18.6
SQLite is a transactional SQL database engine that runs inside an application, without a separate server process or configuration.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWeb
Best SQL Databases in 2026
SQL databases store structured information and let applications read, add and change records with SQL. This list covers database software and hosted services, from options such as Firebird and CUBRID to services such as Amazon Aurora and CockroachDB Cloud. Compare SQL standard support, included storage, replication, managed backups and availability SLA. Check deployment options and pricing, including free plans or…
28.1
HSQLDB is a Java-based relational database engine with in-memory and disk-based tables, available in embedded and server modes.
Free planOpen sourceAPILinuxmacOS
38.1
SingleStore Helios is a cloud database-as-a-service available on AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.
Free planWebAPILinux
- 4
TiDB Cloud
TiDB Cloud is a managed cloud database service built around an open-source distributed SQL database with MySQL compatibility.
Free planOpen sourceWebAPILinuxSelf-hosted8.1Free plan - 5
MySQL
MySQL is an open-source database for web, e-commerce, SaaS, and online transaction processing applications.
Free planAPILinuxmacOSSelf-hosted7.9Free plan - 6
IBM Db2
Free planWebAPILinuxSelf-hosted7.4From $630 a month - 7
CockroachDB Cloud
CockroachDB Cloud is a fully managed distributed SQL platform for workloads ranging from development and testing to production applications.
Free planWebAPILinux7.1Free plan - 8
Firebird
Firebird is a free, open-source relational database management system with ANSI SQL features, available for Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted deployment.
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows6.9From €199 a month - 9
Microsoft SQL Server
Free planAPILinuxSelf-hostedWindows6.8Free plan - 10
H2 Database Engine
H2 Database Engine is a free SQL database written in Java.
Free planWebAPILinuxmacOS6.6Free plan - 11
Actian Zen
Actian Zen is an embedded database for managing data across edge environments and the cloud.
AndroidiOSAPILinux6.5 - 12
YugabyteDB Anywhere
YugabyteDB Anywhere (YBA) is a self-managed database-as-a-service for deploying and operating YugabyteDB universes.
Free planWebAPILinuxSelf-hosted6.5Free plan - 13
MariaDB Server
MariaDB Server is a general-purpose, open-source relational database management system for applications, transaction data, analytics, and embedded deployments.
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows6.4Free plan - 14
SAP Extended Enterprise Content Management by OpenText
AndroidiOSWebLinux6.4 - 15
Amazon Aurora
Amazon Aurora is a fully managed relational database service offering PostgreSQL, MySQL, and DSQL engines.
Free planAPI6.3Free plan - 16
IBM Informix
Free planAPILinuxSelf-hostedWindows6.3Free plan - 17
PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL is a free, open-source object-relational database system that uses and extends SQL for complex data workloads.
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows6.3Free plan - 18
ALTIBASE
ALTIBASE is a relational database engine that combines in-memory and on-disk storage.
Free planLinuxSelf-hosted6.1Free plan - 19
CUBRID
CUBRID is a free, self-hosted object-relational database management system for Internet data services.
Free planAPILinuxSelf-hostedWindows6.0Free plan - 20
Mimer SQL Mobile
AndroidAPILinuxSelf-hosted5.9 - 21
Actian Ingres
LinuxWindows4.6 - 22
SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise (SAP ASE)
LinuxWindows4.6 - 234.4
Choosing well
Choose where the database runs
Deployment options on this list include Linux, self-hosted, Windows, macOS, web and API access. Match the option to your server, desktop or hosted setup.
If phone access matters, check the product's stated mobile support rather than assuming a desktop or web listing includes an Android app.
Check SQL compatibility
Compare SQL standard support before moving an application or choosing a new database. Compatibility can affect queries, tools and migration work.
Review backups and replication
Replication options can help maintain copies of data, while managed backups cover backup operations offered by a service. Check what is included and how it fits your recovery plan.
Availability SLA is another comparison point for hosted database services.
Compare free and paid options
A free plan, a free trial or open-source code can change how you evaluate a product. Check the licence and what the free offering covers.
Pricing examples in this category include Actian Ingres with pricing on request and a 30-day trial, and IBM Db2 with a free plan and paid pricing from $630 per month.
Match included storage to your data
Included storage is a listed comparison point. Estimate the data your application needs and check how storage is provided before selecting a service or server package.
Questions people ask
Are free SQL database options listed?
Yes. CUBRID, Firebird, H2 Database Engine and IBM Informix are listed with free pricing or a free plan. Other products may use freemium, paid or trial pricing.
Can I run these databases on Linux or Windows?
Linux and Windows are among the deployment platforms represented in this category. Check the individual product page for its supported setup.
Which comparison points matter for hosted databases?
Review availability SLA, replication options, managed backups, included storage, SQL standard support, deployment options and pricing.
Are trials available?
Free trials are offered by items in this category. Actian Ingres and Actian Zen list 30-day trials; check each product's terms before starting.