Upstash vs Dragonfly: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Upstash and Dragonfly 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
Dragonfly
An in-memory data store for massive workloads, offering Redis/Valkey/Memcached compatibility and superior performance.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • 25x faster than Redis with 80% cost reduction.
- • 100% API compatible with Redis, Valkey, and Memcached.
| At a Glance |  Upstash |  Dragonfly |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | 84/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Upstash | Dragonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsETL & Data Pipelines | API ToolsManaged Databases |
How Upstash and Dragonfly Compare
Upstash
Serverless data for developers
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Dragonfly
An in-memory data store for massive workloads, offering Redis/Valkey/Memcached compatibility and superior performance.
Free tier available · 86/100 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. Dragonfly: 86/100.
Go with: Dragonfly
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Dragonfly
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?
Dragonfly scores higher: 86/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Dragonfly
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 84
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Upstash
The Bottom Line
Dragonfly (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Upstash or Dragonfly better?
Dragonfly scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Upstash and Dragonfly used for?
Upstash: Serverless data for developers. Dragonfly: An in-memory data store for massive workloads, offering Redis/Valkey/Memcached compatibility and superior performance..
What does Upstash cost vs Dragonfly?
Upstash is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Dragonfly is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.