15 Best Free & Open Source Database Management System for Windows, Mac & Linux

Database management software stores data in a manner that allows you to retrieve the necessary information whenever it is required. It becomes easy to manage data using open source DBMS. Multiple types of free and open source database management system exist for storing data. You can choose amongst them based on the kinds and sizes of data.

Different Types of Database Management System

The are 5 major types of databases: Relational database, operational database, database warehouses, distributed database and end-user database. Let’s have a look at the types of free and open source DBMS software available in the market:

1. Relational Database Software

These are the most common types of databases. Data tables store the data in the form of tables in a relational database. You need a unique key for each table to establish connections between them. Thus, different tables are related to one another with the help of different key fields. This type of database management software is used in the media and telecom industries.

2. Operational Database Software

An operational database software supports inventory and customer databases. It can keep a track of inventories and store details of customers. The data can be analyzed and utilized for the betterment of an organization.

3. Database Warehouse Software

Some data sets are required to be archived for a long period. These sources of information are required to analyze the data of present year in comparison of those from previous years to predict trends. This makes the process of identifying the key trends easily.

4. Distributed Database Software

The organizations that have various branch offices, regional offices, manufacturing units, distributed databases are used there. Each small group has its own database, which can be combined to form the main database of the organization.

5. End-User Database Software

There are different types of users using a database. Each user has a workstation and which acts as a small database itself. It contains data in the form of word files, spreadsheets, and presentations. All these small databases together make the end user database.

Benefits of Open Source Database Management System for Small Business

Free open source database management software gives flexibility, agility, and speed. It is extremely cost effective and has a very low maintenance cost. Let’s have a look at its benefits:

• Minimize Data Redundancy: Duplicate data may create in several places in a basic file management system. This might create data redundancy causing loss of labor and space. In a free open source database management system, several files are integrated in one platform for reducing data duplicity significantly.
• Data Sharing: In a free open source database management system, data can also be shared between multiple users of the database. All users have their own rights and they can access the database up to a particular level. Only the DBA i.e. Database Administration has the complete access of the database.
• Data Consistency: Controls its redundancy and duplicity which later controls data consistency. Data consistency simply means that if you are updating data in a file then all files need not to be updated again. With an open source free DBMS, the data is stored in just one database, so it becomes more consistent.
• Search Capability: Databases are used so that you get the right data at the right time, with minimum searching. There are numerous queries users may ask about the data. Search speed of an open source DBMS is usually fast and produces quick results.
• Backup and Recovery: The backup and recovery in any open source DBMS software is extremely easy. These days, data loss is a huge issue for all the organizations. In a traditional file system, you need to backup your data at several intervals, but if you are using an open source DBMS, data is backed up automatically.
• Data Migration: In a database, there are a set of data pieces that are accessed frequently. In an open source dbms, these bits of data are stored in places that can be accessed frequently without any hassle.

15 Best Free and Open Source Database Management System

Database Management System	Supported Languages	Cloud Version	Platform Supported
MySQL	C, C++, PHP, Java, Perl, Python, and Tcl	Yes	Oracle Linux / Red Hat / CentOS / Rocky Linux, Oracle Solaris, Ubuntu, SUSE, Debian, Windows, Windows Server, macOS
Altibase	C, C++, PHP, all languages that support ODBC or JDBC	Yes	Linux, AIX, HP-UX
SQL Server	Java, C++, Python, Ruby, PHP, Visual Basic, R, Delphi, & Go	No	Windows & Linux
Oracle	Java, C, C++, COBOL, VB, PL	Yes	Windows, OS X, Linux
MongoDB	C, Python, Java, JSON, TypeScript, Node.js	Yes	Amazon Linux 2, Debian 11 & 12, RHEL / CentOS 7, 8 & 9, SLES 12/15, Ubuntu LTS 20.04, 22.04
Cubrid	Java	No	Linux & Windows
MariaDB	C#, C++, Java, and Python	Yes	Windows, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7/8/9
Firebird	Java, C++, PHP for Firebird, FireRuby	Yes	Linux, Windows, macOS, other Unix platforms
GraphDB	RDF4J (java framework), SPARQL, SeRQL	No	All OS with Java VM, Linux, OS X, Windows
Elasticsearch	Language independent	Yes	Windows & LinuxOS
Airtable	JavaScript	Yes	Web/Browser, macOS, Windows, iOS & Android
PostgreSQL	C, Python, Pearl, Tcl	Yes	Linux, macOS, Windows, FreeBSD, OpenBSD
QuintaDB	C, C++	Yes	Windows, macOS, Linux
Sonadier	Language independent	Yes	Drag & Drop
Redi	C, C++, C#, Java, Java Script, Pearl, PHP, Python, R, Ruby	Yes	RHEL 8.4-9.3, Ubuntu 16.04/18.04/20.04, Amazon Linux 1/2, Kubernetes, Docker

