Softwr

Databases · head to head

Marqo vs ScyllaDB

Marqo logo

Marqo

Databases

AI-native product discovery platform for ecommerce

From
On request
Rated
-
ScyllaDB logo

ScyllaDB

Databases

The real-time big data database compatible with Cassandra

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only ScyllaDB has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Marqo pricing not publicly available, enterprise sales-only model; ScyllaDB enterprise tier requires custom quote from sales
  • They diverge on capability: Marqo covers Semantic search, ScyllaDB covers Cassandra Compatible.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Marqo and ScyllaDB actually diverge.

Attributes where Marqo and ScyllaDB differ
AttributeMarqoScyllaDB
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelcontact-salesusage-based
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWeb API, SaaSLinux, Docker, Kubernetes, Web
Founded20222015

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 Marqo

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

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.

Marqo

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

ScyllaDB

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

Where each one falls short

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

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

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

Marqo

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Marqo review.

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 Marqo if

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

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 Marqo or ScyllaDB better?
Neither clearly leads. Marqo starts at On request and ScyllaDB at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Marqo or ScyllaDB?
ScyllaDB has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Marqo and Free for ScyllaDB.
Does Marqo or ScyllaDB run on more platforms?
Marqo runs on Web API, SaaS. ScyllaDB runs on Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Web.
Can I use ScyllaDB for free?
Yes. ScyllaDB has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Marqo starts at On request.
What is Marqo best used for?
Marqo is most often used for improve search revenue for fashion and beauty retailers, implement multimodal image and product search, increase checkout conversion through better product discovery, create personalized product recommendations. Of those, improve search revenue for fashion and beauty retailers and implement multimodal image and product search are not what ScyllaDB is typically brought in for.
What can Marqo do that ScyllaDB cannot?
Marqo covers Semantic search, Multimodal image search, AI model training, Automated merchandising. ScyllaDB covers Cassandra Compatible, DynamoDB Compatible, 10x Throughput, Low Latency.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Share

Related pages

Other head to heads