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.