Databricks Pricing Overview

The autoscale works well; it also helped us reduce the cost of using cloud resources. I thought that was going to be a problem since this is the first time we used autoscale. The support has been good enough, they normally appear on time for their scheduled hours to assist us in fixing the problems we create. The ability to save the query history in order of how the queries were written is nice as I often forget what I write a few minutes after writing it. When working with coworkers who need access to your code you can send them the permalink (link) to the code which is better than having to explain it. Since it supports both Spark and Presto within one tool I do not have to jump between tools. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I hate the way the search function works. I have never found the results from a month ago, and it is annoying. The UI will occasionally lag behind my typing, and if I am in a rush I feel it takes too long. Also it would make much more sense for the tables drawer to remain open when I click on the notebook and instead of closing automatically which is very time consuming as I need to reopen it again. I have had the support team tell me they cannot replicate an issue which is no help at all. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The platform itself is relatively easy to use and quick to stand up. Initial setup was straightforward, and core workflows were accessible without excessive configuration. From a purely technical standpoint, the product is usable and well-designed. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Databricks needs to take real accountability for pricing accuracy and post-sale remediation. Their usage and pricing calculator was materially wrong for our use case (off by ~10x), and we raised concerns early. We never received the level of attention or corrective action needed to resolve it properly.

We ended up paying more than 10x the expected cost, with only the final quarter partially rebated, which is not a meaningful remedy. Databricks declined responsibility and instead referenced emails sent after the contract was signed, which did not align with when the issue was identified.

This experience has made us seriously reconsider alternatives like Snowflake. My advice to others: be extremely cautious with Databricks’ pricing estimates and assume you will bear the risk if they are wrong. Once the contract is signed, resolution is difficult, and revenue protection appears to take priority over customer outcomes. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.