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Apache AGE vs LadybugDB

Apache AGE: PostgreSQL extension that adds openCypher graph queries alongside SQL. LadybugDB: Community-maintained continuation of Kùzu: embedded columnar graph database with Cypher.

key differences

  • Only Apache AGE has joins, secondary indexes, json, triggers, stored procedures.
  • Only LadybugDB has full-text search, vector search, columnar storage, compression, runs in webassembly.
  • LadybugDB can run embedded in your application process.

choose apache-age for

  • +Adding graph queries to an existing Postgres app
  • +Moderate-size knowledge graphs
  • +Hierarchies and dependency graphs
  • +Prototyping graph features without a new database

best at · Traversal, OLTP, Knowledge graph

choose ladybugdb for

  • +Embedded graph analytics in Python notebooks
  • +Local GraphRAG and agent memory
  • +Migrating from archived Kùzu
  • +In-browser graph exploration via WebAssembly

best at · Graph analytics, Embedded, Knowledge graph

Apache AGEPostgreSQL extension that adds openCypher graph queries alongside SQL.
LadybugDBCommunity-maintained continuation of Kùzu: embedded columnar graph database with Cypher.
overview
Primary model
Graph
Graph
Also supports
Relational
Vector
Type
Extension
Database engine
Status
Active
Active
Developer
Apache Software Foundation
LadybugDB developers (sponsored by Ladybug Memory)
First release
2020
2025
Latest version
1.8.0 (PG18) (Aug 2026)
0.22.0 (Oct 25, 2026)
License
Open source (permissive)Apache License 2.0
Open source (permissive)MIT License
Free tier
✓
✓
popularity
WhichDB Score
20.2
20.7
Rank
#160
#153
GitHub stars
4.9K
1.9K
Stack Overflow questions
288
–
scale & guarantees
Comfortable data size
Medium (≤ 10 TB)
Medium (≤ 10 TB)
Horizontal scaling
None
None
Multi-region
Read replicas
None
ACID
Full
Full
Consistency
Strong
Strong
Schema
Flexible
Strict
Architecture
Single node, Primary replica, Client server
Embedded
deployment
Self-hosted
✓
✓
Vendor-managed cloud
—
—
Serverless
—
—
Embedded
—
✓
Edge
—
—
Clouds
Azure
–
capabilities
Transactions
✓
✓
Joins
✓
—
Secondary indexes
✓
—
Full-text search
—
✓
Vector search
—
✓
Geospatial
—
—
JSON
✓
—
Change data capture
—
—
Triggers
✓
—
Stored procedures
✓
—
Materialized views
—
—
TTL / expiry
—
—
Pub/Sub
—
—
Columnar storage
—
✓
In-memory
—
—
Durable persistence
✓
✓
Compression
—
✓
Encryption at rest
—
—
Role-based access
✓
—
Time travel
—
—
Branching
—
—
Online schema changes
—
—
Streaming ingest
—
—
Offline sync
—
—
Runs in WebAssembly
—
✓
interfaces
Query languages
openCypher, SQL
Cypher
Client languages
Python, Go, Java, JavaScript, Rust
Python, JavaScript, Rust, Java
Best for
Traversal, OLTP, Knowledge graph
Graph analytics, Embedded, Knowledge graph, RAG
Add more to this comparisonNot sure either fits? Try smart match

Apache AGE vs LadybugDB: FAQ

What is the difference between Apache AGE and LadybugDB?

Apache AGE: PostgreSQL extension that adds openCypher graph queries alongside SQL. LadybugDB: Community-maintained continuation of Kùzu: embedded columnar graph database with Cypher. Only Apache AGE has joins, secondary indexes, json, triggers, stored procedures. Only LadybugDB has full-text search, vector search, columnar storage, compression, runs in webassembly. LadybugDB can run embedded in your application process.

When should I choose Apache AGE over LadybugDB?

Choose Apache AGE for adding graph queries to an existing Postgres app; moderate-size knowledge graphs; and hierarchies and dependency graphs. Choose LadybugDB for embedded graph analytics in Python notebooks; local GraphRAG and agent memory; and migrating from archived Kùzu.

Is Apache AGE or LadybugDB more popular?

LadybugDB ranks #153 on the WhichDB Score (20.7/100) and Apache AGE ranks #160 (20.2/100). Popularity is not fit: check the requirements that matter for your project.

Are Apache AGE and LadybugDB open source?

Yes. Apache AGE is open source. License: Apache License 2.0. Yes. LadybugDB is open source. License: MIT License.