Amazon DynamoDB vs RethinkDB: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Amazon DynamoDB and RethinkDB 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 RethinkDB 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
RethinkDB
Real-time database for modern apps
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • RethinkDB is a real-time document database with push-based architecture
- • It pushes changes to applications in real-time for live updates
| At a Glance |  Amazon DynamoDB |  RethinkDB |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0.00065/WCU/hourProvisioned | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 3.6/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Amazon DynamoDB or RethinkDB?
Choose Amazon DynamoDB if
Serverless NoSQL database with single-digit millisecond latency
- Fully managed NoSQL
- Single-digit millisecond latency
- Scales automatically
Choose RethinkDB if
Real-time database for modern apps
- Real-time database
- Good for live updates
- Open source
- You want a fully free tool (Amazon DynamoDB requires payment)
| Feature | Amazon DynamoDB | RethinkDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 545 reviews | ★3.6/5 17 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesCloud & Infrastructure | Data & DatabasesWebSocket Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Amazon DynamoDB
Serverless NoSQL database with single-digit millisecond latency
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
RethinkDB
Real-time database for modern apps
Strengths
- +Real-time database
- +Good for live updates
- +Open source
- +Good query language
- +Push architecture
Weaknesses
- -Less popular now
- -Company dissolved
- -Community smaller
- -Production concerns
- -Better alternatives exist
Key features
Pricing: Amazon DynamoDB vs RethinkDB
| Plan | Amazon DynamoDB | RethinkDB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 RethinkDB pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
RethinkDB is free. Amazon DynamoDB is paid.
Go with: RethinkDB
Want the highest-rated option?
Amazon DynamoDB: 4.4/5 (545 reviews). RethinkDB: 3.6/5 (17 reviews).
Go with: Amazon DynamoDB
Value user reviews?
Amazon DynamoDB: 545 reviews (4.4/5). RethinkDB: 17 reviews (3.6/5).
Go with: Amazon DynamoDB
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Amazon DynamoDB is paid. RethinkDB is free. Go with RethinkDB if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are data & databases tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Amazon DynamoDB is rated higher: 4.4/5 vs 3.6/5.
Key Takeaways
Amazon DynamoDB
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 3.6/5
- Larger review base (545 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
RethinkDB
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Amazon DynamoDB is our pick. That said, RethinkDB is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amazon DynamoDB or RethinkDB better?
Amazon DynamoDB is rated in our evaluation. Amazon DynamoDB is paid and RethinkDB is free.
What are Amazon DynamoDB and RethinkDB used for?
Amazon DynamoDB: Serverless NoSQL database with single-digit millisecond latency. RethinkDB: Real-time database for modern apps.
What does Amazon DynamoDB cost vs RethinkDB?
Amazon DynamoDB is a paid tool. RethinkDB is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.