SingleStore vs BigQuery: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between SingleStore and BigQuery 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.
Bottom line: BigQuery wins this matchup. Our overall Data & Databases pick is PostgreSQL. Our free Data & Databases pick is PostgreSQL. Pick SingleStore if you need its specific feature set.
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 fast analytics database
- • You want good performance
BigQuery
Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics
Best for you if:
- • You want best serverless data warehouse
- • You want petabyte scale
| At a Glance | SingleStore | BigQuery |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0.69/moS-00 | $0.04/slot-hourEditions |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose SingleStore or BigQuery?
Choose SingleStore if
Distributed SQL database for real-time analytics
- You want fast analytics database
- You want good performance
Choose BigQuery if
Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics
- You want best serverless data warehouse
- You want petabyte scale
- Budget matters ($0.04/slot-hour vs $0.69/mo)
| Feature | SingleStore | BigQuery |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 157 reviews | ★4.5/5 1,258 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesAnalytics | Data & DatabasesAnalytics |
In-Depth Analysis
SingleStore
Distributed SQL database for real-time analytics
SingleStore's pricing, starting at $0.69/hour for S-00 ($374/month reserved) and quickly scaling to $2.75/hour for S-1 ($1,497/month reserved), appears expensive for smaller use cases when compared to other cloud database offerings.
Watch out
Data transfer costs not included
Strengths
- +Fast analytics database
- +Good performance
- +SQL compatible
- +Active development
- +Good for real-time
Weaknesses
- -Expensive
- -Learning curve
- -Vendor lock-in
- -Complex pricing
- -Enterprise focus
Key features
BigQuery
Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics
BigQuery's on-demand pricing ($6.25/TiB queried) with 1 TiB free per month is one of the most generous free tiers in cloud data warehousing.
Watch out
SELECT * is expensive: scanning an entire 10 TiB table costs $62.50 per query. Always use column-level selects and partitioned tables to minimize bytes scanned. A poorly written dashboard refreshing hourly can cost hundreds per day
Strengths
- +Best serverless data warehouse
- +Petabyte scale
- +SQL interface
- +ML built-in
- +Pay per query
Weaknesses
- -Query costs can surprise
- -Slot management complex
- -Streaming inserts expensive
- -Learning curve
- -Some SQL limitations
Key features
Pricing: SingleStore vs BigQuery
| Plan | SingleStore | BigQuery |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0.69 S-00 | Free Tier |
| Tier 2 | $1.38 S-0 | $6.25 /TB On-Demand |
| Tier 3 | $2.75 S-1 | $0.04 /slot-hour Editions |
| Tier 4 | Custom Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on SingleStore pricing and BigQuery pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: BigQuery
Want the highest-rated option?
SingleStore: 4.5/5 (157 reviews). BigQuery: 4.5/5 (1,258 reviews).
Go with: SingleStore
Value user reviews?
SingleStore: 157 reviews (4.5/5). BigQuery: 1,258 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: BigQuery
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are data & databases tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Both are rated 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
BigQuery
- Larger review base (1,258 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
SingleStore
- Choose if you want distributed SQL database for real-time analytics
The Bottom Line
BigQuery wins this matchup. Our overall Data & Databases pick is PostgreSQL. Our free Data & Databases pick is PostgreSQL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SingleStore or BigQuery better?
BigQuery is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are SingleStore and BigQuery used for?
SingleStore: Distributed SQL database for real-time analytics. BigQuery: Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics.
What does SingleStore cost vs BigQuery?
SingleStore is a paid tool. BigQuery is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.