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Best Open-Source Database Software for Windows 2025

Open-source databases are growing in popularity and present a cost-saving alternative to conventionally licensed databases.

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Learn More about Open-Source Database Software

What is Open-Source Database Software?

Traditionally, databases have been proprietary tools provided by Oracle, IBM, Microsoft, and a number of other smaller vendors. Over recent years though, and especially for new projects, open source databases and database management tools have steadily grown in maturity and importance. In many cases, open-source database software includes both database software, and the database management tools needed to support the database.

As open-source databases become adopted by more and more companies for large-scale enterprise projects, there has been a concomitant rise in the availability of skilled DBAs, with extensive knowledge of these platforms to be able to assist with mission-critical deployments.

In addition to the obvious cost savings, open source database software have largely reached feature parity with their proprietary cousins. The open-source model also allows for heavy customization and community development, which makes the software very flexible compared to proprietary database software. Training materials are also often provided for free by user communities.

Open-Source Database Software Features & Capabilities

Some of the most common features provided by open-source database software include:

  • Relational and Nonrelational Databases
  • Support for Multiple Platforms
  • Supports databases and database management
  • Data Security
  • Data Collaboration

Pricing Information

All open-source database software options are available for free to businesses that can support them independently. That said, a number of open-source database options offer paid support, hosting, or monitoring. Pricing depends highly on which features are needed by the organization.

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Open-Source Database FAQs

When is an open-source database better than a proprietary database?

Open-source databases are obviously better for businesses that don’t want to spend any money on their database software. Additionally, open-source databases can be useful for businesses that have specific needs that aren’t met by proprietary options, as open-source software options can be much more flexible.

What are the best open-source database software options?

The Top Rated open-source database software options are as follows.

  1. PostgreSQL
  2. MySQL
  3. MongoDB

Are there non-relational open-source databases?

While most open-source databases are relational, there are several non-relational and NoSQL databases. Some of the most popular open-source databases, such as MongoDB are non-relational.