Amazon DynamoDB vs ScyllaDB: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Amazon DynamoDB and ScyllaDB 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. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. Pick ScyllaDB 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
ScyllaDB
High-performance NoSQL database
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want fast Cassandra alternative
- • You want good performance
| At a Glance | Amazon DynamoDB | ScyllaDB |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0.00065/WCU/hourProvisioned | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | 2.9/5 | 3.9/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Amazon DynamoDB or ScyllaDB?
Choose Amazon DynamoDB if
Serverless NoSQL database with single-digit millisecond latency
- You want fully managed NoSQL
- You want single-digit millisecond latency
Choose ScyllaDB if
High-performance NoSQL database
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want fast Cassandra alternative
- You want good performance
| Feature | Amazon DynamoDB | ScyllaDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★2.9/5 951 reviews | ★3.9/5 12 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
ScyllaDB
High-performance NoSQL database
ScyllaDB's pricing is quite fair and generous, especially with a robust open-source option.
Strengths
- +Fast Cassandra alternative
- +Good performance
- +C++ based
- +Active development
- +Good documentation
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Cassandra compatibility
- -Enterprise features paid
- -Operational complexity
- -Smaller community
Key features
Pricing: Amazon DynamoDB vs ScyllaDB
| Plan | Amazon DynamoDB | ScyllaDB |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Tier | Free Open Source |
| Tier 2 | $1.25 /1M writes On-Demand | Usage-based Cloud Professional |
| Tier 3 | $0.00065 /WCU/hour Provisioned | Custom Cloud Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Amazon DynamoDB pricing and ScyllaDB pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
ScyllaDB has a free tier. Amazon DynamoDB is paid only.
Go with: ScyllaDB
Want the highest-rated option?
Amazon DynamoDB: 2.9/5 (951 reviews). ScyllaDB: 3.9/5 (12 reviews).
Go with: ScyllaDB
Value user reviews?
Amazon DynamoDB: 951 reviews (2.9/5). ScyllaDB: 12 reviews (3.9/5).
Go with: Amazon DynamoDB
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Amazon DynamoDB is paid. ScyllaDB is freemium. ScyllaDB lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are data & databases tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
ScyllaDB is rated higher: 3.9/5 vs 2.9/5.
Key Takeaways
Amazon DynamoDB
- Larger review base (951 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
ScyllaDB
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 3.9/5 vs 2.9/5
The Bottom Line
Amazon DynamoDB wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. ScyllaDB has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amazon DynamoDB or ScyllaDB better?
Amazon DynamoDB is rated in our evaluation. Amazon DynamoDB is paid and ScyllaDB is freemium.
What are Amazon DynamoDB and ScyllaDB used for?
Amazon DynamoDB: Serverless NoSQL database with single-digit millisecond latency. ScyllaDB: High-performance NoSQL database.
What does Amazon DynamoDB cost vs ScyllaDB?
Amazon DynamoDB is a paid tool. ScyllaDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.