Cayley review
A self-hosted RDF graph database with flexible storage, queries, and visualization.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Cayley pros and cons
- 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
Cayley fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update