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Amazon DocumentDB vs Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) Comparison

Last updated:

Amazon DocumentDB

3.9(14 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Small Business

Amazon DocumentDB is a fully managed, scalable document database service that is compatible with MongoDB, letting developers use familiar tools and drivers without managing underlying infrastructure. It supports geospati…

View PricingRead Reviews

Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)

4.4(240 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Small Business

Introducing Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS), a robust software solution that simplifies the management, operation, and scalability of databases in the cloud. Tailored for various database engines, Amazon RDS com…

View PricingRead Reviews

Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) leads on user satisfaction with a 4.4-star rating across 240 reviews.

Amazon DocumentDB vs Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) — at a glance

FeatureAmazon DocumentDBAmazon Relational Database Service (RDS)
Rating3.9 / 54.4 / 5
Reviews14240
Starting priceContact for pricingContact for pricing
Free trial Yes Yes
Free version No No
Best forLarge Enterprises, Small Business, Medium BusinessLarge Enterprises, Small Business, Medium Business
CategoryDatabase as a Service (DBaaS) ProviderDatabase as a Service (DBaaS) Provider
PlatformsBrowser Based (Cloud)Browser Based (Cloud)
API——
Support modesOnlineOnline
CertificationsSOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001
Data residencyGlobalGlobal

Key differences between Amazon DocumentDB and Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)

  • User satisfaction: Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) scores higher with a 4.4-star average.
  • Deployment: Amazon DocumentDB supports Browser Based (Cloud); Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) supports Browser Based (Cloud).

Amazon DocumentDB vs Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) — find the better fit before you commit.

01

Which tool fits your team best

02

Which is actually cheaper for your team size

03

Where each product wins, per real buyers

Most Database as a Service (DBaaS) Provider tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.

Biggest differences

Features

Pricing

Buying details

Security

Buyer feedback

Integrations

Product tour

Other options

Amazon DocumentDB

Amazon DocumentDB

Talk to an expert
Talk to an expert
Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)

Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)

Talk to an expert
Talk to an expert

Free PDF comparison

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Biggest differences

Affiliate Disclosure

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Amazon DocumentDB

Best for scalable, secure document databases with native geospatial query support.

Choose if
  • You need a fully managed, scalable document database integrated with AWS.
  • Your applications require advanced geospatial data storage and querying capabilities.
  • Your team consists of database administrators or data engineers in medium to large enterprises.
Consider alternatives if
  • You are a startup or small team seeking a low-cost, simple document store.
  • You require extensive on-premises database control or transparent, fixed pricing.

Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)

Best for scalable, managed cloud databases integrated with AWS services.

Choose if
  • You need a managed database service with automated backups and scaling.
  • Your applications require support for multiple database engines in the cloud.
  • You want seamless integration within the AWS ecosystem for enterprise workloads.
Consider alternatives if
  • You require on-premises or hybrid database deployments outside AWS cloud.
  • Your team lacks AWS expertise or needs granular control over infrastructure.

Amazon DocumentDB: Best for scalable, secure document databases with native geospatial query support. Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS): Best for scalable, managed cloud databases integrated with AWS services.

Description

Amazon DocumentDB is a fully managed, scalable document database service that is compatible with MongoDB, letting developers use familiar tools and drivers without managing underlying ... Read More about Amazon DocumentDB

Introducing Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS), a robust software solution that simplifies the management, operation, and scalability of databases in the cloud. Tailored for various ... Read More about Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)

Free Trial Availability

  • Free Trial available
  • Free Trial available

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

3.9

(14)

4.4

(240)

Best Company Size

Medium BusinessLarge Enterprises
51-500 employees500+ employees
Get pricing help
Get pricing help

Software Demo

Demo

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Step 1 of 4

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How do Amazon DocumentDB and Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) Compare on Features?

Total Features

6 Features

6 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

Get Quote
Get Quote

Compare Amazon DocumentDB and Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) on pricing

Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.

Pricing Option

      Pricing Plans

      • Not Available
      • Not Available
      View detailed pricing
      View detailed pricing

      Other Details

      Organization Types supported

      • Medium Business
      • Small Business
      • Large Enterprises
      • Freelancers
      • Medium Business
      • Small Business
      • Large Enterprises
      • Freelancers

      Platforms Supported

      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Installed - Windows
      • Installed - Mac
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Installed - Windows
      • Installed - Mac

      Modes of support

      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online
      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online

      API Support

      • Not Available
      • Not Available
      Get help choosing
      Get help choosing

      Security & Compliance

      Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.

      SOC 2

      ✓ Yes
      ✓ Yes

      HIPAA

      ✓ Yes
      ✓ Yes

      GDPR

      ✓ Yes
      ✓ Yes

      ISO 27001

      ✓ Yes
      ✓ Yes

      Single Sign-On (SSO)

      ✓ Yes
      ✓ Yes

      Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

      ✓ Yes
      ✓ Yes

      Data Encryption

      ✓ Yes
      ✓ Yes

      Audit Logs

      ✓ Yes
      ✓ Yes

      Data Residency

      🌐 Global
      🌐 Global

      Amazon DocumentDB User Reviews & Rating Comparison

      User Ratings

      3.9

      (based on 14 reviews)

      4.4

      (based on 240 reviews)

      Rating Distribution

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      Read reviews
      Read reviews

      Used Amazon DocumentDB or Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)? Tell buyers what actually differs.

      Review Amazon DocumentDBReview Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)

      List of Customers

      Customers

      Amazon

      Amazon

      eHealth

      eHealth

      BBC

      BBC

      Oracle

      Oracle

      Cathay Pacific

      Cathay Pacific

      Amazon Aurora

      Amazon Aurora

      Media and Screenshots

      Videos

      video-0

      2 Videos

      video-0

      3 Videos

      Top Alternatives to Amazon DocumentDB and Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) in 2026

      Alternatives

      Amazon Athena
      Amazon Athena

      4.1

      Azure Cosmos DB
      Azure Cosmos DB

      4.1

      Xata
      Xata
      Amazon DocumentDB
      Amazon DocumentDB

      3.9

      Amazon Athena
      Amazon Athena

      4.1

      Azure Cosmos DB
      Azure Cosmos DB

      4.1

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      Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

      Frequently asked questions

      Which is better, Amazon DocumentDB or Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)?
      Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) edges out the other on user ratings (4.4 vs 3.9). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
      Do Amazon DocumentDB and Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) offer a free trial?
      Yes, both Amazon DocumentDB and Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) offer a free trial.
      What is the starting price of Amazon DocumentDB vs Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)?
      Amazon DocumentDB starts at Contact for pricing. Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) starts at Contact for pricing.
      What are the top alternatives to Amazon DocumentDB?
      Top alternatives to Amazon DocumentDB include Amazon Athena, Azure Cosmos DB, Xata, Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS), DataStax Astra.
      What are the top alternatives to Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)?
      Top alternatives to Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) include Amazon DocumentDB, Amazon Athena, Azure Cosmos DB, Xata, Macrometa.