Free dbms systems like MySQL, Oracle, and Altibase are effective as well as efficient in what they do. Let’s see what the features, pros and cons of free database management system examples are:

1. MySQL

Mysql

Starting Price

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MySQL database management software helps in building scalable database applications. There are different editions available for this free database management software like standard, enterprise and classic edition which helps you to build scalable database applications.

Features of MySQL

• MySQL has a client-server architecture.
• MySQL supports ODBC interface in this free simple database management system.
• It supports languages like C++, Java, C, Perl, Python, PHP, and Tcl.
• It supports full-text search, replication, triggers, transactions, full-text search, and stored procedures.

Pros and Cons of MySQL

Pricing: Offers Free Tier with no time limits on selected services, i.e., Autonomous Database, Compute, and Storage. Along with $300 free credits to try additional services.

Cloud Version: Yes

2. Altibase Open Source Database Management System

Altibase is one of the best open source database software. It has 650+ clients which include 8 companies from the Fortune 500. It has deployed 6,000+ critical use cases in different industries.

Features of Altibase

• You can get the benefits of both kinds; in-memory database as well as a disk-resident database.
• Optimize on your scale-out without coordinator-related performance degradation.
• Optimize on your scale-out without coordinator-related performance degradation.
• It has relational free DBMS software. It is feature-rich software with different tools required by enterprise -grade applications.

Pros and Cons of Altibase

Pricing: It is available free of cost

3. SQL Server

Microsoft SQL Server

4.7

Starting Price

$ 73.00      

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The SQL server can be used by any level of enterprise, be it small or large. SQL Server data management software free uses an enhanced data compression technique which reduces your need for more storage. SQL Server also provides reports and insights which can be accessed on windows, android, and iOS devices.

Features of SQL Sever

• You can integrate SQL server with non-relational sources as well.
• It uses row-level security, data encryption, dynamic data masking and auditing.
• This free SQL database management software has disaster recovery option as well.

Pros and Cons of SQL Server

Pricing: Price is available on request.

4. Oracle

Oracle SQL Developer

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Oracle provides two types of solutions: on-premises and cloud-based. This free open source database management system solutions can be used by small, medium, as well as large organizations. Cloud infrastructure is also provided here. Oracle uses the standard data encryption algorithms for security purposes.

Features of Oracle SQL

• This free DBMS Software provides features like APIs, JDBC, pre-compilers, PL improvements and SQL language improvements.
• Content management features like text and media improvements.
• You can use this for server management, clustering, grid computing and management.

Pros and Cons of Oracle SQL Developer

Pricing: Prices are available on request.

5. MongoDB

Mongodb

4.5

Starting Price

$ 57.00      

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MongoDB follows a document data-base model. You can use this for developing new apps and renewing the existing ones. MongoDB database management further provides new-age features for real-time analytics and the internet of things.

Features of MongoDB

• This free DBMS software provides flexibility in deployment for data migrations.
• Data is stored like JSON – like documents.
• Mapping objects in this free open source database management system is very easy.
• Encrypted storage engine is also present.

Pros and Cons of MongoDB:

Pricing: Prices are available on request.

