Side by side
Chroma vs PostgreSQL
Both stand on database software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose Chroma if you need an open-source embedding database with multiple search methods and flexible deployment options. Starter offers a free way to begin, while Team adds capacity, credits, and Slack support for $250 a month plus usage. Consider another plan if you need more than 10 databases or 10 team members on Starter, or if you need Enterprise pricing before choosing a provider.
Visit Chroma
PostgreSQL offers extensive data, transaction, recovery, and security capabilities without a license fee. It is self-hosted, and users should note the project's guidance to use the latest minor version and PostgreSQL 14's scheduled end of fixes.
Visit PostgreSQLThe facts
| Chroma | PostgreSQL | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Team: $250 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | trychroma.com | postgresql.org |
| On database software | #10 of 74 | #14 of 74 |
Chroma: what it does well
- Apache 2.0 license for the open-source database.
- Supports dense, sparse, and hybrid search.
- Filters records by metadata.
- Offers local, cloud, VPC, and on-premises deployment options.
- Documents integrations with embedding services and AI frameworks.
What to know first
- Starter is limited to 10 databases and 10 team members.
- Team costs $250 a month plus usage.
- Usage limits can pause service when exceeded.
PostgreSQL: what it does well
- Free license permits use, copying, modification, and distribution
- Supports JSON/JSONB, XML, arrays, ranges, and UUIDs
- Includes replication, point-in-time recovery, and active standbys
- Offers row- and column-level security and multi-factor authentication
What to know first
- Self-hosted; no managed service is listed
- PostgreSQL 14 is scheduled to stop receiving fixes November 12, 2026
- The license has conditions
Alternatives to Chroma Alternatives to PostgreSQL The whole list