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Software · head to head

CosmosDB vs DuckDB

CosmosDB logo

CosmosDB

Software

Globally distributed, multi-model database service from Azure

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
DuckDB logo

DuckDB

Software

Fast in-process analytical database

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: CosmosDB autoscale provisioned throughput enforces a minimum of 1,000 RU/s, billed hourly whether or not the database is used; DuckDB client-server setup remains in beta and not recommended for production distributed scenarios
  • They diverge on capability: CosmosDB covers Global Distribution, DuckDB covers In-process Execution.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which CosmosDB and DuckDB actually diverge.

Attributes where CosmosDB and DuckDB differ
AttributeCosmosDBDuckDB
Pricing modelusage-basedopen-source
PlatformsWeb, AzureLinux, macOS, Windows, WebAssembly
Founded19752019

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

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 CosmosDB

  • Global Distribution
  • Multi-model APIs
  • Elastic Scaling
  • Five Consistency Levels
  • SLA-backed Latency
  • Automatic Indexing
  • Serverless
  • Azure Functions

Only in DuckDB

  • In-process Execution
  • Columnar Storage
  • Vectorized Execution
  • Rich SQL Support
  • Parquet Support
  • CSV/JSON Import
  • Zero Dependencies
  • Python

What people use each for

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

CosmosDB

  • Running a globally distributed multi model database on Azurenot DuckDB
  • Serving low latency reads and writes from multiple Azure regionsnot DuckDB
  • Storing document, key value and graph data behind a managed servicenot DuckDB

DuckDB

  • Analytics and data warehousingnot CosmosDB
  • OLAP queries and data explorationnot CosmosDB
  • Data science and machine learning workflowsnot CosmosDB
  • Multi-format data ingestion and processingnot CosmosDB

Where each one falls short

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

CosmosDB

  • Autoscale provisioned throughput enforces a minimum of 1,000 RU/s, billed hourly whether or not the database is used
  • Provisioned throughput is charged in every region the account is replicated to, so multi region accounts multiply the RU bill
  • Storage charges cover data, indexes and backups in each replicated region
  • Egress out of Azure and between regions is charged, though ingress is free
  • The free allowance is one account per Azure subscription, limited to 1,000 RU/s and 25 GB
  • RU/s rates vary by region and are only shown through the pricing calculator rather than a flat published rate

DuckDB

  • Client-server setup remains in beta and not recommended for production distributed scenarios

Pricing, plan by plan

CosmosDB

Free
  • Free TierFree
    • 1000 RU/s
    • 25GB storage
    • First 12 months
  • ServerlessFree
    • Pay per request
    • Auto-scaling
    • Event-driven workloads

DuckDB

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the DuckDB review.

Which should you pick?

Choose CosmosDB if

  • You need global distribution.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Azure.
  • You also want multi-model apis.
CosmosDB review

Choose DuckDB if

  • You need in-process execution.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, macOS, Windows, WebAssembly.
  • You also want columnar storage.
DuckDB review

Questions people ask

Is CosmosDB or DuckDB better?
Neither clearly leads. CosmosDB starts at Free and DuckDB at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, CosmosDB or DuckDB?
CosmosDB starts at Free and DuckDB at Free.
Does CosmosDB or DuckDB run on more platforms?
CosmosDB runs on Web, Azure. DuckDB runs on Linux, macOS, Windows, WebAssembly.
Can I use CosmosDB for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is CosmosDB best used for?
CosmosDB is most often used for running a globally distributed multi model database on azure, serving low latency reads and writes from multiple azure regions, storing document, key value and graph data behind a managed service. Of those, running a globally distributed multi model database on azure and serving low latency reads and writes from multiple azure regions are not what DuckDB is typically brought in for.
What can CosmosDB do that DuckDB cannot?
CosmosDB covers Global Distribution, Multi-model APIs, Elastic Scaling, Five Consistency Levels. DuckDB covers In-process Execution, Columnar Storage, Vectorized Execution, Rich SQL Support.
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