ArcadeDB vs SurrealDB
ArcadeDB: Multi-model Java database speaking SQL, Cypher, Gremlin, MongoDB and Redis protocols. SurrealDB: Rust multi-model database (documents, graph, vectors, live queries) that runs embedded, in WASM or clustered.
key differences
- ArcadeDB is primarily a graph database; SurrealDB is document.
- Licensing: ArcadeDB is open source (permissive) (Apache License 2.0); SurrealDB is source-available (Business Source License 1.1 (converts to Apache 2.0 after 4 years)).
- Horizontal scaling is none in ArcadeDB and addon in SurrealDB.
- Only SurrealDB has joins, change data capture, triggers, stored procedures, materialized views.
choose arcadedb for
- +Migrating off OrientDB
- +Mixed graph and document app backends
- +Embedded multi-model storage in Java
- +Graph plus vector retrieval
best at · OLTP, Traversal, Vector search
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
ArcadeDB vs SurrealDB: FAQ
What is the difference between ArcadeDB and SurrealDB?
ArcadeDB: Multi-model Java database speaking SQL, Cypher, Gremlin, MongoDB and Redis protocols. SurrealDB: Rust multi-model database (documents, graph, vectors, live queries) that runs embedded, in WASM or clustered. ArcadeDB is primarily a graph database; SurrealDB is document. Licensing: ArcadeDB is open source (permissive) (Apache License 2.0); SurrealDB is source-available (Business Source License 1.1 (converts to Apache 2.0 after 4 years)). Horizontal scaling is none in ArcadeDB and addon in SurrealDB.
When should I choose ArcadeDB over SurrealDB?
Choose ArcadeDB for migrating off OrientDB; mixed graph and document app backends; and embedded multi-model storage in Java. 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 ArcadeDB or SurrealDB more popular?
SurrealDB ranks #94 on the WhichDB Score (28.8/100) and ArcadeDB ranks #240 (13.9/100). Popularity is not fit: check the requirements that matter for your project.
Are ArcadeDB and SurrealDB open source?
Yes. ArcadeDB is open source. License: Apache License 2.0. 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).