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Databases · head to head

Estuary vs ScyllaDB

Estuary logo

Estuary

Databases

Real-time data integration combining streaming, CDC, and batch

From
Free
Rated
-
ScyllaDB logo

ScyllaDB

Databases

The real-time big data database compatible with Cassandra

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Estuary per-GB pricing adds up quickly for high-volume scenarios; ScyllaDB enterprise tier requires custom quote from sales
  • They diverge on capability: Estuary covers Real-time data delivery, ScyllaDB covers Cassandra Compatible.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Estuary and ScyllaDB actually diverge.

Attributes where Estuary and ScyllaDB differ
AttributeEstuaryScyllaDB
Pricing modelUsage-based per GB plus per-connector costusage-based
PlatformsCloud, Private Cloud, BYOCLinux, Docker, Kubernetes, Web
Founded20192015

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 Estuary

  • Real-time data delivery
  • Change data capture
  • Batch processing
  • Data transformation
  • Pre-built connectors
  • Multiple deployments
  • RBAC and monitoring

Only in ScyllaDB

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

What people use each for

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

Estuary

  • Real-time data replication to data warehousesnot ScyllaDB
  • Change data capture from operational databasesnot ScyllaDB
  • Feeding analytics and BI systems with fresh datanot ScyllaDB
  • Powering real-time AI and ML data pipelinesnot ScyllaDB

ScyllaDB

  • Real-time applicationsnot Estuary
  • Content managementnot Estuary
  • User profilesnot Estuary
  • Mobile backendsnot Estuary
  • Cachingnot Estuary

Where each one falls short

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

Estuary

  • Per-GB pricing adds up quickly for high-volume scenarios
  • No transparent per-connector volume discounts below 6 connectors
  • Limited to data movement; transformation capabilities are basic
  • BYOC and private deployment requires enterprise plan
  • Smaller ecosystem compared to established alternatives

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

Estuary

Free
  • DeveloperFree
    • 10 GB per month
    • 2 connector instances maximum
    • No credit card required
  • Cloud$0.5/GB
    • $0.50 per GB of data moved
    • $100 per connector monthly (6+ connectors $50 each)
    • 200+ connectors
  • Enterprise$null/custom
    • Volume-based discounts
    • SOC 2 and HIPAA compliance
    • SSO authentication

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 Estuary if

  • You need real-time data delivery.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Cloud, Private Cloud, BYOC.
  • You also want change data capture.

Choose ScyllaDB if

  • You need cassandra compatible.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Web.
  • You also want dynamodb compatible.

Questions people ask

Is Estuary or ScyllaDB better?
Neither clearly leads. Estuary 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, Estuary or ScyllaDB?
Estuary starts at Free and ScyllaDB at Free.
Does Estuary or ScyllaDB run on more platforms?
Estuary runs on Cloud, Private Cloud, BYOC. ScyllaDB runs on Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Web.
Can I use Estuary for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Estuary best used for?
Estuary is most often used for real-time data replication to data warehouses, change data capture from operational databases, feeding analytics and bi systems with fresh data, powering real-time ai and ml data pipelines. Of those, real-time data replication to data warehouses and change data capture from operational databases are not what ScyllaDB is typically brought in for.
What can Estuary do that ScyllaDB cannot?
Estuary covers Real-time data delivery, Change data capture, Batch processing, Data transformation. ScyllaDB covers Cassandra Compatible, DynamoDB Compatible, 10x Throughput, Low Latency.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Estuary: What is included in the free Developer plan?

Developer plan ($0/month) includes 10 GB of data per month and up to 2 connector instances, no credit card required.

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
Estuary: How is data pricing calculated on Cloud plan?

Cloud plan charges $0.50 per GB of data moved plus $100/month per connector for the first 6 connectors, then $50/month for additional connectors.

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
Estuary: What discount is available when adding 6+ connectors?

When using 6 or more connectors, the per-connector cost drops to $50/month from $100/month, saving $50 per additional connector.

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
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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