StarRocks vs CrateDB: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between StarRocks and CrateDB 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:
StarRocks
High-performance analytical database
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 7.7/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • StarRocks is a high-performance analytical database for real-time analytics
- • It provides sub-second queries on large datasets with MySQL compatibility
CrateDB
Real-time analytics database for instant insights from any data, at any scale, with SQL.
Best for you if:
- • Real-time analytics database for instant querying of diverse data at scale using SQL.
- • Supports complex aggregations, hybrid search (including vector similarity), and AI model integration.
| At a Glance |  StarRocks |  CrateDB |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Business Intelligence | Business Intelligence |
Rating | 80/100 | 77/100 |
| Feature | StarRocks | CrateDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 77 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Business IntelligenceData Visualization | Business IntelligenceETL & Data Pipelines |
How StarRocks and CrateDB Compare
StarRocks
High-performance analytical database
Free · 80/100 score
CrateDB
Real-time analytics database for instant insights from any data, at any scale, with SQL.
Free tier available · 77/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
StarRocks is free. CrateDB is freemium.
Go with: StarRocks
Want the highest-rated option?
StarRocks: 80/100. CrateDB: 77/100.
Go with: StarRocks
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: StarRocks
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
StarRocks is free. CrateDB is freemium. Go with StarRocks if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are business intelligence tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
StarRocks scores higher: 80/100 vs 77/100.
Key Takeaways
StarRocks
- Higher score: 80/100 vs 77
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
CrateDB
The Bottom Line
StarRocks (80/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is StarRocks or CrateDB better?
StarRocks scores 80/100 in our evaluation. StarRocks is free and CrateDB is freemium.
What are StarRocks and CrateDB used for?
StarRocks: High-performance analytical database. CrateDB: Real-time analytics database for instant insights from any data, at any scale, with SQL..
What does StarRocks cost vs CrateDB?
StarRocks is completely free. CrateDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.