FalkorDB
FalkorDB is a graph database for AI workloads using sparse matrices for fast Cypher queries, with GraphRAG, vector search, and multi-tenancy for thousands of graphs. Its license is the SSPL, which is source available.
Alternatives / Neo4j
2 open-source alternatives
2 Best Open Source Neo4j Alternatives in 2026
Looking for an open source Neo4j alternative? We compared 2 graph databases by license and Cypher compatibility. FalkorDB and Memgraph both use Cypher, but neither uses a standard open-source license.
Written by Maxime DERAME
Last updated:
Best Neo4j alternatives at a glance
| Alternative | Best for | License |
|---|---|---|
| FalkorDB | Cypher graph DB for AI and GraphRAG | SSPL (source available) |
| Memgraph | In-memory Neo4j-compatible graph DB | BSL-1.1 + Enterprise |
How we chose these Neo4j alternatives
We looked for graph databases that support Cypher like Neo4j. We verified each project's license, recent activity, stars, and self-hosting in its repository. See our methodology for the full criteria.
Memgraph
Memgraph is an in-memory graph database with Neo4j compatibility that runs on-premises or in the cloud. Its license is the Business Source License 1.1 with Enterprise features, so capacity is bounded by memory and the license is source available.
Important: licenses
Both tools are source available rather than OSI open source. Read the SSPL and BSL conditions before building a hosted service on them.
Maintenance status
Both had commits within days of this update.
Why look for a Neo4j alternative?
Neo4j's Community Edition is GPL-licensed but limited, and clustering and other features are in the commercial Enterprise Edition. Alternatives target specific needs such as AI workloads or in-memory speed, but they have their own licensing limits.
falkordb.com
FalkorDB is a graph database that uses sparse matrices and linear algebra for fast Cypher queries, with GraphRAG support, vector search for hybrid retrieval, and native multi-tenancy. Its source is under the Server Side Public License, which is source available and not OSI open source.
10.5K585SSPL (source available)Self-hosted
Pricing: Free to self-host under the SSPL; managed cloud is paid.
- Cypher queries ease migration from Neo4j
- Multi-tenancy for many graphs
- Vector search and GraphRAG
- SSPL is not OSI open source
- AI focus may be narrower than general graph needs
memgraph.com
Memgraph is a high-performance in-memory graph database with Neo4j compatibility, real-time analytics, and support for GraphRAG and AI use cases. Its source is available under the Business Source License 1.1, with some features under a separate Memgraph Enterprise License.
4.6K288BSL-1.1 + EnterpriseSelf-hosted
Pricing: Free Community edition; paid Enterprise and cloud.
- Fast in-memory graph processing
- Neo4j compatibility
- Good for fraud detection and recommendations
- Source available, not standard open source
- Graph model, not a document store
Compare Neo4j alternatives
| Alternative | Type | License | Self-hosted | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FalkorDB | Graph database | SSPL (source available) | Yes | AI workloads |
| Memgraph | Graph database | BSL-1.1 + Enterprise | Yes | Low-latency graphs |
Which one should you choose?
Want a graph store for AI retrieval
FalkorDB adds GraphRAG, vector search, and multi-tenancy under Cypher.
Want Neo4j compatibility in memory
Memgraph is in-memory with Neo4j compatibility, under the BSL.