Vector DB tests should measure cost, not just speed
When choosing a for a RAG workload, a QPS ranking can hide the real operating cost. A setup may look strong when only response speed is measured, but the result can change once , returning extra stored data, frequent new inserts, or separate tenants and s are included.
Costs can also shift depending on whether traffic comes in bursts or stays steady. VDBBench is useful because it frames the choice around workload instead of a simple winner list.
The key question becomes not only which database is fastest, but which one is fast enough for a specific usage pattern at an acceptable cost. Tests such as how quickly new data becomes searchable, delay after idle periods, search with returned payloads, and search are closer to real use than a fixed query-only test.
Key points
- QPS alone does not show the real cost of running a .
- , payload returns, frequent inserts, and setups can change the result.
- Bursty traffic and steady traffic can produce different cost profiles.
- VDBBench helps compare speed and cost under more realistic workload patterns.
- RAG-based AI agents benefit from that match actual search and update behavior.