Best Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL Alternatives in 2026
The top Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL alternatives are Amazon Aurora, Amazon RDS and Azure Database for PostgreSQL: 15 PostgreSQL hosting our editors would look at instead of Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL, in our ranking order.
Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL: A Google Cloud-native PostgreSQL service with strong availability, recovery, and integration options. Where it falls short: no permanent free plan.
Switching from Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL? For most postgresql hosting buyers the best Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL alternative is Amazon Aurora, built for scalable AWS PostgreSQL-compatible workloads. On a budget, Aiven for PostgreSQL starts at $5/mo. Aiven for PostgreSQL has a free plan, which Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL does not. Scaleway Managed Database for PostgreSQL offers the most maximum storage (15360 GB).
Why People Look for a Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL Alternative
- No permanent free plan
- Pricing varies by configuration and region
- Custom PostgreSQL extensions are not supported
- No free plan — 2 of the alternatives below have it
- No custom extensions — 8 of the alternatives below have it
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallAmazon Aurora9.4
Scalable AWS PostgreSQL-compatible workloads
Visit Amazon Aurora - Lowest priceAiven for PostgreSQL8.2
Paid plans from $5/mo
Visit Aiven for PostgreSQL - Best free optionAiven for PostgreSQL8.2
Has a free plan (Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL has none)
Visit Aiven for PostgreSQL - Most maximum storageScaleway Managed Database for PostgreSQL8.4
15360 GB
Visit Scaleway Managed Database for PostgreSQL - Best for custom extensionsDigitalOcean Managed PostgreSQL9.0
Custom extensions (Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL: no)
Visit DigitalOcean Managed PostgreSQL
All 15 Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL Alternatives, Ranked
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Best forScalable AWS PostgreSQL-compatible workloads
- Better than Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL:
- Editor score 9.4 vs 9.3
A managed AWS database for scalable PostgreSQL-compatible and distributed SQL workloads.
- High availability
- Read replicas
9.4/10★★★★★Visit AWS Aurora -
Best forAWS-native managed database operations
A broad AWS-managed option for PostgreSQL teams that need integrated operations.
- High availability
- Read replicas
9.2/10★★★★★Visit Amazon RDS -
Best forAzure-centered enterprise PostgreSQL deployments
A strong Azure-centered PostgreSQL service with paid, usage-dependent pricing.
- High availability
- Read replicas
9.1/10★★★★★Visit Microsoft -
Best forManaged PostgreSQL with migration and scaling tools
- Better than Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL:
- Custom extensions
A managed PostgreSQL service with migration, recovery, replicas, and scaling controls.
- Custom extensions
- Point-in-time recovery
- High availability
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit DigitalOcean -
Best forAnalytics- and AI-heavy PostgreSQL workloads
A managed PostgreSQL service for demanding transactional, analytical, and AI workloads.
- High availability
- Read replicas
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit Google Cloud -
Best forAlibaba Cloud deployments needing regional recovery
- Better than Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL:
- Custom extensions
A managed PostgreSQL service with HA, recovery, replicas, and Alibaba Cloud integrations.
- Custom extensions
- Point-in-time recovery
- High availability
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit Alibaba Cloud -
Best forIBM Cloud teams needing governed PostgreSQL
- Better than Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL:
- Custom extensions
A governed, highly available PostgreSQL service for teams already building on IBM Cloud.
- Custom extensions
- Point-in-time recovery
- High availability
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit IBM Cloud -
Best forOCI users needing scalable managed PostgreSQL
- Better than Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL:
- Custom extensions
A scalable managed PostgreSQL option for teams already operating in OCI.
- Custom extensions
- Point-in-time recovery
- High availability
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit Oracle Cloud -
Best forEnterprise OVHcloud PostgreSQL clusters
- Better than Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL:
- Custom extensions
A managed PostgreSQL service with failover, replicas, recovery, and private networking.
- Custom extensions
- Point-in-time recovery
- High availability
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit OVHcloud -
Best forLarge-storage PostgreSQL in European cloud regions
- Better than Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL:
- Custom extensions
A capable managed PostgreSQL service for storage-heavy workloads in European cloud regions.
