Best Distributed SQL Databases in 2026
Updated
In short: CrateDB is ranked #1 of 23 as of 4 October 2026, ahead of MySQL and TBase. The best-ranked option with a free plan is MySQL. The lowest first paid tier on this page is CockroachDB Cloud at $0.06/mo.
Distributed SQL databases are designed for SQL workloads spread across systems or locations. Compare horizontal scaling, geo-partitioning, and multi-region deployment to understand the distribution capabilities shown. HTAP workloads and MySQL and PostgreSQL compatibility help frame workload and integration fit, while deployment model, free-plan availability, and paid-from pricing add practical context. The ranking starts with CrateDB, MySQL, and TBase, with OceanBase Database and VoltDB following among the first entries. Use the listed criteria to assess which options align with your deployment needs, workload patterns, and existing database compatibility requirements.
23 distributed SQL databases ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
12 of the 23 here have a free tier you can use, 0 have open-source code on record, and 0 have full bars: free, open, on most of your devices and documented.
| # | App | Signal | Free tier | Open code | Devices | From | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CrateDBWeb · Windows · Mac · Linux · Self-hosted · API | Three bars | — | 4 of 6 | Free | 6.6 | |
| 2 | MySQLWindows · Mac · Linux · Self-hosted · API | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 6.6 | |
| 3 | TBaseWindows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone · Self-hosted | Three bars | — | 5 of 6 | Free | 6.6 | |
| 4 | OceanBase DatabaseWeb · Windows · Mac · Linux · Self-hosted · API | Three bars | — | 4 of 6 | Free | 6.5 | |
| 5 | VoltDBWeb · Mac · Linux · Self-hosted · API | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 6.5 | |
| 6 | CockroachDB CloudWeb · Linux · API | Two bars | — | 2 of 6 | $0.06/mo | 6.4 | |
| 7 | PrestoDBWeb · Mac · Linux · Self-hosted · API | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 6.4 | |
| 8 | TiDB CloudWeb · API | Two bars | — | 1 of 6 | Free | 6.4 | |
| 9 | YugabyteDB AnywhereWeb · Linux · Self-hosted · API | Two bars | — | 2 of 6 | — | 6.4 | |
| 10 | Amazon RDSWeb · API | Two bars | — | 1 of 6 | Free | 6.3 | |
| 11 | SingleStore HeliosWeb · API | Two bars | — | 1 of 6 | $0.99/mo | 6.3 | |
| 12 | YDBLinux · Self-hosted · API | Two bars | — | 1 of 6 | Free | 6.3 | |
| 13 | Oracle DatabaseSelf-hosted | One bar | — | — | 0 of 6 | — | 5.3 |
| 14 | ActorDBWindows · Mac · Linux · Self-hosted · API | One bar | — | — | 3 of 6 | — | 5.2 |
| 15 | PolarDB-XWeb | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 5.2 |
| 16 | TDSQLWeb | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 5.2 |
| 17 | BigchainDBLinux | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 5.1 |
| 18 | MariaDB Enterprise AnalyticsLinux · Self-hosted | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 5.1 |
| 19 | MatrixOneNo platforms listed | No signal | — | — | 0 of 6 | — | 5.1 |
| 20 | Google Cloud SpannerWeb · Linux · Self-hosted · API | One bar | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 5.0 |
| 21 | Apache IgniteNo platforms listed | No signal | — | — | 0 of 6 | — | 4.9 |
| 22 | Tencent Cloud CDNWeb | One bar | — | — | 1 of 6 | CNY 21/mo | 4.9 |
| 23 | Huawei CloudTable ClickHouseWeb | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 4.8 |
Is your app on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which distributed SQL database is ranked first on Freedom251?
CrateDB is ranked #1 of 23 with a score of 6.6. MySQL is second and TBase third.
How many of these have a free plan?
11 of the 23 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, CockroachDB Cloud has the lowest first paid tier we found: $0.06/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked free-and-open first: a usable free tier and open-source code, then the platforms it runs on and its documentation. Paid placements never change a rank.