ClickHouse vs DuckDB
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Fast open-source OLAP database.
The verdict
Both ClickHouse and DuckDB are credible databases tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
ClickHouse — Fast open-source OLAP database.
Choose DuckDB if you'd rather have a higher overall rating (4.8/5). The in-process analytical database (SQLite for analytics).
ClickHouse vs DuckDB: side by side
| Dimension | ClickHouse | DuckDB |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Open source |
| Best for | Data Teams, Developers | Data Teams, Developers |
| Platforms | Self Hosted, Api | Self Hosted, Api |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.8/5Winner |
ClickHouse key facts
- Vendor
- ClickHouse
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Self Hosted, Api
- Best for
- Data Teams, Developers
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2016
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
DuckDB key facts
- Vendor
- DuckDB
- Pricing
- Open source — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Self Hosted, Api
- Best for
- Data Teams, Developers
- Editor rating
- 4.8 / 5
- Founded
- 2019
- Headquarters
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
Frequently asked questions
Is ClickHouse better than DuckDB?
Neither is universally better — DuckDB edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is ClickHouse or DuckDB cheaper?
ClickHouse is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. ClickHouse starts at free; DuckDB starts at free.
Can ClickHouse replace DuckDB?
Yes for most teams — both are databases tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.