12 NoSQL databases for your next modern project

NoSQL databases are one of the most popular types of databases used in the industry for a variety of use cases.

So what are NoSQL databases? Are they better than regular relational databases? What are the best NoSQL database programs you can consider for your project?

Here we will discuss all the above questions to find out more about it.

What is a NoSQL database?

NoSQL databases can be classified as those that do not store data in the same way as relational databases.

NoSQL databases are often referred to as “not just SQL” or “non-SQL” databases.

When it comes to NoSQL databases, the data is unstructured.

Is there a demand for NoSQL databases?

NoSQL databases are very popular in the industry and continue to grow. It has several advantages over traditional relational databases, increasing the possibilities and capabilities of the cloud to handle large data sets effortlessly.

Technically, NoSQL databases are larger, but the other benefits of NoSQL outweigh the drawbacks, as storage costs are reduced.

In addition to that, some of the best database management and SQL optimization tools will help you manage your database easily.

How are NoSQL databases better? When should you use them?

When it comes to queries, NoSQL databases are found to be faster than SQL databases.

Of course, it depends on the size, but in general when working with large databases NoSQL has an advantage as it has no joins and is fully optimized for queries.

All data is compiled together for a NoSQL database. So you can get it right when you need it.

In addition to performance benefits, NoSQL also offers additional perks:

• Flexible data model : NoSQL databases allow you to easily adjust/change your database and iterate quickly, allowing you to seamlessly add new functionality to your application. So you don’t have to worry if your requirements change.
  
• Scale-out : Rather than scaling up to upgrade server specifications, NoSQL databases give you the flexibility to add server points and migrate your data to make it available to more servers around the world. , which helps distribute capacity.
  
• Easy for developers : Data structures in some NoSQL databases are mapped to data structures in common programming languages, allowing developers to minimize code and reduce development time.

NoSQL databases are the new standard for working with large databases. However, smaller projects can also benefit if you prioritize scaling out in the future, maintaining database flexibility, and making life easier for developers.

Applications for NoSQL databases include medical records, financial services, and more.

Now let’s take a look at the best NoSQL databases for modern projects.

When it comes to NoSQL database services/programs, MongoDB is a popular choice. However, there may be better options for different requirements. Here are some of the best NoSQL databases that also work as MongoDB alternatives.

Raven DB

RavenDB is a robust NoSQL document type database that supports ACID transactions ( atomicity, consistency, isolation, and durability ) long before MongoDB introduced it.

Download for major platforms including Windows, Linux, macOS (Intel), Raspberry Pi, Docker, and more. We also offer managed cloud hosting solutions with APIs to automate and easily manage what you need.

It supports multi-model architectures and is also useful for graph queries.

RavenDB provides an intuitive user experience that facilitates advanced query engines, provides integration with relational databases, and is easy to use even for non-developers.

Get started for free with a community license for on-premises or cloud instances. Of course, it’s limited to certain features, but it’s sufficient for small projects and prototypes.

couch base

Couchbase is a proven solution for cloud, on-premises, hybrid, distributed cloud, and edge computing deployments.

Like the other options, it’s focused on performance, but with flexible JSON Schema support and fully integrated SDKs for Java, .NET, Scala, Go, JavaScript, and Python.

It supports distributed ACID transactions and features a memory-first, high-performance design. Additionally, there are several other key highlights, including support for scale-up and scale-out approaches with a flexible multidimensional scaling architecture.

Couchbase is ideal for mobile and IoT applications.

OrientDB

OrientDB is one of the first multi-model open source NoSQL database programs that lets you take full advantage of graphs and documents.

It is also an ACID-compliant database that supports the most common use cases. You can download the community edition for free or choose the enterprise edition as per your requirements.

Enterprise editions are available as add-ons to open source products. Therefore, using OrientDB, the transition from an on-premises deployment to an enterprise setup should be seamless.

Arango DB

ArangoDB is a popular option for businesses with its ability to store data for graphs, documents, and searches.

