Side by side
CrateDB vs Databend
Both stand on columnar databases. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3
Visit CrateDB 
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+2
Choose Databend if you need an analytics warehouse with search capabilities, broad storage options, and a choice of self-hosted or cloud deployment. Look elsewhere if your setup requires AWS PrivateLink outside AWS, or if you need a listed fixed price for the cloud plans.
Visit DatabendThe facts
| CrateDB | Databend | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | Business: $23 a month |
| Plans published | 17 | 5 |
| Maker | CrateDB | Not published |
| Website | cratedb.com | databend.com |
| On columnar databases | #1 of 27 | #2 of 27 |
CrateDB: what it does well
Databend: what it does well
- Combines SQL analytics, full-text, JSON, and vector search.
- Supports storage across S3, Azure, GCS, OSS, R2, MinIO, HDFS, and HF.
- Documents continuous sync from five source types.
- Community edition includes Time Travel and Hive and Iceberg catalogs.
- Lists RBAC, DAC, masking, network, and password policies.
What to know first
- Community edition requires self-hosting in your own environment.
- Personal and Business warehouse charges are usage-based.
- AWS PrivateLink is currently limited to AWS.
Alternatives to CrateDB Alternatives to Databend The whole list