Side by side
Aiven for PostgreSQL vs HSQLDB
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 Open source APILinuxMac+2
HSQLDB offers a broad relational database feature set with free software and optional paid support. Check its storage limits and license terms against your deployment needs.
Visit HSQLDBThe facts
| Aiven for PostgreSQL | HSQLDB | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | API, Self-hosted, Web | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Developer: $5 a month | Developer SupportWare: $100 a year |
| Plans published | 6 | 11 |
| Maker | Not published | HSQLDB |
| Website | aiven.io | hsqldb.org |
| On relational databases | #1 of 38 | #2 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
HSQLDB: what it does well
- Supports embedded and server modes.
- Includes in-memory and disk-based tables.
- Supports lock-based and MVCC transactions.
- Database software is free under its licenses.
- Offers command-line and GUI query tools.
What to know first
- Memory tables are limited by available memory.
- TEXT tables are limited to 256GB each.
- CACHED table size defaults to 8TB.
- Paid subscriptions are required for listed priority support.
Alternatives to Aiven for PostgreSQL Alternatives to HSQLDB The whole list

