Upstash vs Confluent: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Upstash and Confluent 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:
Upstash
Serverless data for developers
Best for you if:
- • Global edge database with Redis API
- • Serverless - no connections to manage
Confluent
Enterprise event streaming platform built on Kafka
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • Confluent is the enterprise platform for Apache Kafka, providing managed streaming infrastructure
- • It handles Kafka deployment, management, and adds enterprise features like schema registry and ksqlDB
| At a Glance |  Upstash |  Confluent |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | 84/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Upstash | Confluent |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsETL & Data Pipelines | API ToolsWorkflow Automation |
How Upstash and Confluent Compare
Upstash
Serverless data for developers
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Confluent
Enterprise event streaming platform built on Kafka
Free tier available · 88/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Upstash
Want the highest-rated option?
Upstash: 84/100. Confluent: 88/100.
Go with: Confluent
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Confluent
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 api tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Confluent scores higher: 88/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Confluent
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 84
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Upstash
The Bottom Line
Confluent (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Upstash or Confluent better?
Confluent scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Upstash and Confluent used for?
Upstash: Serverless data for developers. Confluent: Enterprise event streaming platform built on Kafka.
What does Upstash cost vs Confluent?
Upstash is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Confluent is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.