Turso vs SurrealDB: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Turso and SurrealDB 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:
Turso
SQLite at the edge
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • Turso is an edge-native database built on libSQL
- • It provides SQLite at the edge with replication and low latency
SurrealDB
The ultimate multi-model database for AI agents, simplifying your stack and accelerating development.
Best for you if:
- • Unified multi-model database (document, graph, time-series, relational, geospatial, key-value) for AI applications.
- • Built for AI with integrated vector, full-text, and hybrid search, supporting RAG and Knowledge Graphs.
| At a Glance |  Turso |  SurrealDB |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Database Builders | Database Builders |
Rating | 84/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Turso | SurrealDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Database BuildersEdge Computing | Database BuildersManaged Databases |
How Turso and SurrealDB Compare
Turso
SQLite at the edge
Free tier available · 84/100 score
SurrealDB
The ultimate multi-model database for AI agents, simplifying your stack and accelerating development.
Free tier available · 80/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Turso
Want the highest-rated option?
Turso: 84/100. SurrealDB: 80/100.
Go with: Turso
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Turso
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?
Both are database builders tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Turso scores higher: 84/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Turso
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 80
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
SurrealDB
The Bottom Line
Turso (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turso or SurrealDB better?
Turso scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Turso and SurrealDB used for?
Turso: SQLite at the edge. SurrealDB: The ultimate multi-model database for AI agents, simplifying your stack and accelerating development..
What does Turso cost vs SurrealDB?
Turso is freemium (free tier + paid plans). SurrealDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.