Best database tools
Cloud databases, serverless data platforms, and backend-as-a-service tools.
The database landscape has shifted dramatically toward managed, serverless options. Modern database platforms handle provisioning, scaling, backups, and maintenance so developers can focus on building. Many now include auth, real-time subscriptions, and edge functions — blurring the line between database and backend-as-a-service.
Key decisions include SQL vs NoSQL, serverless vs provisioned, and managed vs self-hosted. Serverless databases like Neon and PlanetScale charge based on usage, making them cost-effective for variable workloads. Traditional managed options from providers like AWS and GCP offer more control but require more operational knowledge.
When choosing a database platform, consider your data model, query patterns, scaling needs, and team expertise. A Postgres-based platform is the safest default for most applications, while specialized options make sense for specific use cases like real-time apps or document storage.
All database tools
Open-source Firebase alternative providing a Postgres database, authentication, storage, and edge functions.
Serverless MySQL platform with branching, non-blocking schema changes, and unlimited scalability.
Serverless Postgres with autoscaling, branching, and a generous free tier for modern applications.
Google's app development platform providing a realtime database, authentication, hosting, and cloud functions.
Low-code platform combining spreadsheet simplicity with database power, automations, and interfaces.
Serverless database platform with full-text search, analytics, and file attachments on Postgres.
Edge-hosted distributed database built on libSQL (SQLite fork) for ultra-low latency reads.
Managed MongoDB service with auto-scaling, full-text search, and multi-cloud support.
Distributed SQL database designed for global scale, resilience, and strong consistency.
Serverless Redis, Kafka, and QStash with per-request pricing for edge and serverless.
Instant GraphQL and REST APIs on Postgres, SQL Server, and other data sources.
Next-generation ORM for Node.js and TypeScript with type safety and migrations.
Reactive backend-as-a-service with real-time sync, scheduled functions, and file storage.
Popular database comparisons
vs
vs
vs
vs
vs
vs
Find alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Should I use SQL or NoSQL?
What is serverless database?
How do I choose between Supabase, PlanetScale, and Neon?
Stay sharp
New database tools, price changes, and honest takes — weekly.