TiDB Serverless vs SingleStore: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between TiDB Serverless 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:
TiDB Serverless
A modern database architecture for real-time data, offering elastic scalability and MySQL compatibility.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • 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.
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 |  TiDB Serverless |  SingleStore |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Big Data Analytics | Managed Databases |
Rating | —/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | TiDB Serverless | 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 TiDB Serverless and SingleStore Compare
TiDB Serverless
A modern database architecture for real-time data, offering elastic scalability and MySQL compatibility.
Free tier available
SingleStore
Distributed SQL database for real-time analytics
Paid · 82/100 score
TiDB Serverless is a big data analytics tool. SingleStore is in managed databases.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
TiDB Serverless has a free tier. SingleStore is paid only.
Go with: TiDB Serverless
Want the highest-rated option?
SingleStore scores 82/100. TiDB Serverless 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?
TiDB Serverless is freemium. SingleStore is paid. TiDB Serverless lets you start free.
What's your use case?
TiDB Serverless 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
TiDB Serverless
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for big data analytics
The Bottom Line
SingleStore (82/100) is our pick. TiDB Serverless has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TiDB Serverless or SingleStore better?
SingleStore scores 82/100 in our evaluation. TiDB Serverless is freemium and SingleStore is paid.
What are TiDB Serverless and SingleStore used for?
TiDB Serverless: A modern database architecture for real-time data, offering elastic scalability and MySQL compatibility.. SingleStore: Distributed SQL database for real-time analytics.
What does TiDB Serverless cost vs SingleStore?
TiDB Serverless is freemium (free tier + paid plans). SingleStore is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.