18.6
Free, open-source relational database available for Android and desktop platforms.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWeb
Best Relational Databases in 2026
Relational databases store structured data in tables, and the right choice depends on how you plan to deploy and manage them. Compare free and paid options, managed-service availability, and features such as backups and read replicas. If you plan to work from an Android phone or tablet, check whether the database offers an Android app for the tasks you need; platform listings alone do not confirm that.
28.1
Open-source database available for self-hosting on Windows, macOS and Linux.
Free planOpen sourceAPILinuxmacOS
37.9
MySQL is an open-source database for web, e-commerce, SaaS, and online transaction processing applications.
Free planAPILinuxmacOS
- 4
Aiven for PostgreSQL
Hosted PostgreSQL service based on the open-source PostgreSQL database.
Free planOpen sourceWebAPISelf-hosted7.8From $5 a month - 5
Azure SQL Database
Cloud database built on SQL Server; Microsoft handles setup, updates, backups and availability.
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.7Free plan - 6
IBM Db2
Free planWebAPILinuxSelf-hosted7.4From $630 a month - 7
Amazon RDS
AWS service handles setup, updates, backups and scaling for eight database engines.
Free planWebAPISelf-hosted7.1Free plan - 8
InterSystems IRIS
Database platform available as a paid service with a free plan and trial.
Free planWebAPILinuxmacOS7.1Free plan - 9
Neon
Serverless cloud PostgreSQL with workload-based compute, branching and PgBouncer pooling.
Free planWebAPILinuxmacOS7.1$0.11 usage-based - 10
Firebird
SQL database system with procedures, triggers, transaction controls and monitoring tools.
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows6.9From €199 a month - 11
Google Cloud SQL
Google Cloud SQL is a fully managed cloud relational database service for MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server.
WebAPILinuxmacOS6.9From $0.04 a month - 12
Microsoft SQL Server
Relational database with data integration, virtualization and SQL Server 2025 vector features.
Free planAPILinuxSelf-hostedWindows6.8Free plan - 13
H2 Database Engine
Free Java-based SQL database for self-hosted and web deployments.
Free planWebAPILinuxmacOS6.6Free plan - 14
RaimaDB
RaimaDB is an embedded database for mission-critical applications, including edge, IoT, and real-time systems.
AndroidiOSWebAPI6.6 - 15
Actian Zen
Actian Zen is an embedded database for managing data across edge environments and the cloud.
AndroidiOSAPILinux6.5 - 16
Crunchy Bridge
Crunchy Bridge is a fully managed cloud PostgreSQL service for hobby projects, startups, and enterprises.
WebAPILinux6.4From $9 a month - 17
MariaDB Server
General-purpose database server available for self-hosting.
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows6.4Free plan - 18
SAP HANA Cloud
Free planWebAPILinux6.4Free plan - 19
Amazon Aurora
Amazon Aurora is a fully managed relational database service offering PostgreSQL, MySQL, and DSQL engines.
Free planAPI6.3Free plan - 20
6.3From $5 a month - 21
Matisse
Matisse is a self-hosted database that combines object storage, XML, and SQL for developers and database administrators building applications and services.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.3$245 one-time - 22
PostgreSQL
Free, open-source object-relational database with support for complex data types and workloads.
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows6.3Free plan - 23
DigitalOcean Managed Databases
DigitalOcean Managed Databases is a paid cloud service for running managed database clusters without manually installing, configuring, maintaining,…
WebAPI6.2From $15 a month - 24
Render
Render is a cloud platform for deploying and scaling applications, websites, databases, and workflows.
WebAPI6.2From $25 a month - 25
ALTIBASE
Paid database available for self-hosting on Linux, with a 90-day trial.
Free planLinuxSelf-hosted6.1Free plan
Choosing well
What will the database cost?
Check whether a free plan or free option fits your needs, then compare the paid starting price and trial availability.
For example, Azure SQL Database, MySQL, and Neon list free plans. Aiven for PostgreSQL lists a free plan and a paid starting price.
Should you choose a managed service or self-hosted database?
Choose based on whether you want a managed service or plan to host and operate the database yourself.
Compare the deployment model and managed-service details before deciding; the product name alone does not tell you how it is offered.
What reliability and backup features should you compare?
Compare high availability, read replicas, and backup retention against your recovery needs.
These are separate comparison points, so check the details for the database and deployment option you are considering.
Do you need JSON support or a particular connection limit?
Check JSON data support and maximum connections if your application depends on either.
Compare the listed limits and support rather than assuming they are the same across database products.
Which platforms does it need to run on?
Choose a database whose listed platforms match how you plan to access or host it.
If you need an Android app, verify that directly: the platform facts here do not establish Android app support. Also check licensing if you need to read or change the code.
Questions people ask
Can I manage a relational database from an Android phone?
The platform facts here do not confirm Android app support. Check the product's current app and access options for the tasks you need.
Should I use a managed database or self-host one?
Choose based on whether you want a managed service or plan to operate the database yourself. Compare deployment and managed-service details for your preferred product.
What should I check for database backups and availability?
Compare backup retention and high availability, and check whether read replicas are available for the deployment option you plan to use.
Do relational databases support JSON data?
JSON data support is a comparison point for this list. Check the details for the database you are considering.