Database chooser
Pick the right database type — with real prices where we have them. Six questions. We will tell you when a $0 SQLite file beats a $70/mo RDS instance.
Your database type
Sweet spot
When not to use it
Hosted pricing comparison
Cheapest tier per provider from our pricing snapshot — your usage may differ.
Not yet in our knowledge base
Runner-up
Why not the others?
When you outgrow this
About this tool
Most apps do not need an exotic database on day one. This chooser scores eight database types against your data shape, scale, read/write pattern, region needs, ops tolerance, and budget — then tells you when the boring choice is right and when it is not.
Pricing rows come from a static mid-2026 snapshot for serverless SQLite (D1), hosted Postgres, and Redis/KV tiers. Everything else uses curated guidance ranges, not invented cents. Prices change, so check the provider's pricing page before you pick one.
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