Exploring Free Database Hosting Options for Your Next Project
If you're looking to start a small project or test an idea, free database hosting services can be a game changer. Here’s a curated list of various database platforms offering free tiers, each with its advantages, limitations, and storage capacities.
Amazon DynamoDB
Amazon DynamoDB is a fully managed NoSQL database service that provides fast and predictable performance. DynamoDB is great for applications requiring low-latency data access.
- Type: NoSQL (Proprietary)
- Storage: 25 GB
Pros ✅
- Automatically scales as your application grows
- Integrates seamlessly with AWS services
Cons ⚠️
- Payment method required
- The free tier is limited, and charges apply beyond usage limits
Amazon RDS
Amazon RDS is a managed relational database service that supports multiple engines like MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQL Server.
- Type: RDBMS (Proprietary)
Pros ✅
- Automated backups, patching, and scaling
- Wide range of supported database engines
Cons ⚠️
- Free only for one year
- Payment method required for continued service
Azure SQL Database
Azure SQL Database is a fully managed SQL database service built for cloud applications.
- Type: MS SQL Server
Pros ✅
- Integrates with Microsoft products and services
- Built-in high availability and disaster recovery
Cons ⚠️
- Free for one year
- Payment method required for extended use
Clever Cloud
Clever Cloud offers PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, and Redis as managed services for developers.
- Type: PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis
- Storage: 256 MB (PostgreSQL)
Pros ✅
- Automatic scaling for your projects
- Multi-cloud and hybrid architecture support
Cons ⚠️
- Maximum of 5 connections for PostgreSQL
ElephantSQL (Discontinued 😭)
ElephantSQL provides managed PostgreSQL database hosting services with simple scaling.
- Type: PostgreSQL
- Storage: 20 MB
Pros ✅
- Easy-to-use management console
- Fast setup for small applications
Cons ⚠️
- 5 concurrent connections allowed
- Discontinued More here
Fly.io
Fly.io offers fast global PostgreSQL database services.
- Type: PostgreSQL
- Storage: 3 GB
Pros ✅
- Global app deployment
- Built-in redundancy and failover
Cons ⚠️
- Requires a credit card
- Limited outbound traffic
- Risk of accidental overage fees
Google Cloud Firestore
Google Cloud Firestore is a flexible NoSQL document database for mobile and web applications.
- Type: NoSQL (Proprietary)
- Storage: 1 GB
Pros ✅
- Integrated with Google Cloud ecosystem
- Ideal for real-time applications
Cons ⚠️
- After the first year, there is no way to avoid accidental overage fees
Heroku Postgres (Discontinued 😭)
Heroku’s Postgres service has been discontinued, but it was a popular choice for developers.
- Type: PostgreSQL
Pros ✅
- Easy integration with Heroku apps
- Well-suited for small projects
Cons ⚠️
- Discontinued, no longer available for new sign-ups
IBM Cloud Cloudant
IBM Cloud Cloudant is a NoSQL database optimized for handling large volumes of distributed data.
- Type: NoSQL (Proprietary)
- Storage: 1 GB
Pros ✅
- Handles distributed workloads effortlessly
- Fully managed with high availability
Cons ⚠️
- Data is deleted after 30 days of inactivity
IBM Cloud Db2
IBM Cloud Db2 offers a powerful, enterprise-grade SQL database service.
- Type: Db2
- Storage: 200 MB
Pros ✅
- Industry-grade SQL performance
- Great for enterprise use cases
Cons ⚠️
- Users must re-extend the free account every 90 days via email
MongoDB Atlas
MongoDB Atlas is a fully managed cloud database service for modern applications.
- Type: MongoDB
- Storage: 512 MB
Pros ✅
- Multi-cloud support
- Easy scaling options
OpenShift Developer Sandbox
OpenShift Developer Sandbox provides free access to MariaDB, MongoDB, MySQL, and PostgreSQL databases.
- Type: MariaDB, MongoDB, MySQL, PostgreSQL
- Storage: 15 GB
Pros ✅
- Pods are deleted after 12 hours of inactivity
- Full Red Hat OpenShift experience for developers
Cons ⚠️
- Expires after 30 days, can resubscribe but not extend subscription
Oracle Cloud
Oracle Cloud offers a free tier that includes access to Oracle databases.
- Type: Oracle Database
- Storage: 20 GB per database (up to two databases)
Pros ✅
- Powerful performance for enterprise-level projects
- Built-in AI and machine learning integrations
Cons ⚠️
- Payment method required
Redis Enterprise
Redis Enterprise provides a free Redis cloud database for quick data storage and retrieval.
- Type: Redis
- Storage: 30 MB
Pros ✅
- Low-latency data access
- High availability with automatic failover
Scalingo
Scalingo offers a PostgreSQL database with free tier limits ideal for testing and small apps.
- Type: PostgreSQL
- Storage: 128 MB
Pros ✅
- Simple setup and deployment
- Integrated with Scalingo’s PaaS platform
Cons ⚠️
- Maximum of 10 connections
- Payment required after 30-day trial
Supabase
Supabase offers an open-source alternative to Firebase with PostgreSQL as the database layer.
- Type: PostgreSQL
- Storage: 500 MB
Pros ✅
- Integrated authentication and API services
- Fast setup for web and mobile apps
Cons ⚠️
- Paused after 1 week of inactivity
- 2 GB transfer limit
For small projects, testing, or learning, these services provide excellent free options. However, most have limitations, so it's important to choose based on your needs. Be mindful of potential overage fees or expiration dates, especially if you plan on scaling your application.
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