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Databases · head to head

Couchbase vs Depot

Couchbase logo

Couchbase

Databases

The modern database for enterprise applications

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit CouchbaseFull review
Depot logo

Depot

Developer Tools

Cloud-based builds and CI runs 55x faster with less cost

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit DepotFull review

The short version

  • Couchbase is a distributed NoSQL cloud database; Depot is a cloud-based CI/CD platform.
  • Couchbase is free; Depot starts at $20/mo.
  • Only Couchbase lists JSON Document Model; only Depot lists Depot CI.
  • Where Couchbase falls short: the free tier is a single node with 8 GB of storage and forum support only.
  • Where Depot falls short: developer plan minute limits may be insufficient for active development.
  • Prices and features on this page were last checked on 13 November 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Couchbase and Depot actually diverge.

Attributes where Couchbase and Depot differ
AttributeCouchbaseDepot
PlatformsLinux, Windows, macOS, Self-hosted, WebWeb, GitHub, API
CategoryDatabasesDeveloper Tools
Founded20112022

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes).

Not yet recorded: pricing model for Depot.

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 Couchbase

  • JSON Document Model
  • SQL++ Query
  • Full-text Search
  • Eventing
  • Analytics
  • Mobile Sync
  • Multi-dimensional Scaling
  • Kafka

Only in Depot

  • Depot CI
  • Container builds
  • GitHub Actions runners
  • Distributed caching
  • Build API
  • Depot Registry
  • Cross-platform builds
  • SSH debugging

What people use each for

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

Couchbase

  • Running a distributed NoSQL document database as a managed servicenot Depot
  • Mobile sync and offline first applications backed by a cloud databasenot Depot

Depot

  • Accelerating Docker builds for container-based developmentnot Couchbase
  • Replacing GitHub Actions runners with faster infrastructurenot Couchbase
  • Distributing cache across Monorepo buildsnot Couchbase
  • Debugging failed CI builds interactively with SSHnot Couchbase

Where each one falls short

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

Couchbase

  • The free tier is a single node with 8 GB of storage and forum support only
  • Node rates are hourly and quoted as starting figures, from $0.15 an hour on Basic to $0.49 on Enterprise
  • The Developer Pro and Enterprise plans require 3 nodes, so the hourly rate multiplies before any usage
  • Backup storage is billed separately at $0.07 per GB a month, and analytics backups at $0.14
  • Support response time is a plan feature, at 8 hours on Developer Pro against 30 minutes on Enterprise
  • AI and analytics run as separately priced planes at up to $0.86 an hour per node

Depot

  • Developer plan minute limits may be insufficient for active development
  • Startup plan at $200/mo is expensive for smaller teams
  • Business plan requires custom pricing consultation
  • macOS M2 runners not available on Developer plan

Pricing, plan by plan

Couchbase

Free
  • CommunityFree
    • Full features
    • Community support
    • Self-managed
  • Capella FreeFree
    • Managed service
    • Limited resources
    • Cloud hosted

Depot

Free
  • Developer$20/mo
    • 1 user
    • 500 Docker build minutes per month
    • 2,000 Depot CI minutes per month
  • Startup$200/mo
    • Unlimited users
    • 5,000 Docker build minutes per month
    • 20,000 Depot CI minutes per month
  • BusinessOn request
    • Custom pricing
    • Unlimited users
    • Custom monthly compute

Which should you pick?

Choose Couchbase if

  • You need json document model.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Windows, macOS, Self-hosted, Web.
  • You also want sql++ query.
Couchbase review

Choose Depot if

  • You need depot ci.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, GitHub, API.
  • You also want container builds.
Depot review

Questions people ask

Is Couchbase or Depot better?
Neither clearly leads. Couchbase starts at Free and Depot at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Couchbase or Depot?
Couchbase starts at Free and Depot at Free.
Does Couchbase or Depot run on more platforms?
Couchbase runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, Self-hosted, Web. Depot runs on Web, GitHub, API.
Can I use Couchbase for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Couchbase best used for?
Couchbase is most often used for running a distributed nosql document database as a managed service, mobile sync and offline first applications backed by a cloud database. Of those, running a distributed nosql document database as a managed service and mobile sync and offline first applications backed by a cloud database are not what Depot is typically brought in for.
What can Couchbase do that Depot cannot?
Couchbase covers JSON Document Model, SQL++ Query, Full-text Search, Eventing. Depot covers Depot CI, Container builds, GitHub Actions runners, Distributed caching.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Couchbase: Does Couchbase offer a free tier?

Yes, Couchbase offers a free tier option. Users can start for free from the main website.

Source
Depot: How much faster are Depot runners compared to GitHub Actions?

Depot runners offer 30% faster CPUs and 10x faster networking than standard GitHub-hosted runners, enabling builds to complete significantly faster.

Source
Couchbase: How do I access Couchbase pricing details?

Couchbase maintains a dedicated pricing page, but detailed tier information and costs are not available on the homepage. You can visit the pricing page or contact their sales team.

Source
Depot: What is included in the Developer plan?

Developer plan ($20/month) includes 500 Docker build minutes, 2,000 Depot CI minutes, 2,000 GitHub Actions minutes, 25 GB storage, unlimited concurrency, and community support.

Source
Depot: Can I use Depot with my own AWS account?

Yes, Depot Managed allows deployment within customer AWS accounts. This is available to interested customers; contact sales for details.

Source
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