It also supports multi-model document databases. Instead of JSON syntax for queries (in some programs), ArangoDB utilizes its own SQL-like query language (AQL) to handle complex queries in an easy-to-use manner.

You get all the essential support to scale and use clutter deployments as needed.

The Community Edition allows you to download it for free as an on-premises product. We support Windows, Linux, macOS, Docker, and SUSE as major platforms.

ArangoDB also offers a fully managed cloud deployment with a free trial, namely ArangoDB OASIS. You can also download the Enterprise edition for free and evaluate it before making a decision.

Neo4j

Neo4j is a NoSQL database focused on storing graph data. If you need more context of your database for analysis, this may be a viable solution.

Like everything else, we also focus on performance, reliability, and integrity. However, focusing on richer content improves ML accuracy and enables better predictions.

It also supports ACID transactions. Streamline your work with integration support with React, GraphQL, Vue, and other open source frameworks.

It offers a variety of products for managed cloud solutions and several products for local or remote projects. After all, you can get started for free.

Apache Cassandra

Apache Cassandra is an open source NoSQL distributed database. While focusing on performance, it is popular for its scalability and high availability.

Considering it doesn’t focus on different data models, you’ll need to learn CQL and Gremlin to work with graph data.

Apache Cassandra is a robust product that supports scalability, provides control, security, and more. However, ACID transactions are not supported. Instead, you can determine transactional consistency.

A variety of cloud products are available, including fully managed solutions.

Mongo DB

I mentioned MongoDB before we started the list, but in case you didn’t know about it. A brief explanation follows.

MongoDB is a NoSQL database platform that supports ACID transactions. Although it has been slower to introduce support than competitors such as RavenDB, it remains a popular option in the industry.

You can get a free open source community edition and a paid version with more features. Fortunately, we offer flexible pricing plans, including inexpensive serverless plans and shared options that start from free.

MongoDB has another service called Realm that helps you quickly develop, build, and release mobile applications. You can find out more about its products on its official website.

MarkLogic Database

MarkLogic Server is a multi-model database with NoSQL capabilities. You can create relational views and semantic data to help you do that.

You can try it for free by signing up for a demo, or choose the free developer version. Options are available for enterprise and cloud products. Although not entirely open source, the MarkLogic Data Hub software that runs as the management platform for MarkLogic Server is completely open source.

If you need a NoSQL database platform with the ability to store relational data and perform analysis using standard SQL, MarkLogic Database is a good candidate.

Aerospike Database 6

Aerospike Database 6 is a multi-model NoSQL database focused on real-time applications.

If you have large data storage and require good scalability, Aerospike Database 6 should be a good alternative. We aim to maintain consistency by utilizing a distributed real-time database.

Like Couchbase, you can store your data using memory, flash, or persistent memory storage architectures to optimize for maximum performance.

There are no free services provided by Aerospike. However, you can try contacting them. Paid plans also give you access to managed cloud services if you need them for your projects.

In addition to these industry-leading options, check out some of the best cloud databases, including:

Amazon DynamoDB

Amazon DynamoDB is a fully managed serverless NoSQL database with excellent scalability support.

Needless to say, if you use any of Amazon’s AWS products, this could be a good option.

Azure Cosmos DB

Azure Cosmos DB is another fully managed NoSQL database tailored for modern app development from Microsoft.

Since it is a serverless database service, it can be used for a variety of use cases with great scalability support. If you’re already using Azure services, this is easy.

data store

Datastore is Google’s fully managed NoSQL solution. Considering that many modern projects tend to use various Google platform services, this can be an easy recommendation.

NoSQL database for your next modern project

No matter which option you choose from the listed options, all NoSQL platforms have different benefits.

Choose from multi-models, documents, graphs, searches, indexes, SQL-like relations, and more. Most programs offer a trial before you make a decision. Also, if you want a self-hosted option, it’s best to choose one that offers an open-source community edition.

If you don’t want to make any compromises, we recommend choosing a fully managed solution.

You can also read more about SQL and SQL. NoSQL and which one to choose for your next project.