Azure Database for MySQL vs Amazon RDS

MySQL with a Microsoft hug—managed so you don't have to babysit your database meets managed databases for people who'd rather not manage databases. Here's our take.

Azure Database for MySQL

Nice Pick

MySQL with a Microsoft hug—managed so you don't have to babysit your database.

Pros

• Fully managed with automated backups and patching
• High availability built-in with flexible server options
• Seamless integration with other Azure services
• Strong security features like encryption and firewall rules

Cons

• Can get pricey compared to self-hosted MySQL
• Limited control over underlying infrastructure

Amazon RDS

Managed databases for people who'd rather not manage databases. It's like having a DBA on retainer, but cheaper and less opinionated.

Pros

• Automates backups, patching, and scaling, so you can focus on your app instead of babysitting servers
• Supports multiple engines like PostgreSQL and MySQL, making it easy to switch or standardize
• Built-in high availability with Multi-AZ deployments, because downtime is for amateurs

Cons

• Costs can sneak up on you with instance sizes and storage, especially if you forget to turn things off
• Limited control over the underlying OS and some database settings, which can be frustrating for power users

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Azure Database for MySQL is a databases while Amazon RDS is a hosting & deployment. We picked Azure Database for MySQL based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Azure Database for MySQL wins

Based on overall popularity. Azure Database for MySQL is more widely used, but Amazon RDS excels in its own space.