Firebolt

C tier on OLAP SoftwareScore 6.7 · #14 of 31

Android app: Not listed
Free plan: Yes
Runs on: api, Linux, self-hosted, Web

firebolt.io

Summary

Firebolt is an open-source analytical database for engineers that uses Postgres-compatible SQL. It can run as a single binary on a laptop or as a cluster in a customer's cloud; deployment choices also include a Helm chart, Kubernetes Operator and fully managed service. Firebolt is designed for sub-second query latency and high-concurrency analytics, and supports Apache Iceberg and DuckLake using open storage standards. The self-hosted Firebolt Core plan is free forever with no usage limits, but it cannot be used to build a hosted SaaS product competing with Firebolt's managed service. Managed compute is billed per second and supports scale-to-zero, auto-start, auto-stop and auto-scaling; object storage is passed through at $0.0264 / GB·mo. The managed service includes $200 in free credits. Firebolt also offers AI query and embedding features, vector search, an MCP Server and a preview agent. Self-managed deployments are generally available on AWS and GCP and in preview on Azure; the managed service is currently offered on AWS only.

Who it is for

Firebolt may suit engineers building analytics systems who want a self-managed or managed deployment. Teams should consider its cloud availability and the stated limitations around Airflow and Delta Lake.

What is good

Uses Postgres-compatible SQL.
Offers a free self-hosted plan with no usage limits.
Supports Apache Iceberg and DuckLake.
Managed compute includes auto-scaling and scale-to-zero.
Includes $200 in managed-service credits.

What to know first

Managed service is currently offered on AWS only.
Airflow 3.x is not supported.
Delta Lake is not natively supported.
The free plan cannot power a competing hosted SaaS.

Verdict

Firebolt provides both self-managed and managed database deployments, with options ranging from a single binary to a cloud cluster. Check the deployment restrictions and integrations against your intended setup.

Firebolt plans and pricing

All plans

Firebolt Core Free free forever self-hosted · no usage limits · cannot be used to build a hosted SaaS competing with Firebolt managed service firebolt.io · 30 Sept 2026

Compared on OLAP software

Free plan: Yesfirebolt.io
Deployment model: hybridfirebolt.io

Facts

Product: Firebolt is a high-performance, open-source analytical database for engineers with Postgres-compatible SQL.firebolt.io · 30 Sept 2026
Deployment: It runs as a single binary on a laptop or as a cluster of hundreds of nodes in your own cloud.firebolt.io · 30 Sept 2026
Performance: Firebolt is designed for sub-second query latency and low-latency, high-concurrency analytics.firebolt.io · 30 Sept 2026
Storage: The platform supports Apache Iceberg and DuckLake and uses open storage standards.firebolt.io · 30 Sept 2026
Managed pricing: Managed compute is billed per second, with scale-to-zero, auto-start, auto-stop, and auto-scaling; object storage is pass-through at $0.0264 / GB·mo.firebolt.io · 30 Sept 2026
Free credits: The managed service includes $200 free credits.firebolt.io · 30 Sept 2026
Deployment models: Firebolt offers a zero-dependency single binary, Helm chart, Kubernetes Operator, and fully managed service.firebolt.io · 30 Sept 2026
AI features: Firebolt supports AI_QUERY, AWS_BEDROCK_AI_QUERY, AI_EMBED_TEXT, HNSW vector indexes, VECTOR_SEARCH, an MCP Server, and a preview Firebolt Agent.firebolt.io · 30 Sept 2026
Integrations: It integrates with Looker, Tableau, Power BI, Postgres-compatible tools, Go, JDBC, .NET, Node.js, Python, Rust, SQLAlchemy, and REST API clients.firebolt.io · 30 Sept 2026
Data platforms: Supported integrations include dbt Core, Airflow 2.x, Confluent Kafka, Apache Iceberg catalogs, Databricks Unity Catalog, Snowflake Open Catalog, and AWS Glue.firebolt.io · 30 Sept 2026
Security: Firebolt lists SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, ISO 27018, HIPAA support, GDPR alignment, MFA, RBAC, and encryption in transit and at rest.firebolt.io · 30 Sept 2026
Cloud availability: Self-managed Firebolt is generally available on AWS and GCP and in preview on Azure; the fully managed service is currently offered on AWS only.firebolt.io · 30 Sept 2026
Notable limits: The native dbt adapter supports dbt Core only, Airflow 3.x is not supported, and Delta Lake is not natively supported.firebolt.io · 30 Sept 2026
Support: The pricing page lists audit logs, metrics, and support as managed-service capabilities.firebolt.io · 30 Sept 2026