# Cheap Easy Databases

#### You:
super cheap or free easy to use database

#### ChatGPT:
Here are some **super cheap (or free), easy-to-use databases**-ranked from *simplest → more powerful* so you can pick fast:

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## 🟢 Easiest (almost zero setup)

**1. SQLite**

- ✅ 100% free, built-in on most systems
- ✅ No server, just a file
- ✅ Extremely easy to start
- ❌ Not great for multi-user apps

👉 Best for: small apps, scripts, prototypes\
💡 It literally runs as a single file database-no install needed ([DEV Community](https://dev.to/0012303/every-free-database-you-can-use-in-2026-with-setup-commands-4cgi?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

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## 🟢 Easy + beginner-friendly (cloud / no backend headache)

**2. Supabase**

- ✅ Free tier (pretty generous)
- ✅ Works like Firebase but with SQL
- ✅ Comes with auth + API built-in
- ❌ Slight learning curve

👉 Best for: web apps, side projects\
💡 Gives you a ready-to-use PostgreSQL database with free limits ([Koyeb](https://www.koyeb.com/blog/top-postgresql-database-free-tiers-in-2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

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**3. Firebase (Firestore)**

- ✅ Free tier
- ✅ Very easy setup
- ✅ No server needed
- ❌ Not SQL (uses NoSQL)

👉 Best for: mobile apps, quick prototypes\
💬 Common dev advice:

> “Firebase… easy to use and scales well for personal use” ([Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/learnprogramming/comments/1hmb8hh?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

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## 🟡 Still easy but more “real database”

**4. PostgreSQL**

- ✅ Free & open source
- ✅ Very powerful (used by big companies)
- ❌ Needs setup (unless using cloud)

👉 Best for: serious projects that might grow\
💡 Considered the “gold standard” modern database ([DEV Community](https://dev.to/0012303/every-free-database-you-can-use-in-2026-with-setup-commands-4cgi?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

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**5. MySQL / MariaDB**

- ✅ Free
- ✅ Tons of tutorials
- ❌ Slightly older ecosystem

👉 Best for: websites, WordPress, beginner backend

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## 🟡 No-code / spreadsheet style (super easy UI)

**6. Airtable**

- ✅ Free plan
- ✅ Looks like Excel
- ❌ Limited at scale

👉 Best for: non-coders, quick tools\
💡 Popular because it’s basically a “database + spreadsheet” combo ([GetApp](https://www.getapp.com/it-management-software/database/p/free/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

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## 🔥 If you want the simplest recommendation:

- 🧪 Just testing / learning → **SQLite**
- 🚀 Building an app quickly → **Supabase**
- 📱 Mobile app → **Firebase**
- 🧠 Want something “real” long-term → **PostgreSQL**

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If you tell me:

- what you’re building (app, website, game, etc.)
- and your experience level

…I can give you **the single best option + setup steps** 👍