Suggested Read: Best Free and Open Source ETL Tools for Data Integration

6. Cubrid

With enterprise-level features, Cubrid is a relational DBMS software. It is used as an enterprise software for web applications, and social networking. This is a free open source database management system with high scalability and data optimization.

Features of Cubrid

1. It provides the feature for automatic volume expansion.
2. You can use databases of any size and number with this database management system.
3. Every functionality is there in this software for web services.

Pros and Cons of Cubrid

Pricing: Prices are available on request.

7. MariaDB Open Source DBMS

Mariadb

Starting Price

Price on Request

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An open source software, MariaDB relational DBMS software is compatible with MySQL. You can use it for various purposes like banking, website management, and much more. This free open source database management system is created by the same developers who have developed MySQL. Hence, it can be used as a replacement of MySQL as well.

Features of MariaDB

• It makes use of the standard query language called MySQL.
• This open source DBMS software uses a technology called Galera cluster.
• It can be used on various platforms.

Pros and Cons of MariaDB

Pricing: Prices are available on request.

8. Firebird

Firebird Sql

Starting Price

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Firebird open source database system is easy to maintain and provides SQL features across different operating systems. Firebird database software is known for enhanced concurrency and multiple language support. The free database software of Firebird PHP provides Boolean support.

Features of Firebird

• Firebird supports dynamic SQL applications
• It allows multiple devices to access the same database at the same time
• Firebird open source database software alerts clients of changes in the database
• It makes cross database transactions more secure by a two-phase commit procedure.

Pros and Cons of Firebird

Pricing: Price is available on request at the official website

9. GraphDB

GraphDB is an open source database software that allows organisations to manage and store their data in semantic graph database. GraphDB is quick to deploy and easy to use. It also provides a semantic similarity search tool.

Features of GraphDB

• This open source database management system has an advance search tool which makes searching for finding domain objects
• With this open source DBMS, you can easily use semantic knowledge
• It offers powerful integration with third party apps such as Lucene and SOLR
• The software allows merging of datasets.

Pros and Cons of GraphDB

Pricing: Price is available on request

10. Elasticsearch

Elasticsearch open source DBMS is a distributed analytics engine for different sets of data such as textual, structured, unstructured, etc. It features as a prominent part of Elastic Stack, which is an open source system that the users use for analysis and visualization of data.

Features of Elasticsearch

• This open source database software provides protection against data loss by replacing each lost node with its replica
• It allows for easy deployments by minimizing the requirements of port
• Elasticsearch focusses on pull-based parsing, conversion to native types etc. for efficient usage of memory
• Once this open source database software detects a transport error, it retires immediately

Pros and Cons of Elasticsearch

Pricing: Price is available on request

11. Airtable

Airtable is an open source database software which is cloud-based and suitable for small teams with limited programming skills. It has features where data tables are used for displaying and capturing information, user access for the database, and file sharing capabilities. You can track the tasks with the dashboard and spreadsheets available.

Features of Airtable

• You can filter, rearrange and sort records in Airtable free simple database management system.
• There is an option to link records between different tables.
• Get functionalities like calendar management and data synchronization.
• You can also choose the option for automatic backup.
• You can access the unlimited data tables that have 1200 records per data base. Therefore, you can also attach a file up to 2 GB.

Pros and Cons of Airtable

Pricing: The upgrade cost is high. It has 3 paid plans: Pro, Plus, and Enterprise.

12. PostgreSQL

Postgresql

Starting Price

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PostgreSQL is an open source DBMS which is suitable for businesses looking to accommodate NoSQL. It provides features like indexing, configuration settings, and version control.

Features of PostgreSQL

• You can create NoSQL databases with languages like JSON and Python.
• It has user-defined types and table inheritance.
• It has a robust locking system and a native Microsoft server version.
• You can get point-in-time recovery as well.

Pros and Cons of PostgreSQL

Pricing: PostgreSQL is available for free. But you have to take care of data backup yourself.

13. QuintaDB

QuintaDB is an open source database management system which is cloud-based. This relational database has features like email or SMS notifications, form builder, and data export and import settings.

