Starburst vs SingleStore: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Starburst and SingleStore 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 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Starburst
Unify data, context, and governance for trusted AI and faster insights across all data sources.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need big data analytics features specifically
- • Unifies data access across diverse sources without data movement.
- • Accelerates AI deployment with built-in governance, lineage, and security.
SingleStore
Distributed SQL database for real-time analytics
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • 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
| At a Glance |  Starburst |  SingleStore |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Big Data Analytics | Managed Databases |
Rating | —/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Starburst | SingleStore |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Big Data AnalyticsManaged Databases | Managed DatabasesETL & Data Pipelines |
How Starburst and SingleStore Compare
Starburst
Unify data, context, and governance for trusted AI and faster insights across all data sources.
Free tier available
SingleStore
Distributed SQL database for real-time analytics
Paid · 82/100 score
Starburst is a big data analytics tool. SingleStore is in managed databases.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Starburst has a free tier. SingleStore is paid only.
Go with: Starburst
Want the highest-rated option?
SingleStore scores 82/100. Starburst is unrated.
Go with: SingleStore
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: SingleStore
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Starburst is freemium. SingleStore is paid. Starburst lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Starburst is a big data analytics tool. SingleStore is in managed databases. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
SingleStore
- Higher score: 82/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Starburst
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for big data analytics
The Bottom Line
SingleStore (82/100) is our pick. Starburst has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Starburst or SingleStore better?
SingleStore scores 82/100 in our evaluation. Starburst is freemium and SingleStore is paid.
What are Starburst and SingleStore used for?
Starburst: Unify data, context, and governance for trusted AI and faster insights across all data sources.. SingleStore: Distributed SQL database for real-time analytics.
What does Starburst cost vs SingleStore?
Starburst is freemium (free tier + paid plans). SingleStore is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.