TiDB Serverless vs ScyllaDB: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between TiDB Serverless and ScyllaDB 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:
TiDB Serverless
A modern database architecture for real-time data, offering elastic scalability and MySQL compatibility.
Best for you if:
- • You need big data analytics features specifically
- • Unified distributed SQL database for OLTP, OLAP, and AI workloads.
- • Cloud-native architecture with decoupled compute and storage for elastic scaling.
ScyllaDB
High-performance NoSQL database
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need database builders features specifically
- • ScyllaDB is a high-performance NoSQL database compatible with Cassandra
- • It delivers 10x better throughput with consistent low latency
| At a Glance |  TiDB Serverless |  ScyllaDB |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Big Data Analytics | Database Builders |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | TiDB Serverless | ScyllaDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Big Data AnalyticsManaged Databases | Database BuildersManaged Databases |
How TiDB Serverless and ScyllaDB Compare
TiDB Serverless
A modern database architecture for real-time data, offering elastic scalability and MySQL compatibility.
Free tier available
ScyllaDB
High-performance NoSQL database
Free tier available · 86/100 score
TiDB Serverless is a big data analytics tool. ScyllaDB is in database builders.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: TiDB Serverless
Want the highest-rated option?
ScyllaDB scores 86/100. TiDB Serverless is unrated.
Go with: ScyllaDB
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: ScyllaDB
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
TiDB Serverless is a big data analytics tool. ScyllaDB is in database builders. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
ScyllaDB
- Higher score: 86/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
TiDB Serverless
- Better fit for big data analytics
The Bottom Line
ScyllaDB (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TiDB Serverless or ScyllaDB better?
ScyllaDB scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are TiDB Serverless and ScyllaDB used for?
TiDB Serverless: A modern database architecture for real-time data, offering elastic scalability and MySQL compatibility.. ScyllaDB: High-performance NoSQL database.
What does TiDB Serverless cost vs ScyllaDB?
TiDB Serverless is freemium (free tier + paid plans). ScyllaDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.