Best Free PostgreSQL & MongoDB Hosting Alternatives

Finding a managed database that doesn't ask for a credit card right away can be difficult. If you're building a prototype, you want something fast, free, and secure. Here's a breakdown of the best available options right now.

1. MongoDB Atlas (Best for NoSQL)

MongoDB Atlas remains the absolute best choice for document-based databases. Their M0 "Shared cluster" tier offers 512MB of storage entirely for free with no credit card required. This is enough for most side project traffic levels.

2. Supabase (Best for PostgreSQL)

Supabase is often called "the open source Firebase." The free tier grants you a fully functioning Postgres database, 500MB of storage, plus auth and real-time features. Keep in mind that free projects may be periodically paused if inactive.

3. PlanetScale (Best for MySQL - Honorable Mention)

While PlanetScale recently adjusted their free tier, they still provide an excellent serverless MySQL database solution. Be aware, usage thresholds apply, and they do not support foreign keys traditionally.

4. Using Docker on a PaaS

If you prefer self-hosting your database, an increasingly popular method is to deploy a Dockerized PostgreSQL or MongoDB instance on a free cloud provider like Remoud. You persist your data with storage volumes and bypass aggressive provider limitations altogether.