MongoDB vs SurrealDB
MongoDB: The default document database: flexible BSON documents, rich queries and built-in sharding. SurrealDB: Rust multi-model database (documents, graph, vectors, live queries) that runs embedded, in WASM or clustered.
key differences
- MongoDB is built for larger datasets (≤ 1 PB) than SurrealDB (≤ 10 TB).
- Horizontal scaling is native in MongoDB and addon in SurrealDB.
- Only MongoDB has ttl / expiry, compression, encryption at rest.
- Only SurrealDB has triggers, stored procedures, pub/sub, runs in webassembly.
- SurrealDB can run embedded in your application process.
choose mongodb for
- +Product catalogs with highly variable attributes
- +Content management and user-generated content
- +Mobile and web backends that evolve their schema weekly
- +IoT and event data with time-series collections
best at · OLTP, Content, Metadata
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
MongoDB vs SurrealDB: FAQ
What is the difference between MongoDB and SurrealDB?
MongoDB: The default document database: flexible BSON documents, rich queries and built-in sharding. SurrealDB: Rust multi-model database (documents, graph, vectors, live queries) that runs embedded, in WASM or clustered. MongoDB is built for larger datasets (≤ 1 PB) than SurrealDB (≤ 10 TB). Horizontal scaling is native in MongoDB and addon in SurrealDB. Only MongoDB has ttl / expiry, compression, encryption at rest.
When should I choose MongoDB over SurrealDB?
Choose MongoDB for product catalogs with highly variable attributes; content management and user-generated content; and mobile and web backends that evolve their schema weekly. 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 MongoDB or SurrealDB more popular?
MongoDB ranks #4 on the WhichDB Score (80.5/100) and SurrealDB ranks #94 (28.8/100). Popularity is not fit: check the requirements that matter for your project.
Are MongoDB and SurrealDB open source?
Not in the OSI sense. MongoDB is source-available: you can read the code, but the license restricts some uses, typically offering it as a competing managed service. License: Server Side Public License v1 (Community); commercial (Enterprise). 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).