Cayley
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.
At a glance
- Editor score6.4 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forRDF and linked-data self-hosting projects
- Paid fromFree
- DeploymentSelf_hosted
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026

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.
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Cayley pricing
Cayley fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Deployment | Self_hosted |
| Query languages | Gizmo, MQL, GraphQL dialect |
| ACID transactions | Not verified |
| Graph algorithms | Not verified |
| Vector search | Not verified |
| Included storage | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 12 integrations: LevelDB, Bolt, MongoDB, Elasticsearch, CouchDB, PouchDB … |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | cayley.io |
| Facts checked | 21 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
- Neo4jA broad graph platform spanning managed cloud, self-managed deployments, analytics, and AI.9.4
- Amazon NeptuneA managed AWS graph service with broad query, resilience, analytics, and AI connectivity.9.2
- Apache HugeGraphA self-hosted graph platform combining transactional storage, analytics, and graph-AI tooling.9.0
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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