Yugabyte vs CockroachDB: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Yugabyte and CockroachDB 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:
Yugabyte
AI-ready, distributed, PostgreSQL-compatible database for modern cloud-native applications.
Best for you if:
- • You need database builders features specifically
- • Distributed PostgreSQL for cloud-native applications with built-in resilience and scalability.
- • Supports AI/GenAI applications with advanced vector indexing and integrations.
CockroachDB
Distributed SQL database built for cloud
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.7/10)
- • You need managed databases features specifically
- • CockroachDB is a distributed SQL database that survives failures and scales horizontally
- • It provides PostgreSQL compatibility with automatic sharding and multi-region deployment
| At a Glance |  Yugabyte |  CockroachDB |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Database Builders | Managed Databases |
Rating | 87/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Yugabyte | CockroachDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Database BuildersManaged Databases | Managed DatabasesServerless Databases |
How Yugabyte and CockroachDB Compare
Yugabyte
AI-ready, distributed, PostgreSQL-compatible database for modern cloud-native applications.
Free tier available · 87/100 score
CockroachDB
Distributed SQL database built for cloud
Free tier available · 88/100 score
Yugabyte is a database builders tool. CockroachDB is in managed databases.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Yugabyte
Want the highest-rated option?
Yugabyte: 87/100. CockroachDB: 88/100.
Go with: CockroachDB
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: CockroachDB
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?
Yugabyte is a database builders tool. CockroachDB is in managed databases. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
CockroachDB scores higher: 88/100 vs 87/100.
Key Takeaways
CockroachDB
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 87
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Yugabyte
- Better fit for database builders
The Bottom Line
CockroachDB (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yugabyte or CockroachDB better?
CockroachDB scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Yugabyte and CockroachDB used for?
Yugabyte: AI-ready, distributed, PostgreSQL-compatible database for modern cloud-native applications.. CockroachDB: Distributed SQL database built for cloud.
What does Yugabyte cost vs CockroachDB?
Yugabyte is freemium (free tier + paid plans). CockroachDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.