SurrealDB is a next-generation multi-model database that allows developers to build sophisticated, scalable applications with fewer moving parts.
By combining relational, document, graph, time-series, vector, and geospatial capabilities in a single database, SurrealDB eliminates the need for complex, multi-database architectures - reducing cost, simplifying development, and enabling faster iteration.
Whether you are building an AI-native app, a SaaS platform, a digital twin, or a real-time analytics system, SurrealDB provides the flexibility and performance needed to scale.
Why SurrealDB?
With most databases, you face tradeoffs:
Relational? Strong querying, but hard to scale and work with unpredictable data.
NoSQL? Flexible and fast, but limited querying and joins.
Graph? Great for relationships, but niche tooling and complexity.
SurrealDB flips that compromise on its head.
It is a multi-model, distributed database that speaks a familiar SQL-like language, but stores data like a graph-native, document-first, strongly typed system - designed for developers who move fast.
Get started with SurrealDB - launch your first free instance via a single command.
Core Ideas
📔 Begin your journey with our Docs start guide
One Database, One API
SurrealDB is a real-time, multi-tenant, ACID-compliant database that lets you model and query complex relationships out of the box - no need to glue together multiple systems.
📔 Core architecture of SurrealDB
Unified Data Models
SurrealDB natively supports relational, document, graph, time-series, vector, and geospatial data - giving you one consistent model for modern app architectures.
📔 Learn about SurrealDB's data models
SurrealQL
Use SurrealQL, a familiar SQL-like query language, to easily express deep graph queries, flexible document operations, and hybrid relational patterns - all in one language.
Real-time Features
Built-in subscriptions and triggers allow you to build reactive, event-driven experiences without adding extra services or middleware.
Built-in Authorisation & Security
Fine-grained, role-based access control and row/field-level security are built in - removing the need for complex auth layers or middleware.
Massively Scalable, Distributed-First
Designed to scale from embedded devices to large distributed clusters - no need to re-architect as your data grows.
Flexible Deployment & Developer Experience
Use SurrealDB embedded, in serverless environments, in your own cloud, or via fully managed Surreal Cloud - choose what fits your architecture. Developers can spin up a local instance in minutes and easily explore data, model schemas, and test queries using Surrealist UI or familiar CLI tools.
Common Use Cases
Platform & App Architectures
SaaS Platforms: Build multi-tenant apps that support rich relationships between entities and fine-grained access control.
AI & Personalisation
AI Applications: Power vector search, knowledge graphs, and live AI-driven experiences with native vector, graph, and real-time support.
Retail & Personalisation: Drive AI-based recommendations and personalised shopping experiences.
Real-time Collaborative Apps: Build reactive, multi-user experiences (dashboards, live editing, in-app collaboration) using SurrealDB’s built-in subscriptions and triggers - without needing an additional pub/sub layer.
Data & Event Platforms
IoT Systems: Efficiently manage high-volume time-series data and complex device graphs enabling event-driven automation and monitoring.
FinTech & Risk Applications: Model complex financial relationships and power real-time risk scoring.
Architecture Simplification
Stack Consolidation: Replace multiple databases and the glue to join them together with a single SurrealDB instance - simplify architecture, reduce cost, and increase velocity.
Ready to get started?
Get started with SurrealDB - launch your first instance in minutes.
Join an upcoming webinar - see SurrealDB in action and get your questions answered.
Contact our solutions team - we’d love to hear about your project or specific use case.