surrealdb multi model database

Author: AxeemHaider

content/topics/open-source-databases/surrealdb-multi-model-database/images/cover.png

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+---
+draft: false
+title: 'SurrealDB: The New Multi-Model Database You Need to Watch'
+date: '2025-09-18'
+summary: '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.'
+description: 'SurrealDB is an open-source, multi-model database combining SQL, NoSQL, graph, and document models in one system. Here’s why developers should watch it closely'
+tags: [surrealdb, multi-model database, graph database, document database, nosql, relational database, cloud-native databases, open-source hosting]
+categories: ['Databases', 'Open-Source Hosting', 'Cloud & Infrastructure']
+author: 'OctaByte'
+cover:
+  image: images/cover.png
+  caption: 'SurrealDB: A next-generation multi-model database unifying SQL, NoSQL, document, and graph systems in one powerful engine.'
+  alt: 'Cover image featuring the title "SurrealDB: The New Multi-Model Database You Need to Watch" with database, document, and graph icons connected by lines, symbolizing SurrealDB’s unified approach to data models.'
+  relative: true
+ShowToc: true
+TocOpen: true
+---
+
+## What is SurrealDB?
+
+SurrealDB is a **next-generation open-source multi-model database** that supports SQL, document, graph, and key-value data — all within a single engine. Unlike traditional databases that lock you into one model, SurrealDB lets developers handle multiple data types seamlessly, making it a flexible choice for modern applications.
+
+---
+
+## Why SurrealDB is Gaining Attention
+
+Databases have always been about trade-offs: relational systems like [PostgreSQL](https://octabyte.io/fully-managed-open-source-services/databases/relational-databases/postgresql) offer strong consistency, while document stores like [MongoDB alternatives such as FerretDB](/topics/open-source-databases/ferretdb-mongodb-alternative/) focus on flexibility.
+
+SurrealDB challenges this model by offering:
+
+* **SQL + NoSQL Hybrid:** Supports traditional SQL queries and schema-less data.
+* **Multi-Model Power:** Document, graph, and relational data combined in one engine.
+* **Cloud-Native & Serverless Ready:** Built for distributed, edge, and modern app deployments.
+* **Security First:** Built-in authentication, row-level permissions, and encryption.
+
+In short: SurrealDB isn’t just another NoSQL option — it’s an **all-in-one database** for developers tired of juggling multiple systems.
+
+---
+
+## Key Features of SurrealDB
+
+### 1. SQL Meets JSON
+
+You can query JSON documents with **full SQL syntax**. This means developers don’t have to learn a completely new query language.
+
+### 2. Multi-Model Flexibility
+
+* **Relational**: Structured tables with schema support
+* **Document**: Store flexible JSON objects
+* **Graph**: Native graph traversal and relationships
+* **Key-Value**: Ultra-fast lookups
+
+### 3. Real-Time Queries & Subscriptions
+
+Built-in support for **live queries** and WebSockets allows real-time data sync without external tools.
+
+### 4. Access Control & Security
+
+SurrealDB integrates **row-level permissions**, making it developer-friendly for SaaS and multi-tenant apps.
+
+### 5. Cloud-Native Architecture
+
+Designed for **serverless, distributed, and edge computing**, SurrealDB scales effortlessly.
+
+---
+
+## SurrealDB vs Traditional Databases
+
+| Feature           | SurrealDB                       | PostgreSQL     | MongoDB        | Neo4j          |
+| ----------------- | ------------------------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- |
+| Data Models       | Relational, Document, Graph, KV | Relational     | Document       | Graph          |
+| Query Language    | SQL + JSON                      | SQL            | BSON/JSON      | Cypher         |
+| Real-Time Queries | ✅                               | ❌              | Limited        | ✅              |
+| Multi-Tenancy     | Built-in                        | External Setup | External Setup | External Setup |
+| Cloud-Native      | ✅                               | Requires Setup | Requires Setup | Requires Setup |
+
+SurrealDB combines **the strengths of multiple systems** — relational queries from PostgreSQL, document flexibility from MongoDB, and graph capabilities like Neo4j — into one.
+
+---
+
+## Common Questions About SurrealDB
+
+### Is SurrealDB open-source?
+
+Yes, SurrealDB is **fully open-source** and actively developed, with a growing community and enterprise-ready features.
+
+### How does SurrealDB store data?
+
+It stores data in **flexible JSON documents** while still supporting relational tables and graph edges, giving developers multiple options.
+
+### Can SurrealDB replace MongoDB or Neo4j?
+
+In many cases, yes. SurrealDB can handle workloads that previously required separate document or graph databases, making it a strong alternative.
+
+### Who should use SurrealDB?
+
+* Startups building **serverless apps**
+* Enterprises needing **real-time data sync**
+* Developers tired of managing multiple specialized databases
+
+---
+
+## SurrealDB Use Cases
+
+* **SaaS Applications:** Built-in permissions and flexible models reduce backend complexity.
+* **IoT and Edge Computing:** Cloud-native and lightweight deployment options.
+* **Real-Time Apps:** Live queries and WebSocket support for chat apps, dashboards, and multiplayer games.
+* **AI & Knowledge Graphs:** Combines vector-like flexibility with graph structures for machine learning pipelines.
+
+For AI-specific workloads, you may also explore [open-source vector databases](/topics/open-source-databases/vector-databases-comparison/) like Qdrant, Milvus, or Weaviate.
+
+---
+
+## Getting Started with SurrealDB
+
+* **Installation:** Works on Docker, binaries, or cloud-native environments.
+* **Querying:** Use SQL with JSON support.
+* **Integration:** Easy to connect with Node.js, Go, Rust, Python, and other ecosystems.
+
+If you’re looking for **fully managed SurrealDB hosting**, OctaByte offers a [managed SurrealDB service](https://octabyte.io/fully-managed-open-source-services/databases/specialized-databases/surrealdb) so you can focus on building instead of maintaining infrastructure.
+
+---
+
+## Conclusion
+
+SurrealDB is one of the **most exciting open-source databases** to watch in 2025. By merging SQL, NoSQL, graph, and document capabilities, it gives developers the freedom to design without the overhead of multiple systems. Whether you’re building SaaS apps, real-time platforms, or AI-powered solutions, SurrealDB is worth a serious look.
+
+Want more open-source hosting insights? Don’t miss our [Ultimate Guide to Open-Source Databases (2025)](/topics/open-source-databases/ultimate-guide-2025/).
+
+---
+
+## FAQ
+
+**Q1. What makes SurrealDB different from MongoDB?**
+SurrealDB supports multiple models (relational, graph, document, key-value) in one engine, whereas MongoDB is primarily a document store.
+
+**Q2. Does SurrealDB support real-time applications?**
+Yes, SurrealDB has native **live queries** and WebSocket integration for real-time sync, ideal for chat, dashboards, and IoT apps.
+
+**Q3. Can I use SurrealDB with serverless platforms?**
+Absolutely. SurrealDB is **cloud-native** and works seamlessly with serverless and edge deployments.
+
+**Q4. Is SurrealDB production-ready?**
+Yes, it’s being used in production by early adopters, and its features are continuously improving with community and enterprise support.