Where to host a PostgreSQL database

Deciding where to host your PostgreSQL database for your app can be a crucial decision. With many choices available, the perfect solution depends on factors such as your skills, willingness to trade time for money, and personal preferences.

Local database

FAST FREE REQUIRES SETUP LIMITED TO LOCALHOST

A local database is an excellent option when developing your application on localhost. Using a local database ensures high performance, as the app does not need to fetch data from the internet. However, setting up a local database requires some initial setup. You can find tutorials for your operating system by searching “install PostgreSQL on” on Google or YouTube. For example, here’s a guide for macOS.

It’s important to note that a local database only works on localhost and cannot be accessed from the internet. If you plan to deploy your app on platforms like Vercel or Netlify, you will need to create a new remote database.

Railway

SLOW FREE NO SETUP UNLIMITED PROJECTS

Railway is an excellent option for quickly getting up and running with a remote database. It offers a free plan with no limits on the number of projects you can create. However, the free plan has performance limitations, and after working on several projects, you may need to upgrade to a paid plan for your applications to continue working smoothly. Despite this limitation, Railway’s user interface is simple and user-friendly.

DigitalOcean VPS

$5/m REQUIRES SETUP

DigitalOcean VPS is one of the best options when it comes to having your own server and database on the internet. However, setting up a Linux server and managing it can be challenging and time-consuming. If you’re not excited about this, it’s best to consider other options.

DigitalOcean also offers a managed database service that simplifies the setup and maintenance process. However, this convenience comes at a higher cost. Using a DigitalOcean VPS for both the app and the database has the advantage of having both on the same server, resulting in improved performance.

DigitalOcean Managed Database

PAID $15/m NO SETUP

DigitalOcean Managed Database is a great solution for hosting your database without the need for manual setup and maintenance. This option eliminates extra costs associated with services like Railway while providing peace of mind regarding server management, maintenance, and security. Although it is a paid solution, DigitalOcean offers a $100 free credit for the first two months.

Supabase

FREE FOR 2 PROJECTS CONNECTION POOL NO SETUP

Supabase is an app development platform built on top of PostgreSQL. It offers a free connection pooler that helps manage database connections efficiently. In addition to the database hosting, Supabase also provides features like authentication and subscriptions. The free account allows up to two projects, making it ideal for trying out the platform.

AWS RDS for PostgreSQL

PAID NO SETUP

AWS RDS for PostgreSQL is an optimal solution for those already using Amazon Web Services (AWS). While it may be more complex to set up than other hosted solutions, it offers managed database services, eliminating the need for server management. AWS offers a free tier that includes AWS RDS for PostgreSQL for the first year. Alternatively, you can use AWS EC2 to host your own VPS on Amazon AWS and install PostgreSQL on it.

Tags: hosting, PostgreSQL, database, Railway, DigitalOcean, Supabase, AWS