Features of QuintaDB

• The free version of QuintaDB can create up to 5 forms, and up to 1000 records.
• It has a web-form builder.
• Functionalities for chart building and widgets are also available.
• You can detect duplicate data as well.
• It has a drag-and-drop interface.
• You can apply conditional formatting.
• SMS & email confirmations can also be sent with this free database software.

Pros and Cons of QuintaDB

Pricing: QuintaDB has 6 six paid plans: Standard, Standard Express, Professional, Professional Express, Enterprise and Enterprise Express.

14. Sonadier

Sonadier is a cloud-based open source database management system that is used for creating web forms and databases. It has a drag and drop interface with features like file management, data sharing and data import – export.

Features of Sonadier DBMS Software

• It’s free plan can store file and create forms.
• It can do up to 10,000 submissions.
• You can get system audit reporting with this free open source database management system.
• Get automatic backup with Sonadier DBMS software.
• It is possible to customize integrations.
• Database servers and database integration modules are present.
• Select from the multiple document templates available.
• Manage multiple files with its advanced file management.

Pros and Cons of Sonadier

Pricing: It has two paid plans- Team plan and enterprise plan. You can pay an additional fee if you want to use an additional feature.

15. Redis

Redis

Starting Price

Price on Request

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Redis is a free open source database software which has an in-memory data store structure. It can be used as a database, a message broker and a cache as well.

Features of Redis

• It supports multiple data structures like strings, sets, hashes, lists, and range queries.
• You can use this open source database management software for bitmaps, geospatial indexes, hyper logs.
• This online database management system good for data pieces that are frequently updated with time.

Pros and Cons of Redis

Pricing: Prices are available on request.

Why Choose Free Open Source Free Online Database System

Free open source database management software gives flexibility, agility, and speed. It is extremely cost effective and has a very low maintenance cost. Let’s have a look its benefits:

• Minimize Data Redundancy

Duplicate data may create in several places in a basic file management system. This might create data redundancy causing loss of labor and space. In a free open source database management system, several files are integrated in one platform which reduces the chance of data duplicity to almost zero.

• Sharing Of Data

In a free open source database management system, data can also be shared between multiple users of the database. All users have their own rights and they can access the database up to a particular level. Only the DBA i.e. Database Administration has the complete access of the database.

• Data Consistency

A DBMS controls its redundancy and duplicity which later controls data consistency. Data consistency simply means that if you are updating data in a file then all files need not to be updated again. Moreover, an open source free DBMS, the data is stored in just one database, so it becomes more consistent.

• Search Capability

Databases are used so that you get the right data at the right time, with minimum searching. There are numerous queries users may ask about the data. Search speed of database is usually fast and produces quick results.

• Backup and Recovery

The backup and recovery in any open source database software is extremely easy. These days, data loss is a huge issue for all the organizations. In a traditional file system, you need to backup your data at several intervals, but if you are using an open source dbms, data is backed up automatically.

• Data Migration

In a database, there are a set of data pieces that are accessed frequently. In an open source dbms, these bits of data are stored in places that can be accessed frequently without any hassle.

Latest Database Management Trends for 2024

The database management trends keep of changing year to year. Here are the top 3 database management trends and are also applicable for next year:

• Databases in the cloud:

Combing cloud services and existing applications is a task that every organization is looking to complete. They keep pushing their business on the cloud without weighing the requirements and results. Databases that are on the cloud are present 24 x 7 to organize and help to meet the organization’s goals.

• Databases that bridge SQL/NoSQL:

The latest databases in use are those that bridge the NoSQL and SQL, giving the best of the best capabilities offered by both. With this, you can access a NoSQL database the same way you can access as a relational database.

• Focus on security has increased:

The data stored by any organization is always at risk. It is the duty of a DBA to work hand in hand with the IT team to maintain a secure environment for the organization. DBA should join hands with IT to identify the internal weak links that could lead to data vulnerability in the future.

Conclusion

We hope this article was helpful to you. From the list of top free and open source database software, you can use any of these confidently in 2024 and beyond.