HelixDB vs SurrealDB
HelixDB: Rust graph-vector database on object storage, queried through typed SDKs for AI apps. SurrealDB: Rust multi-model database (documents, graph, vectors, live queries) that runs embedded, in WASM or clustered.
key differences
- HelixDB is primarily a graph database; SurrealDB is document.
- Licensing: HelixDB 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 HelixDB and addon in SurrealDB.
- Only SurrealDB has joins, geospatial, json, change data capture, triggers.
- SurrealDB can run embedded in your application process.
choose helixdb for
- +RAG with graph context
- +Agent memory stores
- +Semantic search over linked entities
- +AI app prototypes
best at · RAG, Vector search, Traversal
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
HelixDB vs SurrealDB: FAQ
What is the difference between HelixDB and SurrealDB?
HelixDB: Rust graph-vector database on object storage, queried through typed SDKs for AI apps. SurrealDB: Rust multi-model database (documents, graph, vectors, live queries) that runs embedded, in WASM or clustered. HelixDB is primarily a graph database; SurrealDB is document. Licensing: HelixDB 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 HelixDB and addon in SurrealDB.
When should I choose HelixDB over SurrealDB?
Choose HelixDB for RAG with graph context, agent memory stores and semantic search over linked entities. 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 HelixDB or SurrealDB more popular?
SurrealDB ranks #94 on the WhichDB Score (28.8/100) and HelixDB ranks #256 (13.2/100). Popularity is not fit: check the requirements that matter for your project.
Are HelixDB and SurrealDB open source?
Yes. HelixDB 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).