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Databases · head to head

Couchbase vs Helm

Couchbase logo

Couchbase

Databases

The modern database for enterprise applications

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit CouchbaseFull review
H

Helm

Developer Tools

The package manager for Kubernetes

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit HelmFull review

The short version

  • Couchbase is a distributed NoSQL cloud database; Helm is a Kubernetes package manager, licensed Apache 2.
  • Both are free.
  • Where Couchbase falls short: the free tier is a single node with 8 GB of storage and forum support only.
  • Prices and features on this page were last checked on 13 November 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Couchbase and Helm actually diverge.

Attributes where Couchbase and Helm differ
AttributeCouchbaseHelm
Pricing modelFreemiumOpen-source
PlatformsLinux, Windows, macOS, Self-hosted, WebWeb
CategoryDatabasesDeveloper Tools

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

Not yet recorded: founded for Helm.

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 Helm

Nothing recorded that Couchbase does not also cover.

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 Helm
  • Mobile sync and offline first applications backed by a cloud databasenot Helm

Helm

  • Kubernetes package manager and deployment toolnot 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

Helm

  • Contributors must sign commits under the Developer Certificate of Origin to have them accepted, per helm.sh, a process requirement not all Kubernetes tools impose

Pricing, plan by plan

Couchbase

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

Helm

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Helm review.

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 Helm if

  • You want to start without paying.
Helm review

Questions people ask

Is Couchbase or Helm better?
Neither clearly leads. Couchbase starts at Free and Helm at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Couchbase or Helm?
Couchbase starts at Free and Helm at Free.
Does Couchbase or Helm run on more platforms?
Couchbase runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, Self-hosted, Web. Helm runs on Web.
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 Helm is typically brought in for.
What can Couchbase do that Helm cannot?
Couchbase covers JSON Document Model, SQL++ Query, Full-text Search, Eventing.

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
Helm: How much does Helm cost?

Helm is free and open-source. It is a graduated project in the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) with no commercial pricing model.

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
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