Amazon DynamoDB vs MongoDB: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Amazon DynamoDB and MongoDB 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 wins this matchup. MongoDB is our overall Managed Databases pick. MongoDB is our free Managed Databases pick. Pick MongoDB if you need a free tier to start with.
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:
- • You want fully managed NoSQL
- • You want single-digit millisecond latency
MongoDB
Document database that made NoSQL mainstream
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want flexible schema for rapid development
- • You want excellent for document-oriented data
| At a Glance | Amazon DynamoDB | MongoDB |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0.00065/WCU/hourProvisioned | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | 2.9/5 | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Amazon DynamoDB or MongoDB?
Choose Amazon DynamoDB if
Serverless NoSQL database with single-digit millisecond latency
- You want fully managed NoSQL
- You want single-digit millisecond latency
Choose MongoDB if
Document database that made NoSQL mainstream
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want flexible schema for rapid development
- You want excellent for document-oriented data
| Feature | Amazon DynamoDB | MongoDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★2.9/5 951 reviews | ★4.6/5 1,376 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.
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
MongoDB
Document database that made NoSQL mainstream
However, the jump to Dedicated M10 at $57/month and M30 at $389/month can become expensive for growing production workloads, especially considering the storage and RAM provided.
Watch out
Backup storage costs extra
Strengths
- +Flexible schema for rapid development
- +Excellent for document-oriented data
- +Horizontal scaling built-in
- +Atlas cloud service is user-friendly
- +Good for real-time analytics
Weaknesses
- -Not ideal for complex relationships
- -Transactions less mature than SQL databases
- -Can be expensive at scale on Atlas
- -Query performance requires proper indexing
- -License changes caused community concerns
Key features
Pricing: Amazon DynamoDB vs MongoDB
| Plan | Amazon DynamoDB | MongoDB |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Tier | $0 Free (M0) |
| Tier 2 | $1.25 /1M writes On-Demand | $0.011/hour Flex Cluster |
| Tier 3 | $0.00065 /WCU/hour Provisioned | $57 Dedicated M10 |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $389 Dedicated M30 |
| Tier 5 | N/A | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Amazon DynamoDB pricing and MongoDB pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
MongoDB has a free tier. Amazon DynamoDB is paid only.
Go with: MongoDB
Want the highest-rated option?
Amazon DynamoDB: 2.9/5 (951 reviews). MongoDB: 4.6/5 (1,376 reviews).
Go with: MongoDB
Value user reviews?
Amazon DynamoDB: 951 reviews (2.9/5). MongoDB: 1,376 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: MongoDB
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Amazon DynamoDB is paid. MongoDB is freemium. MongoDB lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are data & databases tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
MongoDB is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 2.9/5.
Key Takeaways
Amazon DynamoDB
- Our pick for this comparison
MongoDB
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 2.9/5
- Larger review base (1,376 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Amazon DynamoDB wins this matchup. MongoDB is our overall Managed Databases pick. MongoDB is our free Managed Databases pick. MongoDB has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amazon DynamoDB or MongoDB better?
Amazon DynamoDB is rated in our evaluation. Amazon DynamoDB is paid and MongoDB is freemium.
What are Amazon DynamoDB and MongoDB used for?
Amazon DynamoDB: Serverless NoSQL database with single-digit millisecond latency. MongoDB: Document database that made NoSQL mainstream.
What does Amazon DynamoDB cost vs MongoDB?
Amazon DynamoDB is a paid tool. MongoDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.