Amazon DynamoDB vs Cassandra: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Amazon DynamoDB and Cassandra comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Amazon DynamoDB is our overall pick for data & databases workflows. Pick Cassandra if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Amazon DynamoDB
Serverless NoSQL database with single-digit millisecond latency
Best for you if:
- • Amazon DynamoDB is a serverless NoSQL database designed for applications requiring single-digit millisecond latency
- • It scales automatically to handle any workload with built-in security and backup capabilities
Cassandra
Distributed NoSQL database for massive scale
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Apache Cassandra is a distributed NoSQL database designed for massive scalability
- • It handles petabytes of data across multiple data centers with no single point of failure
| At a Glance |  Amazon DynamoDB |  Cassandra |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0.00065/WCU/hourProvisioned | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 5.0/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Amazon DynamoDB or Cassandra?
Choose Amazon DynamoDB if
Serverless NoSQL database with single-digit millisecond latency
- Fully managed NoSQL
- Single-digit millisecond latency
- Scales automatically
Choose Cassandra if
Distributed NoSQL database for massive scale
- Highly scalable
- No single point of failure
- Good for write-heavy
- You want a fully free tool (Amazon DynamoDB requires payment)
| Feature | Amazon DynamoDB | Cassandra |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 549 reviews | ★5.0/5 5 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesCloud & Infrastructure | Data & DatabasesCloud & Infrastructure |
In-Depth Analysis
Amazon DynamoDB
Serverless NoSQL database with single-digit millisecond latency
DynamoDB's pricing is generally fair, especially with the generous Free Tier and the upcoming 50% price reduction in Jan 2025.
Watch out
Data transfer out charges
Strengths
- +Fully managed NoSQL
- +Single-digit millisecond latency
- +Scales automatically
- +Serverless option
- +Global tables
Weaknesses
- -Pricing complex
- -Query limitations
- -No joins or complex queries
- -Vendor lock-in
- -Learning curve for data modeling
Key features
Cassandra
Distributed NoSQL database for massive scale
The pricing for Cassandra is exceptionally fair and generous, as the core product is entirely open source and free to use.
Watch out
Significant operational overhead for self-management
Strengths
- +Highly scalable
- +No single point of failure
- +Good for write-heavy
- +Geo-distribution
- +Open source
Weaknesses
- -Complex to operate
- -Learning curve
- -Query limitations
- -Resource intensive
- -Not for small scale
Key features
Pricing: Amazon DynamoDB vs Cassandra
| Plan | Amazon DynamoDB | Cassandra |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Tier | Free Open Source |
| Tier 2 | $1.25 /1M writes On-Demand | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $0.00065 /WCU/hour Provisioned | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Amazon DynamoDB pricing and Cassandra pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Cassandra is free. Amazon DynamoDB is paid.
Go with: Cassandra
Want the highest-rated option?
Amazon DynamoDB: 4.4/5 (549 reviews). Cassandra: 5.0/5 (5 reviews).
Go with: Cassandra
Value user reviews?
Amazon DynamoDB: 549 reviews (4.4/5). Cassandra: 5 reviews (5.0/5).
Go with: Amazon DynamoDB
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Amazon DynamoDB is paid. Cassandra is free. Go with Cassandra if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are data & databases tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Cassandra is rated higher: 5.0/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Amazon DynamoDB
- Larger review base (549 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Cassandra
- Completely free
- Higher user rating: 5.0/5 vs 4.4/5
The Bottom Line
Amazon DynamoDB is our pick. That said, Cassandra is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amazon DynamoDB or Cassandra better?
Amazon DynamoDB is rated in our evaluation. Amazon DynamoDB is paid and Cassandra is free.
What are Amazon DynamoDB and Cassandra used for?
Amazon DynamoDB: Serverless NoSQL database with single-digit millisecond latency. Cassandra: Distributed NoSQL database for massive scale.
What does Amazon DynamoDB cost vs Cassandra?
Amazon DynamoDB is a paid tool. Cassandra is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.