This guide explains the key differences between relational, NoSQL, and vector databases, highlighting their strengths, best use cases, and examples. Relational databases are best for structured data and transactions, NoSQL excels at scalability and flexibility, while vector databases power AI and semantic search. Learn how to choose the right database—or combine them in a polyglot approach—for your project.
SurrealDB is a powerful open-source multi-model database that unifies SQL, NoSQL, graph, and document models in one system. It offers real-time queries, built-in security, and cloud-native scalability, making it ideal for SaaS apps, real-time dashboards, IoT, and AI workloads. In 2025, SurrealDB stands out as a flexible alternative to traditional databases like PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and Neo4j.
Redis, Valkey, and KeyDB are leading open-source in-memory databases for caching, real-time apps, and high-performance workloads. Discover their differences, strengths, and the best choice for your use case in 2025.