CockroachDB vs Azure SQL Database

The cockroach of databases: hard to kill, spreads everywhere, and surprisingly good at SQL meets sql server's cloud-bound cousin. Here's our take.

CockroachDB

Nice Pick

The cockroach of databases: hard to kill, spreads everywhere, and surprisingly good at SQL.

Pros

• Strong consistency across distributed nodes without manual sharding
• PostgreSQL wire protocol compatibility for easy migration
• Automatic data replication and rebalancing for high availability

Cons

• Higher latency compared to single-node databases due to distributed overhead
• Complex licensing and pricing can be a headache for scaling

Azure SQL Database

SQL Server's cloud-bound cousin. All the enterprise-grade features, none of the hardware headaches.

Pros

• Fully managed with automated backups and high availability
• Built-in intelligence for performance tuning and security
• Supports serverless compute and Hyperscale for massive scalability

Cons

• Can get pricey for high-performance workloads
• Limited to Microsoft SQL Server compatibility

The Verdict

Use CockroachDB if: You want strong consistency across distributed nodes without manual sharding and can live with higher latency compared to single-node databases due to distributed overhead.

Use Azure SQL Database if: You prioritize fully managed with automated backups and high availability over what CockroachDB offers.

The Bottom Line

CockroachDB wins

The cockroach of databases: hard to kill, spreads everywhere, and surprisingly good at SQL.