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Cloudflare D1 vs AWS RDS: Which is Better in 2026?

Choosing between Cloudflare D1 and AWS RDS 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: Cloudflare D1 is our overall pick for data & databases workflows. Pick AWS RDS if you need managed databases.

··Methodology
Editor reviewed0 verified reviews comparedPricing checked Jun 2026

Short on time? Here's the quick answer

We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:

Cloudflare D1

Serverless SQL database at the edge

Best for you if:

  • • You need data & databases features specifically
  • • Serverless SQLite database running on Cloudflare's global edge network
  • • Scale-to-zero pricing with no egress fees and 30-day Time Travel recovery

AWS RDS

Managed relational database service

Best for you if:

  • • You need managed databases features specifically
  • • Amazon RDS is a managed relational database service that automates administrative tasks like provisioning, backups, and patching.
  • • It supports multiple database engines including PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQL Server, Oracle, and Db2, with deployment options like Multi-AZ for high availability and RDS Custom for OS/DB environment customization.
At a Glance
Cloudflare D1Cloudflare D1
AWS RDSAWS RDS
Starts at
FreeFree tier available
$0.016/hourOn-Demand
Best For
Data & DatabasesManaged Databases
Rating
4.6/54.6/5

Choose Cloudflare D1 or AWS RDS?

Cloudflare D1

Choose Cloudflare D1 if

Serverless SQL database at the edge

  • Generous free tier with 5 million reads/day and 5 GB storage
  • No egress charges unlike most cloud databases
  • Scale-to-zero means no cost when inactive
  • Your work is data & databases-shaped, not managed databases-shaped
AWS RDS

Choose AWS RDS if

Managed relational database service

  • Fully managed
  • Multiple databases
  • High availability
  • Your work is managed databases-shaped, not data & databases-shaped
TOP RATED
Cloudflare D1 logo

Cloudflare D1

Serverless SQL database at the edge

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AWS RDS logo

AWS RDS

Managed relational database service

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FeatureCloudflare D1AWS RDS
Pricing ModelFreemiumUsage_based
User Rating
★4.6/5
1,208 reviews
★4.6/5
1,117 reviews
Categories
Data & DatabasesServerless
Managed DatabasesCloud & Infrastructure

In-Depth Analysis

Cloudflare D1Cloudflare D1

Serverless SQL database at the edge

Strengths

  • +Generous free tier with 5 million reads/day and 5 GB storage
  • +No egress charges unlike most cloud databases
  • +Scale-to-zero means no cost when inactive
  • +Time Travel provides built-in disaster recovery
  • +Seamless integration with Cloudflare Workers ecosystem

Weaknesses

  • -10 GB maximum per individual database
  • -SQLite compatibility means no full PostgreSQL/MySQL feature set
  • -Tightly coupled to Cloudflare Workers ecosystem
  • -Not suited for single large monolithic databases
  • -Relatively new product with evolving feature set

Key features

Serverless SQLite database on Cloudflare edge networkAutomatic read replication for low-latency global accessTime Travel backup with 30-day point-in-time recoveryNative integration with Cloudflare Workers and PagesStandard SQL query support via D1 Client APIScale-to-zero billing with no idle charges
Starts at Free

AWS RDSAWS RDS

Managed relational database service

Strengths

  • +Fully managed
  • +Multiple databases
  • +High availability

Weaknesses

  • -AWS lock-in
  • -Can be expensive

Key features

Multiple enginesAutomated backupsMulti-AZ deploymentRead replicasPerformance insightsAuto scaling
Starts at $0.016/hour

Pricing: Cloudflare D1 vs AWS RDS

PlanCloudflare D1AWS RDS
Tier 1N/A
Free
Free Tier
Tier 2N/A
$0.016 /hour
On-Demand
Tier 3N/A
30-70% off 1-3 year term
Reserved

Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Cloudflare D1 pricing and AWS RDS pricing.

Who Should Use What?

On a budget?

Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.

Go with: Cloudflare D1

Want the highest-rated option?

Cloudflare D1: 4.6/5 (1,208 reviews). AWS RDS: 4.6/5 (1,117 reviews).

Go with: Cloudflare D1

Value user reviews?

Cloudflare D1: 1,208 reviews (4.6/5). AWS RDS: 1,117 reviews (4.6/5).

Go with: Cloudflare D1

3 Questions to Help You Decide

1

What's your budget?

Cloudflare D1 is freemium. AWS RDS is usage_based. Cloudflare D1 lets you start free.

2

What's your use case?

Cloudflare D1 is a data & databases tool. AWS RDS is in managed databases. Pick the category that matches your needs.

3

How important are ratings?

Both are rated 4.6/5.

Key Takeaways

Cloudflare D1

  • Larger review base (1,208 reviews)
  • Free tier available
  • Our pick for this comparison

AWS RDS

  • Better fit for managed databases

The Bottom Line

Cloudflare D1 is our pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cloudflare D1 or AWS RDS better?

Cloudflare D1 is rated in our evaluation. Cloudflare D1 is freemium and AWS RDS is usage_based.

What are Cloudflare D1 and AWS RDS used for?

Cloudflare D1: Serverless SQL database at the edge. AWS RDS: Managed relational database service.

What does Cloudflare D1 cost vs AWS RDS?

Cloudflare D1 is freemium (free tier + paid plans). AWS RDS is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.

Related Comparisons & Resources

Cloudflare D1 AlternativesAWS RDS AlternativesCloudflare D1 Full ReviewAWS RDS Full Review
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