takeaways
SingleStore
- Higher score: 82/100 vs 78
- Our pick for this comparison
Apache Druid
- Completely free
- Better fit for business intelligence
The Bottom Line
SingleStore (82/100) is our pick. That said, Apache Druid is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SingleStore or Apache Druid better?
SingleStore scores 82/100 in our evaluation. SingleStore is paid and Apache Druid is free.
What are SingleStore and Apache Druid used for?
SingleStore: Distributed SQL database for real-time analytics. Apache Druid: Real-time analytics database for high-speed queries.
What does SingleStore cost vs Apache Druid?
SingleStore is a paid tool. Apache Druid is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.