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 wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. Pick ScyllaDB if you need a free tier to start with.
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:
ScyllaDB
High-performance NoSQL database
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
Amazon DynamoDB
Serverless NoSQL database with single-digit millisecond latency
Best for you if:
- • You want fully managed NoSQL
| At a Glance | ScyllaDB | Amazon DynamoDB |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | $0.00065/WCU/hour Provisioned |
Category | Data & Databases Cloud & Infrastructure | Data & Databases Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 3.9/5 PeerSpot 3.9 12 reviews | 2.9/5 G2 4.4 · Trustpilot 1.3 951 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose ScyllaDB or Amazon DynamoDB?
Choose ScyllaDB if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want fast Cassandra alternative
- You want good performance
Choose Amazon DynamoDB if
- You want fully managed NoSQL
- You want single-digit millisecond latency
In-Depth Analysis
ScyllaDB
High-performance NoSQL database
ScyllaDB's pricing is quite fair and generous, especially with a robust open-source option.
Strengths
- Pro: Fast Cassandra alternative
- Pro: Good performance
- Pro: C++ based
- Pro: Active development
- Pro: Good documentation
Weaknesses
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Cassandra compatibility
- Con: Enterprise features paid
- Con: Operational complexity
- Con: Smaller community
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: 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.
Key Takeaways
Amazon DynamoDB
- Larger review base (951 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
ScyllaDB
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Amazon DynamoDB wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. ScyllaDB has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ScyllaDB or Amazon DynamoDB better in 2026?
Amazon DynamoDB wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. Pick ScyllaDB for data & databases workflows (main strength: fast Cassandra alternative). Pick Amazon DynamoDB for data & databases workflows (main strength: fully managed NoSQL).
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 pricing is on their site. Amazon DynamoDB's paid plans start at $0.00065/WCU/hour (Provisioned).
What's the main difference between ScyllaDB and Amazon DynamoDB?
ScyllaDB's main strength: fast Cassandra alternative. Amazon DynamoDB's main strength: fully managed NoSQL.