ArangoDB vs SurrealDB
ArangoDB: Native multi-model database: documents, graphs, search and vectors behind one query language. SurrealDB: Rust multi-model database (documents, graph, vectors, live queries) that runs embedded, in WASM or clustered.
key differences
- ArangoDB is primarily a graph database; SurrealDB is document.
- ArangoDB is built for larger datasets (≤ 1 PB) than SurrealDB (≤ 10 TB).
- Horizontal scaling is native in ArangoDB and addon in SurrealDB.
- Transactions: ArangoDB offers limited ACID; SurrealDB offers full.
- Only ArangoDB has ttl / expiry, compression, encryption at rest.
- Only SurrealDB has change data capture, triggers, stored procedures, materialized views, pub/sub.
- SurrealDB can run embedded in your application process.
choose arangodb for
- +Knowledge graphs and GraphRAG pipelines
- +Fraud and network analysis mixed with document data
- +Recommendation engines
- +Identity and access graphs
best at · Traversal, Knowledge graph, OLTP
choose surrealdb for
- +Greenfield apps wanting one backend for documents and relationships
- +Agent memory and knowledge graphs for AI applications
- +Local-first or in-browser data with WASM
- +Realtime collaborative features
best at · OLTP, Traversal, Vector search
ArangoDB vs SurrealDB: FAQ
What is the difference between ArangoDB and SurrealDB?
ArangoDB: Native multi-model database: documents, graphs, search and vectors behind one query language. SurrealDB: Rust multi-model database (documents, graph, vectors, live queries) that runs embedded, in WASM or clustered. ArangoDB is primarily a graph database; SurrealDB is document. ArangoDB is built for larger datasets (≤ 1 PB) than SurrealDB (≤ 10 TB). Horizontal scaling is native in ArangoDB and addon in SurrealDB.
When should I choose ArangoDB over SurrealDB?
Choose ArangoDB for knowledge graphs and GraphRAG pipelines; fraud and network analysis mixed with document data; and recommendation engines. Choose SurrealDB for greenfield apps wanting one backend for documents and relationships; agent memory and knowledge graphs for AI applications; and local-first or in-browser data with WASM.
Is ArangoDB or SurrealDB more popular?
ArangoDB ranks #43 on the WhichDB Score (40.0/100) and SurrealDB ranks #94 (28.8/100). Popularity is not fit: check the requirements that matter for your project.
Are ArangoDB and SurrealDB open source?
Not in the OSI sense. ArangoDB is source-available: you can read the code, but the license restricts some uses, typically offering it as a competing managed service. License: Business Source License 1.1; ArangoDB Community License for binaries. Not in the OSI sense. SurrealDB is source-available: you can read the code, but the license restricts some uses, typically offering it as a competing managed service. License: Business Source License 1.1 (converts to Apache 2.0 after 4 years).