Best databases in 2026
Databases and backend platforms for storing your app's data. 12 tools, ranked by live GitHub and npm numbers.
Databases comparisons
All 25 comparisonsConvexvsSupabase
Supabase is an open source platform built around a dedicated Postgres database, with auth, storage and auto-generated APIs, so you work in SQL.
SupabasevsFirebase
Supabase is an open source backend built around a dedicated Postgres database, with auth, storage and auto-generated APIs, so you work in SQL.
NeonvsTurso
Neon is a serverless Postgres platform, now owned by Databricks, that separates storage and compute so databases scale to zero and support instant, copy-on-write branching.
SupabasevsAppwrite
Supabase gives every project a dedicated Postgres database alongside auth, storage and auto-generated APIs, with plans priced per organization.
PocketbasevsSupabase
PocketBase is a free, open source backend that ships as a single executable file with an embedded SQLite database, meant to be self-hosted with no official managed cloud.
FirebasevsAppwrite
Firebase is Google's proprietary backend-as-a-service, built around the NoSQL Firestore and Realtime Database, with deep native mobile SDK support.
NeonvsSupabase
Neon is a serverless Postgres platform, now owned by Databricks, focused on scale-to-zero compute and instant, copy-on-write database branching.
PlanetScalevsSupabase
PlanetScale is a managed database platform built by the creators of Vitess, offering pay-as-you-go MySQL and Postgres with no free plan, starting around $5 a month.
Alternatives
How to choose
This category covers two kinds of product. Databases store and query your data: Postgres, MySQL, SQLite, document stores and in-memory stores, usually sold as a managed service. Backend platforms wrap a database with sign-in, file storage and APIs so a small team can ship without building those parts.
Start with the data model. Relational databases suit data with clear relationships and transactions. Document databases suit data whose shape varies. Then decide how much you want bundled: a plain database gives you more control, and a backend platform gets you to a working app sooner.
Check how each one bills before you commit. Some charge a flat monthly price, some meter storage, compute and requests, and open source options are free to run on your own servers.
What to compare
- Data model: relational, document, key-value or SQLite
- Database only, or a backend platform with auth and storage
- Open source or closed, and whether you can self-host
- Free plan limits, and whether free projects pause
- How it bills: flat price or usage-based
- Branching, backups and regions
Questions
What is the difference between a database and a backend platform?
A database stores and queries data. A backend platform includes a database and adds sign-in, file storage, APIs and often server functions, so you write less of the backend yourself.
Should I choose a relational or a document database?
Choose relational when your data has clear relationships and you need transactions and joins. Choose a document database when records vary in shape or you want to store nested data as it is. Many apps start relational and stay there.
Can I self-host an open source database platform?
Usually, yes. Open source platforms publish the code so you can run it on your own servers, but you take on updates, backups and scaling. Each tool page says whether self-hosting is supported and under which license.