Side by side
Aiven for PostgreSQL vs Azure SQL Database
Both stand on relational databases. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source APISelf-hostedWeb
Aiven for PostgreSQL handles routine database operations and includes recovery features, with extensions and cloud-provider options. The free tier has tight capacity and support limits, so production use points toward paid plans.
Visit Aiven for PostgreSQL
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4
Azure SQL Database pairs managed operations with development interfaces, APIs, and recovery capabilities. Review the free-tier limits and overage behavior before relying on the free offer.
Visit Azure SQL DatabaseThe facts
| Aiven for PostgreSQL | Azure SQL Database | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Runs on | API, Self-hosted, Web | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Developer: $5 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 6 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | aiven.io | azure.microsoft.com |
| On relational databases | #1 of 38 | #4 of 38 |
Aiven for PostgreSQL: what it does well
- Automates maintenance, patching, and scaling
- Includes automatic failover and point-in-time recovery
- Lists more than 50 PostgreSQL extensions
- Supports deployment across AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure
What to know first
- Free tier is excluded from the uptime SLA
- Free tier has 1 GB storage
- Free-only customers do not receive support services
Azure SQL Database: what it does well
- Microsoft manages provisioning, patching, and backups.
- Supports standard T-SQL.
- Hyperscale supports up to 30 named replicas.
- Free offer includes up to 10 databases.
- Includes disaster recovery and snapshot-based backups.
What to know first
- Free databases have monthly compute and storage limits.
- Over-limit usage may be billed at standard rates.
- Pay-as-you-go pricing depends on service tier and usage.
Alternatives to Aiven for PostgreSQL Alternatives to Azure SQL Database The whole list