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Databases · head to head

CosmosDB vs Marqo

CosmosDB logo

CosmosDB

Databases

Globally distributed, multi-model database service from Azure

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Marqo logo

Marqo

Databases

AI-native product discovery platform for ecommerce

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only CosmosDB has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • 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; Marqo pricing not publicly available, enterprise sales-only model
  • They diverge on capability: CosmosDB covers Global Distribution, Marqo covers Semantic search.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which CosmosDB and Marqo actually diverge.

Attributes where CosmosDB and Marqo differ
AttributeCosmosDBMarqo
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelusage-basedcontact-sales
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, AzureWeb API, SaaS
Founded19752022

Identical on both: 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 CosmosDB

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

Only in Marqo

  • Semantic search
  • Multimodal image search
  • AI model training
  • Automated merchandising
  • Multi-surface integration
  • Commerce platform integrations
  • API access

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 Marqo
  • Serving low latency reads and writes from multiple Azure regionsnot Marqo
  • Storing document, key value and graph data behind a managed servicenot Marqo

Marqo

  • Improve search revenue for fashion and beauty retailersnot CosmosDB
  • Implement multimodal image and product searchnot CosmosDB
  • Increase checkout conversion through better product discoverynot CosmosDB
  • Create personalized product recommendationsnot CosmosDB
  • Reduce customer support inquiries with relevant search resultsnot 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

Marqo

  • Pricing not publicly available, enterprise sales-only model
  • Requires custom implementation and integration work
  • Limited to ecommerce use cases compared to general search
  • Model training requires sufficient customer behavior data

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

Marqo

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Marqo 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 Marqo if

  • You need semantic search.
  • You work on Web API, SaaS.
  • You also want multimodal image search.
Marqo review

Questions people ask

Is CosmosDB or Marqo better?
Neither clearly leads. CosmosDB starts at Free and Marqo at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, CosmosDB or Marqo?
CosmosDB has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for CosmosDB and On request for Marqo.
Does CosmosDB or Marqo run on more platforms?
CosmosDB runs on Web, Azure. Marqo runs on Web API, SaaS.
Can I use CosmosDB for free?
Yes. CosmosDB has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Marqo starts at On request.
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 Marqo is typically brought in for.
What can CosmosDB do that Marqo cannot?
CosmosDB covers Global Distribution, Multi-model APIs, Elastic Scaling, Five Consistency Levels. Marqo covers Semantic search, Multimodal image search, AI model training, Automated merchandising.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

CosmosDB: Is there a free tier for Azure Cosmos DB?

Yes, Cosmos DB offers a free tier with 1,000 RU/s of throughput and 25 GB of storage per month for the lifetime of the account, available to new accounts.

Source
Marqo: How do Marqo models get trained?

Marqo trains dedicated AI models on each retailer's product catalog and customer behavior data including clicks, purchases, and browsing patterns. This ensures models are optimized for the specific retailer's products and customers.

Source
CosmosDB: How is Cosmos DB priced after the free tier?

Cosmos DB uses three billing models: provisioned throughput billed per request unit per second, vCore pricing for certain APIs, or serverless consumption pricing where you pay only for requests processed. Reserved capacity offers 20% discount for one year or 30% for three years.

Source
Marqo: What results can retailers expect from Marqo?

Enterprise retailers using Marqo report 10-23% increases in search revenue and conversion rates, with proven results across fashion, beauty, electronics, and home goods.

Source
CosmosDB: Can I change my pricing model after choosing one?

No. Once you select a compute pricing model and API, they cannot be changed. This choice is permanent for that database.

Source
Marqo: Which ecommerce platforms does Marqo integrate with?

Marqo has native integrations with Shopify, Adobe Commerce (Magento), and Salesforce Commerce Cloud, and also provides API access for custom implementations.

Source
CosmosDB: Is there a trial period for Cosmos DB beyond the free tier?

Azure offers a 30-day free trial account for all Azure services. Additionally, Azure AI customers may be eligible for a 90-day free Cosmos DB subscription through the Azure AI Advantage program.

Source
Marqo: How is Marqo priced?

Marqo pricing is customized based on catalog size, search volume, and feature requirements. Contact their sales team to book a demo and discuss pricing.

Source
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