CockroachDB

Distributed SQL database with high availability, ACID consistency and Postgres compatibility.

postgresdistributedsql
Websitecockroachlabs.com
CategoryData & backend
PricingTrial only
Card requiredNo
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ABOUT

What is CockroachDB?

CockroachDB is a distributed SQL database with configurable failure tolerance. Region-level survivability requires a multi-region database configured for region failure, while its PostgreSQL wire protocol makes many existing clients compatible. Its multi-active architecture supports reads and writes across nodes while preserving consistency.

BEFORE YOU SIGN UP

What you should know

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Configurable region-level survivabilityWith at least three database regions and SURVIVE REGION FAILURE configured, CockroachDB can remain available for reads and writes through a single-region failure while preserving consistency.
✓
Compatible with the Postgres wire protocolMost PostgreSQL client libraries and compatible tools work with CockroachDB, but application-level differences and transaction handling can still require adaptations.
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Higher cost and complexity than standard PostgresFor single-region or small projects, standard Postgres on Supabase or Neon is simpler and cheaper.
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Some Postgres features are not supportedSpecific extensions like PostGIS or certain window functions may be unavailable or behave differently.

COMMUNITY

From the forums

Reddit opinion is very split. The most cited pros are durability, multi-region support and partial Postgres compatibility. The cons dominate the threads: excessive per-core licensing prices, latency in certain workloads and incomplete Postgres compatibility that breaks libraries. The community rules it out for small projects.

— Community sentiment

💬Discuss on Reddit ↗

SEE ALSO · Data & backend

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ABOUT US

Honest, independent, no fluff.

No paid placements. Just a clear look at what this does, what it costs, and what to know before you commit.

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FAQ

Questions, answered.

Is CockroachDB compatible with the Postgres driver?＋

Largely yes. It supports the PostgreSQL wire protocol and most PostgreSQL client libraries, though some PostgreSQL-specific features and transaction behavior differ.

When does it make sense to use CockroachDB instead of Postgres?＋

When you need multi-region replication, automatic failover or global consistency. For small or single-region projects, standard Postgres is usually enough.