Which NoSQL Databases Do You Recommend?
Among the numerous excellent NoSQL databases available, we recommend the following:
1. MongoDB
2. CouchbaseDB
3. Neo4j
4. Cassandra, An Apache Database Management System
5. Redis
6. ApacheHBase
7. RavenDB
Let’s analyze each one separately.

1. MongoDB (Most Popular Choice)
MongoDB is an excellent choice if you need robust and widely used NoSQL databases. According to reports, companies like Uber, Lyft, and Accenture use it.
Documents similar to JSON are used to store information in the document-oriented database MongoDB.
Because it does not rely on predefined schemas, it can accommodate a wide variety of data model configurations.
When it comes to queries, MongoDB is very much like a relational database. If you have worked with databases before, you should find this quite intuitive.
Pros:
- Popular
- Easily scalable
- With a focus on documentation, the system is built to accommodate documents.
- Schema-less
- Robust question-answering syntax
Cons:
Features:
- Large memory capacity for storing information
- Not applicable in all situations
- Discretionary size restrictions for documents
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Features MongoDB Atlas, a cloud solution that simplifies database deployment, administration, and scalability for your MongoDB project. As a result, you may select the appropriate instance size for your workload at a cost that is reasonable for you.
Contains a fantastic graphical user interface (MongoDB Compass) in the business edition that facilitates data exploration.
Pricing:
You can choose between two primary MongoDB products:
1. It’s the MongoDB Atlas
2. MongoDB Superior Enterprise
3. The monthly fee for using MongoDB Atlas, which is hosted in the cloud, is zero dollars.
For large organizations, they recommend MongoDB Enterprise Advanced, which can be installed locally. In exchange, you will have entry to our premium services and assistance.
Get in touch with sales on the MongoDB site to learn about pricing.
Bottomline:
With their MongoDB Atlas product, the prominent NoSQL database company makes it simple and inexpensive to implement a cloud-based solution.
The ideal use cases for MongoDB are those that demand scalability and adaptability.
2. Couchbase (Best for Performance)
When it comes to NoSQL databases, Couchbase is another excellent option because of its high performance and scalability. Uniqlo and Agoda apparently use it.
For its data storage, Couchbase relies on JSON documents, making it a document-oriented database.
Additionally, it can be indexed and serves as key-value storage.
This facilitates data queries and the ability to edit documents without requiring a complete rebuild of the dataset.
Pros:
- Exceptional efficiency and scalability
- Document-oriented
- The ability to conduct a search within the interface itself
- Storage of Key-Value Pairs Effectively
- The use of adaptable data models
Cons:
There is a very steep learning curve.
There is room for enhancement in the user interface
Pricing:
Multiple products are available from Couchbase
- An online database service, Couchbase Capella
- One such cloud-based database is Couchbase Server
Distinguishing Characteristics:
- Supports data syncing between devices with Couchbase Mobile, a mobile database
- Includes a search function that quickly locates the information you require
Bottomline:
If your app requires speed and scalability, Couchbase is your best bet. However, newcomers may find the learning curve steeper.
It’s ideal for use in mobile apps thanks to its built-in search functionality and Couchbase Mobile.
3. Neo4j (Best Graph Database)
- As a graph database, Neo4j gives its customers more freedom than traditional relational databases
- Data models in Neo4j can consist of nodes and relationships. Because of this, it’s simple to express intricate systems of data
- In addition, it offers a simple query language that speeds up the process of locating relevant information
Pros:
- Exceptional efficiency and scalability
- Deployment that’s simple and quick
- Data modeling that can adapt to changing circumstances
Cons:
- Less suited to complex datasets (requires a good server)
- Less assistance in utilizing indexes
Pricing:
- Neo4j’s two primary offerings are:
- The Graph Database, Neo4j
- We Use Neo4j with AuraDB
Their cheapest on-premises product, Neo4J Graph Database, costs zero dollars per month.
The Neo4J AuraDB DBaaS is a fully managed cloud database service.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
- Neo4J Browser is a web-based interface that simplifies data visualization and querying
- It provides graph techniques that can be used to explore data for hidden structures and associations
Bottomline:
Graph databases, such as Neo4J, excel at handling large numbers of relationships, making them ideal for use in such applications. On the other hand, they may not be optimal for more intricate data sets.
It’s simple to run queries and see the results in their NeoJ Browser. In addition, their graph algorithms can be extremely useful for analyzing your data for patterns.
4. Cassandra, an Apache Database (Best Open-Source Database)
NoSQL database Apache Cassandra is highly scalable and can be simply deployed across numerous data centers. It is used by major technology corporations including Instagram, Spotify, and Netflix.
Not only is it one of the few open-source NoSQL databases here, but it is also one of the few on this list.
