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Databases · head to head

DataStax vs ScyllaDB

DataStax logo

DataStax

Databases

The real-time data company for AI applications

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: DataStax dataStax's own Astra DB documentation states the Enterprise plan is an annual, contract-based plan with negotiated pricing, meaning list prices are not published for that tier; ScyllaDB enterprise tier requires custom quote from sales
  • They diverge on capability: DataStax covers Vector Search, ScyllaDB covers DynamoDB Compatible.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which DataStax and ScyllaDB actually diverge.

Attributes where DataStax and ScyllaDB differ
AttributeDataStaxScyllaDB
Pricing modelfreemiumusage-based
PlatformsWeb, Aws, Azure, GcpLinux, Docker, Kubernetes, Web
Founded20102015

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 DataStax

  • Vector Search
  • Serverless
  • Multi-cloud
  • Streaming
  • CDC
  • GraphQL API
  • LangChain
  • LlamaIndex

Only in ScyllaDB

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

Both cover

  • Cassandra Compatible
  • Kafka
  • Spark
  • Kubernetes
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

DataStax

  • Real-time applications
  • Content management
  • User profiles
  • Mobile backends
  • Caching

ScyllaDB

  • Real-time applications
  • Content management
  • User profiles
  • Mobile backends
  • Caching

Both are used for real-time applications, content management, user profiles, mobile backends, caching, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

Where each one falls short

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

DataStax

  • DataStax's own Astra DB documentation states the Enterprise plan is an annual, contract-based plan with negotiated pricing, meaning list prices are not published for that tier
  • DataStax's Astra DB documentation directs Standard plan customers to IBM's watsonx.data pricing for exact consumption-based rates following the DataStax/IBM deal, rather than publishing them on DataStax's own site

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

DataStax

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 5GB storage
    • 40M read/write ops
    • Vector search
  • Pay As You GoFree
    • Usage-based pricing
    • Multi-region
    • Enterprise support

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 DataStax if

  • You need vector search.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Aws, Azure, Gcp.
  • You also want serverless.
DataStax review

Choose ScyllaDB if

  • You need dynamodb compatible.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Web.
  • You also want 10x throughput.
ScyllaDB review

Questions people ask

Is DataStax or ScyllaDB better?
Neither clearly leads. DataStax 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, DataStax or ScyllaDB?
DataStax starts at Free and ScyllaDB at Free.
Does DataStax or ScyllaDB run on more platforms?
DataStax runs on Web, Aws, Azure, Gcp. ScyllaDB runs on Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Web.
Can I use DataStax for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is DataStax best used for?
DataStax is most often used for real-time applications, content management, user profiles, mobile backends.
What can DataStax do that ScyllaDB cannot?
DataStax covers Vector Search, Serverless, Multi-cloud, Streaming. ScyllaDB covers DynamoDB Compatible, 10x Throughput, Low Latency, Auto-tuning. Both handle Cassandra Compatible, Kafka, Spark, Kubernetes.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

DataStax: Is DataStax available as a managed service?

Yes, DataStax is available as Astra DB, a managed database service. Users can sign up for Astra DB directly to create accounts and access the platform.

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
DataStax: How is DataStax priced?

DataStax (now part of IBM) does not publish pricing on its documentation homepage. Pricing information would need to be obtained through the Astra DB signup page or by contacting IBM directly.

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
DataStax: Is there an enterprise licensing option?

DataStax is now part of IBM. Enterprise customers should contact IBM directly for licensing agreements and enterprise-specific pricing.

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
DataStax: Can I try DataStax without an account?

To use DataStax Astra DB, account creation is required. The documentation does not mention a free trial or demonstration environment that does not require signup.

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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