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Relational Databases

Alternatives to Azure SQL Database

Azure SQL Database is a fully managed, cloud-native relational service built on the SQL Server engine. Microsoft manages provisioning, patching, backups, monitoring, and high availability, while Hyperscale independently scales compute and storage and supports up to 30 named replicas. It offers T-SQL, JSON, REST and GraphQL access, native vector search, Azure AI connections, and replication into Microsoft Fabric. The free offer covers up to 10 General Purpose databases per subscription, with monthly compute, data, and backup allowances; once a database reaches those limits, it can pause or continue with usage charges.

  1. 01 Aiven for PostgreSQL

    The free tier is positioned for learning and prototypes, while Developer is for test and personal projects.

    From $5/mo Free plan Open source Web · API · Self-hosted
    9.3 Visit Specs
  2. 02 HSQLDB

    HSQLDB suits developers and organizations that can run a Java database themselves and need embedded or server modes.

    From $8.33/mo Free plan Open source Windows · macOS · Linux · API
    9.1 Visit Specs
  3. 03 MySQL
    Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux · API
    8.9 Visit Specs
  4. 04 Amazon RDS
    Free plan Web · API · Self-hosted
    8.8 Visit Specs
  5. 05 SQLite

    SQLite suits applications needing local database storage where writer concurrency is low and content is less than a terabyte.

    From $12.50/mo Free plan Open source Web · Windows · macOS · Linux
    8.6 Visit Specs
  6. 06 Actian Zen

    Zen suits teams needing an embedded database across edge, mobile, on-premises, or cloud environments.

    Free trial Windows · macOS · Linux · iOS
    8.4 Visit Specs
  7. 07 Firebird

    Firebird suits teams that want a self-hosted relational database with multiple deployment architectures and broad driver options.

    From €199/mo Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux · Self-hosted
    8.4 Visit Specs
  8. 08 Google Cloud SQL

    Cloud SQL suits teams that need managed relational databases and integrations across Google Cloud or other listed tools.

    From $0.04/mo Free trial Web · Windows · macOS · Linux
    8.4 Visit Specs
  9. 09 IBM Db2

    Db2 suits enterprise applications, AI assistants, cloud-native data-intensive applications, and CRM or ERP systems.

    From $630/mo Free plan Web · Windows · Linux · API
    8.4 Visit Specs
  10. 10 Crunchy Bridge
    From $9/mo Free trial Web · Linux · API
    8.3 Visit Specs
  11. 11 ALTIBASE

    A+ Edition is intended for startups, developers, and students using the database for development, testing, or education.

    Free plan Linux · Self-hosted
    8.1 Visit Specs
  12. 12 Amazon Aurora
    Free plan API
    8.1 Visit Specs
  13. 13 InterSystems IRIS

    InterSystems IRIS is positioned for data-intensive, mission-critical applications.

    Free plan Web · Windows · macOS · Linux
    8.1 Visit Specs
  14. 14 H2 Database Engine

    H2 suits developers needing a free Java SQL database with embedded or server deployment.

    Free plan Web · Windows · macOS · Linux
    8.0 Visit Specs
  15. 15 MariaDB Server
    Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux · Self-hosted
    8.0 Visit Specs
  16. 16 Microsoft SQL Server

    Express is presented for learning and desktop or small server applications.

    Free plan Windows · Linux · API · Self-hosted
    8.0 Visit Specs
  17. 17 Neon

    Neon suits teams building relational applications that want managed PostgreSQL, workload-based compute, and database branching.

    From $0.11/mo Free plan Web · Windows · macOS · Linux
    8.0 Visit Specs
  18. 18 CUBRID

    CUBRID suits teams needing a self-hosted database with transaction controls, backup and recovery choices, multiple language interfaces, and optional high availability.

    Free plan Windows · Linux · API · Self-hosted
    7.9 Visit Specs
  19. 19 Matisse
    Free trial Windows · macOS · Linux
    7.9 Visit Specs
  20. 20 DigitalOcean Managed Databases
    From $15/mo Web · API
    7.8 Visit Specs
  21. 21 Oracle Database
    Free plan Self-hosted
    7.7 Visit Specs
  22. 22 PostgreSQL

    It suits developers building applications and administrators who need data integrity or fault-tolerant environments.

    Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux · Self-hosted
    7.6 Visit Specs
  23. 23 Heroku
    From $5/mo Web · API
    7.5 Visit Specs
  24. 24 openGauss
    Free plan Windows · Linux · Self-hosted
    7.5 Visit Specs
  25. 25 RaimaDB

    RaimaDB is aimed at teams building embedded, edge, IoT, or real-time applications.

    Free trial Web · Windows · macOS · Linux
    7.5 Visit Specs
  26. 26 SAP HANA Cloud
    Free plan Web · Linux · API
    7.4 Visit Specs
  27. 27 Render
    From $25/mo Web · API
    7.1 Visit Specs
  28. 28 Teradata Database
    Web · Linux · API · Self-hosted
    6.8 Visit Specs
  29. 29 Microsoft Access
    From $10/mo Windows
    6.4 Visit Specs
  30. 30 Azure Database for MySQL
    Web
    6.3 Visit Specs

Choosing instead of Azure SQL Database

Readers may consider alternatives when their applications need a nonrelational model, self-hosting, specialized time-series handling, or services outside Azure. Platform coverage differs, from mobile and web clients to Linux, Windows, macOS, and self-hosted deployments. Compare query style, scaling, replication, availability, recovery, integrations, and operational responsibility before switching. Pricing also varies: several products provide free plans or trials without a paid rate, while InfluxDB states a $0.00 starting price and a 30-day trial. The better fit depends on your data model, deployment preference, and workload priorities.

Azure SQL Database, head to head