RethinkDB vs Amazon DynamoDB: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between RethinkDB 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 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:
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
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
| At a Glance |  RethinkDB |  Amazon DynamoDB |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | $1.25/1M writesOn-Demand |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | - | - |
Choose RethinkDB or Amazon DynamoDB?
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)
Choose Amazon DynamoDB if
Serverless NoSQL database with single-digit millisecond latency
- Fully managed NoSQL
- Single-digit millisecond latency
- Scales automatically
| Feature | RethinkDB | Amazon DynamoDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | ★3.6/5 17 reviews | ★4.4/5 545 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesWebSocket Tools | Data & DatabasesCloud & Infrastructure |
In-Depth Analysis
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
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
Pricing: RethinkDB vs Amazon DynamoDB
| Plan | RethinkDB | Amazon DynamoDB |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | Free Tier |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $1.25 /1M writes On-Demand |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $0.00065 /WCU/hour Provisioned |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on RethinkDB pricing and Amazon DynamoDB pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
RethinkDB is free. Amazon DynamoDB is paid.
Go with: RethinkDB
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: RethinkDB
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Amazon DynamoDB
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
RethinkDB is free. Amazon DynamoDB is paid. 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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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 RethinkDB or Amazon DynamoDB better?
Amazon DynamoDB is rated in our evaluation. RethinkDB is free and Amazon DynamoDB is paid.
What are RethinkDB and Amazon DynamoDB used for?
RethinkDB: Real-time database for modern apps. Amazon DynamoDB: Serverless NoSQL database with single-digit millisecond latency.
What does RethinkDB cost vs Amazon DynamoDB?
RethinkDB is completely free. Amazon DynamoDB is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.