Side by side

Azure SQL Database vs H2 Database Engine

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.

Azure SQL Database

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 Database

H2 Database Engine

Free plan APILinuxMac+3

H2 offers several deployment modes, SQL interfaces, and compatibility modes without a listed price. Its explicit caution about untrusted connections should shape deployment decisions.

Visit H2 Database Engine

The facts

	Azure SQL Database	H2 Database Engine
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	No	Not published
Runs on	Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows	API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Free or on request
Plans published	5	1
Maker	Not published	H2 Database Engine
Website	azure.microsoft.com	h2database.com
On relational databases	#4 of 38	#8 of 38

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.

H2 Database Engine: what it does well

Free to use, with source code included.
Supports embedded, server, and mixed modes.
Offers a browser-based Console with autocomplete.
Dual licensed under MPL 2.0 or EPL 1.0.

What to know first

Not designed for adversarial environments.
Guidance warns against untrusted server connections.
Remote JDBC TLS is listed; no broader security claim is given.

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