TigerGraph vs Amazon Neptune: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between TigerGraph and Amazon Neptune 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: Amazon Neptune wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. Pick TigerGraph if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
TigerGraph
Enterprise graph database and analytics
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
Amazon Neptune
Fully managed graph database service on AWS
Best for you if:
- • You want managed graph database
| At a Glance | TigerGraph | Amazon Neptune |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | $0.1/db.r5.large hour On-Demand |
Category | Data & Databases Analytics | Data & Databases Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.7/5 G2 4.6 · SourceForge 5.0 12 reviews | 2.4/5 Trustpilot 1.3 · G2 4.4 398 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Watch out for | n/a | Backup storage costs |
Choose TigerGraph or Amazon Neptune?
Choose TigerGraph if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want graph database
- You want good performance
Choose Amazon Neptune if
- You want managed graph database
- You want AWS integrated
In-Depth Analysis
TigerGraph
Enterprise graph database and analytics
However, the 'pay-per-use' model for Savanna Cloud suggests a potentially fair approach for variable workloads, while the Enterprise tier targets large organizations needing on-premises solutions.
Strengths
- Pro: Graph database
- Pro: Good performance
- Pro: Enterprise ready
- Pro: Active development
- Pro: Good for analytics
Weaknesses
- Con: Expensive
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Complex platform
- Con: Less known than Neo4j
- Con: Enterprise focus
Key features
Amazon Neptune
Fully managed graph database service on AWS
Amazon Neptune's pricing is fair, especially with the On-Demand tier starting at $0.1 per db.r5.large hour, offering a predictable cost for consistent usage.
Watch out
Backup storage costs
Strengths
- Pro: Managed graph database
- Pro: AWS integrated
- Pro: High availability
- Pro: SPARQL and Gremlin
- Pro: Good for knowledge graphs
Weaknesses
- Con: AWS lock-in
- Con: Expensive
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Complex pricing
- Con: Limited features vs Neo4j
Key features
Pricing: TigerGraph vs Amazon Neptune
| Plan | TigerGraph | Amazon Neptune |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Custom Savanna Cloud | $0.1 /db.r5.large hour On-Demand |
| Tier 2 | Custom Enterprise | Usage-based Serverless |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on TigerGraph pricing and Amazon Neptune pricing.
Key Takeaways
Amazon Neptune
- Larger review base (398 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
TigerGraph
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Amazon Neptune wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. TigerGraph has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TigerGraph or Amazon Neptune better in 2026?
Amazon Neptune wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. Pick TigerGraph for data & databases workflows (main strength: graph database). Pick Amazon Neptune for data & databases workflows (main strength: managed graph database).
What are TigerGraph and Amazon Neptune used for?
TigerGraph: Enterprise graph database and analytics. Amazon Neptune: Fully managed graph database service on AWS.
What does TigerGraph cost vs Amazon Neptune?
TigerGraph pricing is on their site. Amazon Neptune's paid plans start at $0.1/db.r5.large hour (On-Demand).
What's the main difference between TigerGraph and Amazon Neptune?
TigerGraph's main strength: graph database. Amazon Neptune's main strength: managed graph database.