Guide
Best Relational Databases
Relational databases store structured data in tables with strong consistency and SQL — still the default choice for most applications. The category includes battle-tested open-source engines you run yourself and managed, serverless platforms that handle scaling, backups, and branching for you. The right pick depends on whether you want full control and zero licensing cost by self-hosting, or a managed service that removes operational work in exchange for usage-based pricing. Consider SQL dialect and extensions, scaling model, and how the database fits your hosting. Below are widely used relational databases and managed platforms, compared on features, pricing, and the workloads they handle best.
6 tools reviewed
Why this matters
Your primary database is a long-term commitment that shapes reliability and developer experience. Relational engines remain the safest default for transactional data; the real decision is self-hosted control versus managed convenience.
Featured tools
Serverless Postgres built for the cloud
The MySQL-compatible serverless database platform
Build in a weekend. Scale to millions.
The world's most popular open-source database.
The world's most advanced open-source relational database.
Community-developed, open-source fork of MySQL.
Comparison table
| Tool | Free plan | Pricing model | Starting price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✓ Yes | freemium | Free plan | Startup, SMB, Enterprise | |
| — No | usage based | From $5/mo | Startup, SMB, Enterprise | |
| ✓ Yes | freemium | Free plan | Startup, SMB, Enterprise | |
| ✓ Yes | open source | Free plan | Startup, SMB, Enterprise | |
| ✓ Yes | open source | Free plan | Startup, SMB, Enterprise | |
| ✓ Yes | open source | Free plan | Startup, SMB, Enterprise |
Popular comparisons
Related stacks
Related categories
Frequently asked questions
PostgreSQL vs MySQL — which should I use?+
Both are excellent. PostgreSQL leads on advanced features and extensibility; MySQL/MariaDB are simple and ubiquitous. Either is a safe default for most apps.
Self-hosted or managed database?+
Self-hosting the open-source engines is free but you own operations; managed platforms add scaling, backups, and branching for a usage-based fee.
Are open-source databases really free?+
Yes — PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MariaDB are free and open source. You pay only for the infrastructure they run on, or for a managed host.
What is a serverless database?+
A managed database that scales compute to demand (even to zero) and bills by usage, removing capacity planning — handy for variable or early-stage workloads.