SurrealDB vs Fauna
A detailed comparison to help you choose between SurrealDB and Fauna.
Quick Verdict
3.9/5
SurrealDB
10 reviews
3.8/5
Fauna
339 reviews
SurrealDB is rated higher (3.9 vs 3.8). SurrealDB is a multi-model database that handles relational, document, graph, and full-text queries in a single database. Schema-optional, built-in auth, and real-time subscriptions. Fauna is a serverless document database with ACID transactions, native GraphQL API, and global replication. No servers to manage. Unique multi-tenancy model. Ideal for Jamstack and serverless apps.
SurrealDB Multi-model database with built-in real-time sync and WebSocket support | Fauna Serverless document database with ACID transactions | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.9 (10 reviews)✓ | 3.8 (339 reviews) |
| Pricing model | freemium | freemium |
| Starting price | Free tier available | Free tier available |
| Best for | Teams building real-time web and mobile applications requiring flexible data models and permission controls without operational complexity of managing multiple databases. | Jamstack developers who need a serverless database with GraphQL API and automatic global replication |
| Tags | ||
| Tags | free tieropen sourceself hostableapi access | free tierapi access |
| Visit SurrealDB → | Visit Fauna → | |
SurrealDB
Pros
- + Query multiple data models without context-switching between databases
- + Push real-time data updates to clients via built-in WebSocket support
- + Define row-level permissions directly in the database schema
- + Reduce infrastructure complexity with consolidated data layer
Cons
- - Smaller ecosystem and community compared to PostgreSQL or MongoDB
- - Learning curve for developers unfamiliar with its query syntax and schema approach
- - Limited third-party tool integrations for analytics and BI platforms
Fauna
Pros
- + Serverless — no scaling needed
- + GraphQL API native
- + ACID transactions across global regions
Cons
- - Proprietary FQL query language
- - Pricing can surprise at scale
Stay in the loop
Get weekly updates on the best new AI tools, deals, and comparisons.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.