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Databases · head to head

Apache Druid vs ScyllaDB

Apache Druid logo

Apache Druid

Databases

Real-time analytics database for sub-second OLAP queries

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
ScyllaDB logo

ScyllaDB

Databases

The real-time big data database compatible with Cassandra

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Apache Druid open-source offering lacks high-availability, distributed architecture, and enterprise security features; ScyllaDB enterprise tier requires custom quote from sales
  • They diverge on capability: Apache Druid covers Real-time Ingestion, ScyllaDB covers Cassandra Compatible.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apache Druid and ScyllaDB actually diverge.

Attributes where Apache Druid and ScyllaDB differ
AttributeApache DruidScyllaDB
Pricing modelopen-sourceusage-based
PlatformsDocker, Kubernetes, Native deployment (Java-based)Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Web
Founded19992015

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Databases).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apache Druid

  • Real-time Ingestion
  • Sub-second Queries
  • Column-oriented Storage
  • Streaming Integration
  • Approximate Algorithms
  • Flexible Schemas
  • Time-based Partitioning
  • Hadoop

Only in ScyllaDB

  • Cassandra Compatible
  • DynamoDB Compatible
  • 10x Throughput
  • Low Latency
  • Auto-tuning
  • Lightweight Transactions
  • Change Data Capture
  • Cassandra Drivers

Both cover

  • Kafka
  • Spark
  • Linux support
  • Docker support
  • Kubernetes support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apache Druid

  • Real-time analytics platforms ingesting millions of events per second from streaming sourcesnot ScyllaDB
  • Applications requiring sub-second queries over high-cardinality datasets (billions to trillions of rows)not ScyllaDB
  • Time-series and event analysis at massive scale with columnar storage efficiencynot ScyllaDB

ScyllaDB

  • Real-time applicationsnot Apache Druid
  • Content managementnot Apache Druid
  • User profilesnot Apache Druid
  • Mobile backendsnot Apache Druid
  • Cachingnot Apache Druid

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apache Druid

  • Open-source offering lacks high-availability, distributed architecture, and enterprise security features
  • Requires native integration with Apache Kafka or Amazon Kinesis for real-time ingestion; custom integrations need development
  • High-concurrency query support (hundreds of thousands QPS) requires significant cluster infrastructure investment

ScyllaDB

  • Enterprise tier requires custom quote from sales
  • Pricing varies by cloud provider, storage, and instance configuration
  • Contracts available but commitment required for subscription discounts

Pricing, plan by plan

Apache Druid

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Apache Druid review.

ScyllaDB

Free
  • ScyllaDB Cloud Standard$null/variable
    • Usage-based billing: vCPU, RAM, NVMe SSD storage
    • 2-hour P1 support response time
    • 99.9% uptime SLA
  • ScyllaDB Cloud Professional$null/variable
    • Enterprise-grade scalability
    • 1-hour P1 support response
    • Enhanced features included
  • ScyllaDB Cloud Premium$null/variable
    • Custom security and networking
    • 15-minute P1 support response
    • 99.99% uptime SLA
  • ScyllaDB Enterprise$null/quote
    • Self-managed deployment
    • On-premise or private cloud
    • Custom quote required

Which should you pick?

Choose Apache Druid if

  • You need real-time ingestion.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Docker, Kubernetes, Native deployment (Java-based).
  • You also want sub-second queries.
Apache Druid review

Choose ScyllaDB if

  • You need cassandra compatible.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Web.
  • You also want dynamodb compatible.
ScyllaDB review

Questions people ask

Is Apache Druid or ScyllaDB better?
Neither clearly leads. Apache Druid starts at Free and ScyllaDB at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apache Druid or ScyllaDB?
Apache Druid starts at Free and ScyllaDB at Free.
Does Apache Druid or ScyllaDB run on more platforms?
Apache Druid runs on Docker, Kubernetes, Native deployment (Java-based). ScyllaDB runs on Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Web.
Can I use Apache Druid for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Apache Druid best used for?
Apache Druid is most often used for real-time analytics platforms ingesting millions of events per second from streaming sources, applications requiring sub-second queries over high-cardinality datasets (billions to trillions of rows), time-series and event analysis at massive scale with columnar storage efficiency. Of those, real-time analytics platforms ingesting millions of events per second from streaming sources and applications requiring sub-second queries over high-cardinality datasets (billions to trillions of rows) are not what ScyllaDB is typically brought in for.
What can Apache Druid do that ScyllaDB cannot?
Apache Druid covers Real-time Ingestion, Sub-second Queries, Column-oriented Storage, Streaming Integration. ScyllaDB covers Cassandra Compatible, DynamoDB Compatible, 10x Throughput, Low Latency. Both handle Kafka, Spark, Linux support, Docker support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apache Druid: Is Apache Druid free to use?

Apache Druid is an open-source project with no licensing fees. It is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, and the Druid name and logo are trademarks of The Apache Software Foundation.

Source
ScyllaDB: How is ScyllaDB Cloud pricing calculated?

ScyllaDB Cloud uses transparent, resource-based billing based on instance type (vCPU and RAM), NVMe SSD storage, service plan tier, deployment model, and cloud provider costs.

Source
Apache Druid: Can I use Apache Druid for commercial purposes?

Yes, Apache Druid is open-source software available for commercial use at no cost. The CC BY-SA 4.0 license permits commercial deployment.

Source
ScyllaDB: Does ScyllaDB offer a free trial?

ScyllaDB offers a 30-day developer trial on smaller instances and a 48-hour production evaluation trial with full-grade instances.

Source
Apache Druid: Where do I find pricing for commercial support or services?

No pricing or support tiers are published on the Apache Druid homepage. For commercial support options, contact the Apache Druid community or consult additional resources beyond the project website.

Source
ScyllaDB: What cost savings are available for long-term ScyllaDB commitments?

ScyllaDB subscription contracts provide up to 70% or more in savings compared to on-demand hourly billing. 1-year and 3-year contract options are available.

Source
ScyllaDB: How much cheaper is ScyllaDB than DynamoDB?

Unlike DynamoDB which charges per read/write unit, ScyllaDB charges based on resource usage only, potentially delivering 50% or greater cost reduction for high-throughput workloads.

Source
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