Azure Cosmos DB vs Amazon DynamoDB: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Azure Cosmos DB and Amazon DynamoDB 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 Azure Cosmos DB if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Azure Cosmos DB
Globally distributed multi-model database on Azure
Best for you if:
- • You want multi-model database
Amazon DynamoDB
Serverless NoSQL database with single-digit millisecond latency
Best for you if:
- • You want fully managed NoSQL
| At a Glance | Azure Cosmos DB | Amazon DynamoDB |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0.008/100 RU/s/hour Provisioned | $0.00065/WCU/hour Provisioned |
Category | Data & Databases Cloud & Infrastructure | Data & Databases Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.2/5 G2 4.2 68 reviews | 2.9/5 G2 4.4 · Trustpilot 1.3 951 reviews |
Free plan | No | No |
Watch out for | Backup storage costs can add up | n/a |
Choose Azure Cosmos DB or Amazon DynamoDB?
Choose Azure Cosmos DB if
- You want multi-model database
- You want global distribution
Choose Amazon DynamoDB if
- You want fully managed NoSQL
- You want single-digit millisecond latency
- Budget matters ($0.00065/WCU/hour vs $0.008/100 RU/s/hour)
In-Depth Analysis
Azure Cosmos DB
Globally distributed multi-model database on Azure
Azure Cosmos DB offers a generous Free Tier, making it accessible for initial development.
Watch out
Backup storage costs can add up
Strengths
- Pro: Multi-model database
- Pro: Global distribution
- Pro: Multiple consistency levels
- Pro: Serverless option
- Pro: Good for geo-distributed apps
Weaknesses
- Con: Expensive
- Con: Complex pricing (RUs)
- Con: Vendor lock-in
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Some limitations per model
Key features
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
- Pro: Fully managed NoSQL
- Pro: Single-digit millisecond latency
- Pro: Scales automatically
- Pro: Serverless option
- Pro: Global tables
Weaknesses
- Con: Pricing complex
- Con: Query limitations
- Con: No joins or complex queries
- Con: Vendor lock-in
- Con: Learning curve for data modeling
Key features
Pricing: Azure Cosmos DB vs Amazon DynamoDB
| Plan | Azure Cosmos DB | Amazon DynamoDB |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Tier | Free Tier |
| Tier 2 | $0.25 /1M RUs Serverless | $1.25 /1M writes On-Demand |
| Tier 3 | $0.008 /100 RU/s/hour Provisioned | $0.00065 /WCU/hour Provisioned |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Azure Cosmos DB pricing and Amazon DynamoDB pricing.
Key Takeaways
Amazon DynamoDB
- Larger review base (951 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Azure Cosmos DB
- Higher user rating: 4.2/5 vs 2.9/5
The Bottom Line
Amazon DynamoDB wins this matchup. MongoDB is our overall Managed Databases pick. MongoDB is our free Managed Databases pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Azure Cosmos DB or Amazon DynamoDB better in 2026?
Amazon DynamoDB wins this matchup. MongoDB is our overall Managed Databases pick. MongoDB is our free Managed Databases pick. Pick Azure Cosmos DB for data & databases workflows (main strength: multi-model database). Pick Amazon DynamoDB for data & databases workflows (main strength: fully managed NoSQL).
What are Azure Cosmos DB and Amazon DynamoDB used for?
Azure Cosmos DB: Globally distributed multi-model database on Azure. Amazon DynamoDB: Serverless NoSQL database with single-digit millisecond latency.
What does Azure Cosmos DB cost vs Amazon DynamoDB?
Azure Cosmos DB's paid plans start at $0.008/100 RU/s/hour (Provisioned). Amazon DynamoDB's paid plans start at $0.00065/WCU/hour (Provisioned).
What's the main difference between Azure Cosmos DB and Amazon DynamoDB?
Azure Cosmos DB's main strength: multi-model database. Amazon DynamoDB's main strength: fully managed NoSQL.