Pros:
- Open-source
- Superior efficiency
- Flexibility in design
- Scalable
Cons:
- Ad hoc inquiries that are too simple waste time
- Cassandra Query Language queries are restricted
- Insufficient backing for ACID properties
- Does not permit aggregations
- Distinguishing Characteristics:
- Its specialized Cassandra Query Language is a straightforward yet potent language that simplifies data querying and modification
- Users with a more conventional SQL background may find this helpful
Pricing:
- The Apache Cassandra database system is free and available to the public (free to use)
Bottomline:
- Apache Cassandra is a cost-effective and scalable alternative to relational databases for applications that can live with limited querying capabilities in exchange for these benefits
- Developers seeking unrestricted access to their data will find it to be an excellent option thanks to its open-source nature
- The Cassandra Query Language is a simple yet powerful language that makes it easy to query and update data, whereas basic ad hoc queries are inefficient
5. Redis (Best In-Memory Database)
- The Redis database is an option to examine if you are looking into NoSQL database storage solutions
- According to the Stack Overflow Developer Survey of 2021, Redis (short for Remote Dictionary Server) is the most beloved database among developers
- Redis is a very quick option for storing data because it is a key-value store that operates entirely in memory. It’s free to use and flexible; you may put it to work as a cache, a database, or a messenger service
Pros:
- Open-source (great for small projects, hobbyists)
- Exceptional efficiency (very quick!)
- Compatibility with many data formats
Cons:
- Information is fleeting (it is stored in memory)
- Single-threaded – just one task can be run at a time
- Scaling can be expensive
- Distinguishing Characteristics:
- Utilizes a Pub/Sub (Publish/Subscribe) messaging architecture
Pricing:
Redis offers both an on-premises software solution and a hosted service, dubbed Redis Enterprise Software and Redis Enterprise Cloud, respectively.
Redis Enterprise Software offers a free 30-day trial period, but during that time it cannot be used in a live environment.
Bottomline:
Redis is ideally suited for use as a messaging solution in applications that require a quick in-memory database.
It’s available for free and can be used in a wide range of contexts thanks to its flexible data structures.
However, it has some drawbacks, such as a single-threaded architecture and hefty costs when scaling.
6.HBase (Apache) (Best for Big Data Applications)
Apache HBase is a great option if you need a fast and scalable NoSQL database. This is the free and public distribution of Google’s proprietary Bigtable database.
The Hadoop Distributed File System supports HBase, an open-source NoSQL database with a columnar focus (HDFS).
It works particularly well with sparse datasets, which are prevalent in many big data applications.
Pros:
- Capable of processing massive volumes of information (scalable)
- Consistent
- Based on reliable Hadoop software
Cons:
- It’s not user-friendly, which is a problem (complexity)
- Reduced accessibility (hard to replace when HMaster node fails)
- Insufficient transaction support
Distinguishing Characteristics:
- Hadoop system integration is strong.
Pricing:
- As an open-source project, HBase is available to anyone (free to use)
- HBase is available for direct download from their site
Bottomline:
Big data applications that require rapid scalability and the ability to manage massive amounts of data work best with HBase.
7. RavenDB (Best Overall Database)
- RavenDB is an effective NoSQL database that supports ACID transactions across many documents. It is fully compatible with the .NET runtime environment.
- RavenDB stores information in the form of JSON documents. A built-in (full-text) search engine also makes it simple to locate certain information.
I found a nice video that explains RavenDB, and I think it will help you out.
Pros:
- Data model adaptability
- Effectiveness and efficiency
- Scalability
- Built-in support for full-text searching
Cons:
- The user interface of RavenDB GUI Studio might be improved
- Fewer database users and developers
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Features:
- Supports ACID transactions involving multiple documents
- Its design incorporates several authors (a feature that greatly improves availability)
Pricing:
There are two primary RavenDB offerings: RavenDB On-Premise and RavenDB Cloud.
By hosting your database in the cloud, RavenDB Cloud simplifies database deployment, administration, and expansion.
There are three tiers to this cloud service.
- Free: $0
- Maintenance: $0.013/hour
- A gain in Production Per Hour: $0.134
Bottomline:
RavenDB excels in situations where speed, scalability, and availability are essential, and where ACID transactions are required. However, the lack of a larger population could make it more challenging to get help in a time of need.
Applications that require full-text searching and a multi-writer architecture will benefit greatly from using this tool.
Conclusion – NoSQL Databases
Ultimately, a wide variety of high-quality NoSQL databases is available. Which one is ideal for you is totally subject to your specific requirements.
Determine which NoSQL database would serve your needs best and do your homework. No matter which of these databases you end up using, you can rest assured that you’re getting a high-quality resource.
We sincerely hope that this blog post was informative. The article has been read.
About Enteros
Enteros offers a patented database performance management SaaS platform. It proactively identifies root causes of complex business-impacting database scalability and performance issues across a growing number of clouds, RDBMS, NoSQL, and machine learning database platforms.
The views expressed on this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Enteros Inc. This blog may contain links to the content of third-party sites. By providing such links, Enteros Inc. does not adopt, guarantee, approve, or endorse the information, views, or products available on such sites.
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