5 Databases You Should Avoid for Your Next Project in 2026

As a solo founder or indie hacker, your choice of database can make or break your project. In 2026, with so many options, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype surrounding certain databases that might not be the best fit for your needs. We've tried a variety of databases over the years, and here's a rundown of five that you should think twice about before committing your time and resources.

1. MongoDB

What it does: MongoDB is a NoSQL database that stores data in JSON-like documents, making it flexible and scalable.
Pricing: Free tier available; paid plans start at $15/mo.
Best for: Projects requiring rapid development and flexibility.
Limitations: Can become complex with large datasets and lacks ACID compliance for multi-document transactions.
Our take: We used MongoDB for a side project, but we hit performance issues as the data grew. The lack of strong transactional support became a headache.

2. Firebase Realtime Database

What it does: Firebase Realtime Database is a cloud-hosted NoSQL database that allows data to be synced in real-time across all clients.
Pricing: Free tier; pay-as-you-go pricing can get expensive, averaging $25-$150/mo based on usage.
Best for: Real-time applications like chat apps or collaborative tools.
Limitations: Limited querying capabilities and data structure can lead to inefficient data retrieval as your app scales.
Our take: While we liked the real-time features, we found that as our app grew, the database became limiting. We switched to a more traditional SQL solution for better structure.

3. Couchbase

What it does: Couchbase combines key-value store and document database capabilities, designed for performance and scalability.
Pricing: Starts at $0 for community edition; enterprise pricing is not publicly listed but can exceed $100/mo.
Best for: High-performance applications requiring low latency.
Limitations: Complicated setup and maintenance; not beginner-friendly.
Our take: We tried Couchbase for a project needing low latency, but the complexity made it hard to manage, especially for solo founders.

4. Oracle Database

What it does: Oracle Database is a multi-model database management system designed for enterprise-level applications.
Pricing: Starts at $300/mo for the cloud version.
Best for: Large enterprises with extensive database needs.
Limitations: Overkill for small projects; expensive and complex licensing.
Our take: We used Oracle once for a client project, but it was far too complex for what we needed. Unless you're a large enterprise, it’s hard to justify the cost.

5. Microsoft SQL Server

What it does: SQL Server is a relational database management system developed by Microsoft, designed for enterprise applications.
Pricing: Free tier available; Standard edition starts at $3,000 for a perpetual license.
Best for: Windows-centric environments and enterprise applications.
Limitations: High costs and can be cumbersome for small projects.
Our take: We found SQL Server to be powerful, but the cost and complexity made it impractical for our smaller side projects.

Comparison Table

| Database | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Verdict | |-------------------------|-------------------------------|--------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|---------------------------------| | MongoDB | Free tier; $15/mo | Rapid development | Complex with large datasets | Avoid for large projects | | Firebase Realtime DB | Free tier; $25-$150/mo | Real-time applications | Limited querying capabilities | Avoid if scaling is expected | | Couchbase | $0 for community; $100+ | High-performance applications | Complicated setup | Not beginner-friendly | | Oracle Database | Starts at $300/mo | Large enterprises | Overkill for small projects | Too complex for indie projects | | Microsoft SQL Server | Free tier; $3,000+ | Windows-centric environments | High costs | Not practical for small scale |

What We Actually Use

In our experience, we stick with PostgreSQL for most of our projects. It's open-source, powerful, and handles complexity well without the steep learning curve or costs associated with the databases mentioned above.

Conclusion

When choosing a database for your next project, consider not only the features but also the scalability and costs involved. Avoiding the databases listed above can save you time, money, and headaches. Start with something tried and true like PostgreSQL or MySQL, especially if you're just getting started or working on a side project.