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Cayley

Free#25 of 39 in Graph Databases

Cayley: A self-hosted RDF graph database with flexible storage, queries, and visualization. Ranked #25 of 39 in Graph Databases by our editors (6.4/10); pricing: Open source; best for RDF and linked-data self-hosting projects.

6.4/10Editor score
Cayley6.4 Visit Cayley

At a glance

  • Editor score
    6.4 / 10
  • Pricing
    Open source
  • Best for
    RDF and linked-data self-hosting projects
  • Paid from
    Free
  • Deployment
    Self_hosted
  • Facts checked
    21 Sep 2026
Cayley screenshot
  • Where it wins

    • Supports RDF formats including N-Quads and JSON-LD
    • Works with SQL, NoSQL, and key-value storage backends
    • Includes query tools, an HTTP API, and Gephi streaming
  • Where it doesn't

    • Requires self-hosted deployment and operational ownership
    • Does not provide verified ACID transactions or graph algorithms
    • No vector search, free plan, or published pricing is provided

Our verdict on Cayley

Cayley is an open-source graph database for developers building graph-enabled applications around linked data. It is designed for self-hosted deployments and supports RDF-oriented formats including N-Quads and JSON-LD. Its deployment options cover web, API, and self-hosted use, making it suited to teams that want control over where the database runs and how it connects to an application.

Its strongest area is flexibility across data access and storage. Cayley supports SQL, NoSQL, and key-value backends, with integrations including LevelDB, Bolt, MongoDB, Elasticsearch, CouchDB, PouchDB, PostgreSQL, CockroachDB, MySQL, MariaDB, and SQLite. Developers can query through Gizmo, MQL, or a GraphQL-like query language. A built-in query editor, visualizer, and REPL support exploration, while the HTTP API handles queries, writes, and deletes. Gephi GraphStream streaming adds a path for graph visualization workflows.

Cayley is a focused choice rather than a broad platform for every graph database workload. Its positioning centers on RDF and linked data, while verified ACID transactions, graph algorithms, and vector search are not part of the stated feature set. Self-hosting also puts deployment and ongoing operation with the adopting team. Choose Cayley when RDF compatibility, multiple backend options, and developer-facing graph tools matter most. Consider an alternative when you need vector search, established transaction guarantees, or a wider set of analytical graph capabilities.

Your product? Our editors can test Cayley in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Cayley pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on cayley.io

Cayley fact sheet

Free planNot verified
Paid fromFree
DeploymentSelf_hosted
Query languagesGizmo, MQL, GraphQL dialect
ACID transactionsNot verified
Graph algorithmsNot verified
Vector searchNot verified
Included storageNot verified
DeploymentSelf-hosted
PlatformsWeb
SupportCommunity, Docs
Built forSolo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Integrations12 integrations: LevelDB, Bolt, MongoDB, Elasticsearch, CouchDB, PouchDB …
PricingOpen source
Websitecayley.io
Facts checked21 Sep 2026

Cayley integrations

Cayley lists 12 integrations on its own site.

  • LevelDB
  • Bolt
  • MongoDB
  • Elasticsearch
  • CouchDB
  • PouchDB
  • PostgreSQL
  • CockroachDB
  • MySQL
  • MariaDB
  • SQLite
  • Gephi

Alternatives to Cayley

See all Cayley alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — Cayley 6.4/10

Cayley is listed in our Graph Databases directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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