ScyllaDB vs Amazon DynamoDB: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between ScyllaDB 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 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:
ScyllaDB
High-performance NoSQL database
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • ScyllaDB is a high-performance NoSQL database compatible with Cassandra
- • It delivers 10x better throughput with consistent low latency
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 |  ScyllaDB |  Amazon DynamoDB |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Usage-based/moCloud Professional | $1.25/1M writesOn-Demand |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | - | - |
Choose ScyllaDB or Amazon DynamoDB?
Choose ScyllaDB if
High-performance NoSQL database
- Fast Cassandra alternative
- Good performance
- C++ based
Choose Amazon DynamoDB if
Serverless NoSQL database with single-digit millisecond latency
- Fully managed NoSQL
- Single-digit millisecond latency
- Scales automatically
| Feature | ScyllaDB | Amazon DynamoDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★3.9/5 12 reviews | ★4.4/5 545 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesCloud & Infrastructure | Data & DatabasesCloud & Infrastructure |
In-Depth Analysis
ScyllaDB
High-performance NoSQL database
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
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: ScyllaDB vs Amazon DynamoDB
| Plan | ScyllaDB | Amazon DynamoDB |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | Free Tier |
| Tier 2 | Usage-based Cloud Professional | $1.25 /1M writes On-Demand |
| Tier 3 | Custom Cloud Enterprise | $0.00065 /WCU/hour Provisioned |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on ScyllaDB pricing and Amazon DynamoDB 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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: ScyllaDB
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Amazon DynamoDB
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
ScyllaDB is freemium. Amazon DynamoDB is paid. 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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Amazon DynamoDB
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 3.9/5
- Larger review base (545 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
ScyllaDB
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Amazon DynamoDB is our pick. ScyllaDB has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ScyllaDB or Amazon DynamoDB better?
Amazon DynamoDB is rated in our evaluation. ScyllaDB is freemium and Amazon DynamoDB is paid.
What are ScyllaDB and Amazon DynamoDB used for?
ScyllaDB: High-performance NoSQL database. Amazon DynamoDB: Serverless NoSQL database with single-digit millisecond latency.
What does ScyllaDB cost vs Amazon DynamoDB?
ScyllaDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Amazon DynamoDB is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.