Amazon DynamoDB vs RethinkDB: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Amazon DynamoDB and RethinkDB side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, RethinkDB leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
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:
Amazon DynamoDB
Serverless NoSQL database with single-digit millisecond latency
Best for you if:
- • You want fully managed NoSQL
RethinkDB
Real-time database for modern apps
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Amazon DynamoDB requires payment)
| At a Glance | Amazon DynamoDB | RethinkDB |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Not published | Free 100% free |
Category | Data & Databases Cloud & Infrastructure | Data & Databases WebSocket Tools |
Rating | 2.9/5 G2 4.4 · Trustpilot 1.3 951 reviews | 4.3/5 G2 4.3 15 reviews |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Amazon DynamoDB or RethinkDB?
Choose Amazon DynamoDB if
- You want fully managed NoSQL
- You want single-digit millisecond latency
Choose RethinkDB if
- You want a fully free tool (Amazon DynamoDB requires payment)
- You want real-time database
- You want good for live updates
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
- 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
RethinkDB
Real-time database for modern apps
RethinkDB's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it is entirely open-source and free.
Strengths
- Pro: Real-time database
- Pro: Good for live updates
- Pro: Open source
- Pro: Good query language
- Pro: Push architecture
Weaknesses
- Con: Less popular now
- Con: Company dissolved
- Con: Community smaller
- Con: Production concerns
- Con: Better alternatives exist
Key features
Plans and prices: Amazon DynamoDB vs RethinkDB
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon DynamoDB |
| aws.amazon.com/dynamodb/pricingread Oct 1, 2026 |
| RethinkDB |
| rethinkdb.comread Oct 4, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Amazon DynamoDB pricing and RethinkDB pricing.
Key Takeaways
Amazon DynamoDB
- Choose if you want serverless NoSQL database with single-digit millisecond latency
RethinkDB
- Has a free plan
What the data shows
On the data below, RethinkDB leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- User ratings rest on too few reviews to rank (2.9/5 from 951 reviews for Amazon DynamoDB, 4.3/5 from 15 reviews for RethinkDB; we compare ratings only above 20 reviews on both sides).
- Only RethinkDB has a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Amazon DynamoDB and RethinkDB compare in 2026?
On the data below, RethinkDB leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. User ratings rest on too few reviews to rank (2.9/5 from 951 reviews for Amazon DynamoDB, 4.3/5 from 15 reviews for RethinkDB; we compare ratings only above 20 reviews on both sides). Only RethinkDB has a free plan.
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 has no public paid-plan price on file. RethinkDB is free. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 4, 2026.
What's the main difference between Amazon DynamoDB and RethinkDB?
Amazon DynamoDB's main strength: fully managed NoSQL. RethinkDB's main strength: real-time database.