Redis and Memcached are both in-memory key-value data stores, but we offer more features, flexibility, and speed. Learn how our multi-model database handles caching plus a range of use cases, including session stores, messaging, and real-time operational data storage.
Redis offers superior in-memory data storage with advanced features and better performance for modern applications. Memcached may serve your basic caching needs well, but you probably need more; when it comes to Memcached alternatives, Redis universally comes to mind. Redis’s versatility and reliability make it ideal for session management, real-time data operations and much more.
(Redis Insight)
(Redis Insight)
We deliver sub-millisecond latency and replication for unbeatable performance and scalability plus data partitioning via sharding and clustering features to enabling horizontal scalability across multiple nodes.
Offers low latency but lacks clustering and replication, limiting scalability to smaller, simpler legacy apps.
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Built-in high availability provides automatic failover and replication, plus active-active and active-passive geographic distribution options for minimal downtime.
Lacks built-in high availability features, requiring additional tools and configurations to achieve high availability.
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We support simple data types, such as strings, as well as more complex data structures, including hashes, JSON, and geospatial indexes, to support different use cases.
Only offers simple key-value storage of strings, suitable for basic caching tasks.
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We support configurable expiration and eviction policies, including LRU (Least Recently Used), LFU (Least Frequently Used), and time-to-live (TTL) for individual keys. This flexibility ensures optimal memory management and data freshness.
Memcached provides basic expiration times for keys but lacks advanced eviction policies. It uses a simple LRU algorithm, which can lead to costly cache misses in complex apps with varying data retention requirements.
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Offers multiple persistence options (RDB snapshots, AOF logs) to ensure data durability and quick recovery.
No persistence and volatile storage, meaning data is lost on node failure or restart, unsuitable for critical data.
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Includes the Redis Query Engine for advanced query and search, including full text and vector search, Lua scripting, streams, pub/sub messaging, advanced data structures, and time series data support for complex data operations and enhanced app functionality.
Minimal feature set, focusing on basic caching without querying, searching, nor scripting capabilities.
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The largest and still growing community, extensive docs, official client libraries for most major programming languages, and integrations, with regular updates and strong developer support. A fully managed, serverless service, Redis Cloud is available on AWS and Google Cloud and as a first party service in Azure.
Smaller community with fewer updates and a less comprehensive ecosystem. Limited support options.
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Offers robust security features including authentication, SSL/TLS encryption, ACLs, and role-based access control, ensuring your data remains secure.
Provides basic security features such as SASL authentication but lacks advanced security measures like encryption and role-based access control.
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Features a robust CLI and easy-to-use cluster management GUI. Compatible with user-friendly tools like Redis Insight for data visualization and a development command center. Extensive docs and community knowledge make it easy to get started and manage.
Simpler setup for basic caching tasks but lacks advanced management tools. No CLI or GUI. Docs are less comprehensive than Redis.
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Offers cost-saving features like multi-tenancy and auto tiering, which allows for efficient use of resources, reducing overall costs for large-scale deployments.
Limited to single instances and in-memory storage, which can become costly and difficult to scale.
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Rich set of client libraries and integrations across various programming languages, enhancing developer productivity. Officially maintained and supported clients for Python, Java, C#/.NET, Node.js and Go. Advanced data structures and commands reduce the need for additional coding or tools and workarounds.
Basic set of client libraries and commands focused on simple caching tasks, potentially requiring more custom coding for complex applications. Many Memcached clients, have “come and gone”, and are no longer maintained or supported.
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Migrating from Memcached to Redis is easy. Our strings data type provides similar functionality to Memcached plus higher scalability and availability. Plus we offer RIOTX to support live migrations.
For a fresh start, and to utilize our advanced functionality, check out the docs or enroll in our Redis University course Introduction to Redis data structures.
Redis 8 is here—and it's open source