- Custom extensions
- High availability
- Read replicas
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Scaleway -
Best forProduction PostgreSQL with strong recovery features
Production PostgreSQL with high availability, recovery, replicas, and monitoring.
- High availability
- Read replicas
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit Crunchy Bridge -
Best forManaged PostgreSQL with a free entry plan
- Better than Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL:
- Free plan
A broad managed PostgreSQL service with a free plan and automation for cloud deployments.
- High availability
- Read replicas
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit Aiven -
Best forServerless PostgreSQL and branching workflows
- Better than Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL:
- Free plan
A flexible PostgreSQL host for serverless apps, previews, and branching workflows.
- High availability
- Read replicas
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Neon -
Best forMulti-cloud managed PostgreSQL operations
- Better than Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL:
- Custom extensions
A multi-cloud managed PostgreSQL service with strong operations coverage and contact-sales pricing.
- Custom extensions
- Point-in-time recovery
- High availability
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit Instaclustr -
Best forYandex Cloud managed PostgreSQL clusters
- Better than Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL:
- Custom extensions
A managed PostgreSQL service for teams needing HA, recovery, and cloud controls.
- Custom extensions
- Point-in-time recovery
- High availability
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Yandex Cloud
Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL?
Amazon Aurora: #1 in our PostgreSQL Hosting ranking, with an editor score of 9.4 out of 10. A managed AWS database for scalable PostgreSQL-compatible and distributed SQL workloads.
Is there a free alternative to Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL?
Yes. Aiven for PostgreSQL and Neon have a free plan or a free tier.
What is the cheapest paid alternative to Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL?
Of the alternatives here that publish a price, Aiven for PostgreSQL starts lowest, at $5/mo.
Why do people look for Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL alternatives?
No permanent free plan; Pricing varies by configuration and region; Custom PostgreSQL extensions are not supported.
Which Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL alternative has the most maximum storage?
Scaleway Managed Database for PostgreSQL, with 15360 GB.
How do I switch from Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL?
Export your data from Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL.
How to Switch from Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL
- Export your data from Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL.
Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | High availability | Point-in-time recovery | Read replicas | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.3 | |
| 1 | Amazon Aurora | No | Yes | Yes | 9.4 | ||
| 2 | Amazon RDS | No | Yes | Yes | 9.2 | ||
| 3 | Azure Database for PostgreSQL | No | Yes | Yes | 9.1 | ||
| 4 | DigitalOcean Managed PostgreSQL | No | $15.15/mo | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.0 |
| 5 | AlloyDB for PostgreSQL | No | Yes | Yes | 8.9 | ||
| 6 | Alibaba Cloud ApsaraDB RDS for PostgreSQL | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.8 | ||
| 7 | IBM Cloud Databases for PostgreSQL | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.7 | ||
| 8 | OCI Database with PostgreSQL | No | $0.09/GB/mo | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.6 |
| 9 | OVHcloud Managed PostgreSQL | No | $64.24/mo | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.5 |
| 10 | Scaleway Managed Database for PostgreSQL | No | €0.14/unit usage-based | Yes | Yes | 8.4 | |
| 11 | Crunchy Bridge | No | $9/mo | Yes | Yes | 8.3 | |
| 12 | Aiven for PostgreSQL | Yes | $5/mo | Yes | Yes | 8.2 | |
| 13 | Neon | Yes | $0.11/unit usage-based | Yes | Yes | 8.1 | |
| 14 | Instaclustr Managed PostgreSQL | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.0 | |
| 15 | Yandex Managed Service for PostgreSQL | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.9 |
Head-to-Head
- Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL vs Amazon Aurora
- Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL vs Amazon RDS
- Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL vs Azure Database for PostgreSQL
- Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL vs DigitalOcean Managed PostgreSQL
- Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL vs AlloyDB for PostgreSQL
- Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL vs Alibaba Cloud ApsaraDB RDS for PostgreSQL
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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