Top 7 Databases for Developing Web Applications in 2025

Each database has its own strengths and weaknesses and is useful for different software development requirements. Whether you're building your first app or diving deeper into backend development, understanding these databases will give you a solid foundation.

Why Choosing the Right Database Matters?

It's easy to think of a database as just a place to store information, but it plays a core role in delivering the experience you want your customers to have. A right database helps in visualizing your data on fingertips. 

1. Performance and User Experience

Are you wondering how the choice of database can impact the app's performance? Imagine an eCommerce website loading slowly or processing payments slowly. Will your customers wait or leave? Customers want quick services, and even a few seconds of delay can frustrate them.

For businesses, this delay means loss of revenue and customers, especially if they face delays frequently. A high-performance database such as Redis or PostgreSQL can solve this load issue so that your customers can shop freely and you keep earning.

2. Scalability as You Grow

Customers and their demands will always grow. It isn't good for your business if your web application can handle only a fixed load. A new web app is required to handle the growing load, or you must switch to a new database.

A scalable database like DynamoDB or MongoDB is preferable for high-growth businesses. These databases can handle growing user numbers without compromising performance, even during peak times.

3. Data Security and Compliance

Imagine an intruder entering and stealing important data of your customers or business, especially if you are into healthcare or finance. Data breaches are common in these sectors. Therefore, every choice should guarantee the security of your web application.

A database is the center of this goal. Beyond storage, it protects your data. Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server have advanced security features to prevent your app and business from data breaches. Their features also ensure that the application is performing under the industry standards.

4. Flexibility to Adapt to Changing Needs

Web applications never work with one type of data. Whether it's structured data like transaction records or unstructured data like social media feeds, your database should be able to work with every form of data. MongoDB and Elasticsearch are two different databases available for diverse data needs. 

5. Cost-Effectiveness

Lastly, the choice of database matters for your web application because it comes with cost. Although there are some free databases, others require license fees to use them.

Expensive ones are not always good, and free ones are not always bad. They should offer support features or are good enough to handle complex needs. Weigh the cost against the features and decide which works for you.

If cost is your focus, choose PostgreSQL and MySQL. Oracle and Microsoft SQL are best for 

developing enterprise web apps.

Types of Databases on the Web

Before you check out our database list, learn about the types of databases available. They are generally categorized into two types: relational and non-relational.

Relational databases: Data is stored in tables related to each other. This is used for storing structured data.

Non-relational databases: Data is stored in formats different from tables with rows and columns. This is best for storing unstructured data.

Some more database types:

• Cloud: It stores data in different cloud environments.
• Hierarchical: It stores data in tree format, and each branch has relations with the other.
• Object-oriented: Data is kept as objects rather than in any table or tree format.
• Graph: This one is used where data has multiple relations with each other and are interconnected.

List of Top 7 Databases for Your Next Web App

The list of best databases is long, but our experts have hand-picked the top 7 investments in developing high-performing web applications. You can even directly ask our data experts for the suggestions.

1. PostgreSQL

Released in 1996, PostgreSQL or Postgres is still the most popular and preferred database. Its open-source nature and support for advanced data types make it a go-to database for web applications.

PostgreSQL supports ACID (atomicity, consistency, isolation, and durability), which means that your web app will not be impacted by disruptions at the hardware, software, or network end.

Best For: Applications where data analytics, real-time processing, and data integrity are the top priorities.

Price: Free for individual and commercial use.

2. MySQL

Web app developers swear by MySQL for CMS and eCommerce development. These applications require a strong tech stack to handle huge amounts of data. MySQL's vertical scaling support fulfills this requirement. All it needs is enhancement in the server's hardware.

Furthermore, MySQL database is compatible with WordPress, Shopify, Drupal, Joomla, and other CMS. You can easily develop an eCommerce website using any of these platforms without doing any additional configuration.

Best For: Web development, CMS platforms like WordPress, eCommerce, and applications with relatively simple data structures.

Price: Free and Paid plans are available.

3. SQLite

All the above two database technologies in our list are heavy, but SQLite goes by its name. It is a lightweight, serverless database, which is ideal for apps with limited storage or processing power. Setting up SQLite is also easy, so even a new web app developer can use it.

Since it stores data in a single file, SQLite's processing speed is fast. However, it is not recommended for high-traffic web applications.

Best For: Mobile apps, embedded systems, small desktop applications, and prototyping.

Price: No license fee required.

4. Microsoft SQL Server

Enterprises must use Microsoft SQL Server. This powerful relational database management system gives you immense control over data and has advanced security features. These are the basic demands of enterprise web apps, and Microsoft SQL Server fulfills all of them.

Its integration with the Microsoft ecosystem makes it an even more attractive option for enterprises using Microsoft's suite of products. The server can scale and perform well under high-load conditions. However, it is expensive compared to other databases in our lists.

Best For: Large enterprises, applications requiring complex data transactions, and applications built on the Microsoft stack.

Price: The Developer and Express edition is free, whereas the enterprise edition costs $15,123.

5. MongoDB

There are two reasons to use MongoDB: it has a scalable architecture and can reduce data load. This non-relational database can work with unstructured and structured data, even when your application is scaling. MongoDB allows you to transfer data to memory, saving space in the hardware and speeding up the data fetching process.

Best For: Real-time applications, content management, IoT applications, and scenarios where data flexibility is key.

Price: Atlas and enterprise plans are available in MongoDB. In the free edition, you get 512MB of storage with shared RAM and CPU. The enterprise edition comes with a license, support feature, security feature, business intelligence integration, and more.

6. Redis

Redis is a fast, in-memory data store and non-relational database. It is often used as a caching layer for applications that need great performance. It can process millions of requests per second.

Best For: Caching, session storage, real-time analytics, and high-speed data access.

Price: The basic edition is free since Redis is an open-source database. However, you need to purchase a license for commercial use.

7. MariaDB

MariaDB came as a replacement for MySQL. The goal was to maintain open-source independence after MySQL went to Oracle. So, which database is better- MySQL or MariaDB? We suggest using a later one because it is faster for replication and querying activities.

This database is compatible with applications built on MySQL. Several cloud platforms support it, and it is, by default, in Linux. Recently, MariaDB received new functionalities such as advanced clustering with Galera Cluster 4, Temporal Data Tables, and compatibility with the 

Oracle database.

Best For: Web applications, CMS platforms, eCommerce, and applications needing a MySQL-compatible database with enhanced features.

Price: Some of MariaDB's features are free, but enterprises need to request a quote according to their needs to use this database.

8. Oracle

How can we forget Oracle's flagship product, which was the first one to be released for commercial use? Also known as the Oracle RDBMS, this powerful multi-model database is considered the best choice for developing high-end web applications. Why?

Because Oracle is reliable, scalable, and can bear the massive load. The best part is its cloud compatibility, meaning all your data can be stored on Oracle whether your web app is hosted on a public or private cloud. It even offers AI compatibility and a disaster recovery option to save your web app from data losses.

Best For: Large enterprises, mission-critical applications, financial and banking systems, and high-performance applications.

Price: Oracle database pricing depends on what you need and your location. The enterprise edition for the USA region costs $0.215 OCPU per hour.

Which Database is Better?

A database is the strong foundation of any software or application. Without it, neither your app nor your business can thrive. Therefore, it is important to pick the best one before developing.

Our above list of databases should have given you an overview of every database type, its pros and cons, and its prices. Are you handling complex transactions? Then PostgreSQL or SQL Server might be right. Building a real-time leaderboard? Redis has you covered. Need a flexible schema? MongoDB could be a good fit.

Still trying to understand? Consult our data experts to start with the right database for your app's success.