Databricks vs Weaviate
Which Infrastructure AI tool is better in 2026?
Databricks
The data + AI company
Weaviate
Open-source AI-native vector database
Side-by-side
Databricks is the more established option (raised $5.6B), but Weaviate is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Databricks | Weaviate |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | The data + AI company | Open-source AI-native vector database |
| Foundedi | 2013🏆 | 2019 |
| HQi | San Francisco, US | Amsterdam, NL |
| Employeesi | 8000+🏆 | 200-500 |
| Neuron scorei | 95🏆 | 50 |
| Total fundingi | $5.6B🏆 | $50M |
| Latest roundi | Series L · Dec 2025 | Series C · Oct 2025 |
| Valuationi | $134B🏆 | $200M |
| Cheapest paid plani | — | —🏆 |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✓ Open Source |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Committed Use Plan · Contact sales | Weaviate Cloud · Contact sales |
| Pricing summaryi | 3 published plans | 2 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Databricks and Weaviate.
| Capability | Databricks | Weaviate |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✓ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✓ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✓ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 6 (Python, Java, R, Scala…) | 5 (Python, Go, TypeScript, JavaScript…) |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✓ | ✓ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Databricks
- Has raised more capital ($5.6B vs $50M)
- Higher Neuron score (95 vs 50)
- More mature (2013)
🔵 Strengths of Weaviate
- Offers a free plan
- Newer company (2019)
Which should you choose?
Choose Weaviate if price matters most — it starts at Open source, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Infrastructure tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Databricks if you want the most established option — it has raised $5.6B, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
Frequently asked questions
Databricks vs Weaviate — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Databricks has raised more capital and is the more established option; Weaviate is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Databricks cheaper than Weaviate?
No — Weaviate's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Databricks's is Enterprise · Contact sales.
Do Databricks and Weaviate offer free plans?
Databricks: Free trial only. Weaviate: Yes, has a free plan.
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