Best Key-Value Databases in 2026
Updated
In short: Amazon DynamoDB is ranked #1 of 32 as of 4 October 2026, ahead of Aerospike Database and Riak KV. The best-ranked option with a free plan is Aerospike Database. The lowest first paid tier on this page is Oracle NoSQL Database at $0.01/mo.
Key-value databases store and retrieve data by key, making their storage behavior and operating model central to choosing a fit. Compared on clustering support, deployment model, persistence modes, supported protocols, maximum value size, TTL support and multi-region support, these options offer several practical dimensions to assess. Amazon DynamoDB, Aerospike Database and Riak KV are among the entries to consider. Free-plan availability and paid-from pricing add cost context. Think about the access patterns your application needs, how data should persist, and whether deployment or geographic requirements shape the choice.
32 key-value databases ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
Is your tool on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which key-value database is ranked first on Specifiction?
Amazon DynamoDB is ranked #1 of 32 with a score of 8.2. Aerospike Database is second and Riak KV third.
How many of these have a free plan?
14 of the 25 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, Oracle NoSQL Database has the lowest first paid tier we found: $0.01/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked on what each maker publishes, the fullest spec sheet first: how deeply the product is documented, the platforms it runs on, a free tier or trial to test it, and its standing. Paid placements never change a rank.