How to choose the right mobile app database for your application
April 30, 2024Mobile app development is closely tied to the database at its core. Whether crafting a new app or enhancing an existing one, the database choice significantly impacts functionality, performance and scalability. However, with so many options available, making the right selection can seem daunting. Let's unravel the complexities and pinpoint the key factors in choosing the ideal mobile app database.
A wide-ranging database universe
The spectrum of mobile app databases spans a wide range and each database type offers unique features tailored to different application requirements. Here are some popular databases to build Android apps and iPhone apps:
1. MySQL: An open-source, multi-threaded, and easy-to-use SQL database.
2. PostgreSQL: A powerful, open-source object-based, relational database that is highly customisable.
3. Amazon DynamoDB: It’s a fully managed, serverless key-value NoSQL database service with consistent single-digit millisecond performance at any scale.
4. Redis: An open-source, low-maintenance, key/value store that is used for data caching in mobile applications.
5. Cloud Firestore: A fully managed NoSQL document database from Google’s Firebase platform. Its Android and Apple SDKs cache data on the device by default, so apps can read and write data offline and sync local changes when the device reconnects.
6. Memcached: A distributed cache system that is multi-threaded, and used primarily for caching objects to speed up applications by alleviating database load.
7. Elasticsearch: Known for its ability to fetch faster results from a large number of inventory items. It is widely used as a distributed text search engine for working with large datasets in real time.
8. MariaDB: A popular open-source relational database that was created by the original developers of MySQL.
9. Cassandra: A free and open source, NoSQL database which is designed to handle a large amount of unstructured data at any scale.
10. SQLite: Embedded database, common usage is to provide local data storage capabilities on mobile phones.
11. Neo4j: Powered by a native graph database, Neo4j maintains data relationships and delivers unmatched performance by providing lightning-fast queries and deeper context for analytics.
12. InfluxDB: An open source, fast and time series database which is written in Go.
13. RethinkDB: An open-source, and document-oriented database which stores data in JSON format and sync in real time with the application.
14. Riak DB: A distributed NoSQL database, which offers high availability, fault tolerance and data resiliency as its core feature.
15. CouchDB: A document-oriented NoSQL database which uses JSON to store data and javascript as its main query language.
16. Couchbase: A full Stack NoSQL database that supports offline sync, full CRUD, and query capabilities and runs locally on the device.
17. ArangoDB: An open source NoSQL database which is known for its multi-model, graph and geo algorithm features.
A note on MongoDB Realm, which earlier versions of this list included: MongoDB deprecated Atlas Device Sync, the cloud service that synced the Realm mobile database with MongoDB Atlas, in September 2024, and the service reached end of life on 30 September 2025. The Realm database itself remains available as open-source code, but MongoDB no longer maintains it or offers cloud sync for it. If you need offline-first sync for a new app, look at options such as Cloud Firestore or Couchbase instead.
Understanding your data structure
The structure of your data plays a pivotal role in database selection. Offline apps store data locally, while online apps rely on server access. Synchronised apps blend offline functionality with periodic data synchronisation. Tailoring the database choice to your data structure ensures optimal performance and functionality.
Size matters: Scaling data management
The volume of data generated and retrieved is a critical consideration. Selecting a database capable of handling your app's data volume efficiently is essential for seamless scalability and performance. MongoDB excels with unstructured data, while MySQL thrives with structured data.
Speed, scale, and data modelling
Speed and scalability are paramount, dictating how efficiently your app handles reads and writes. MongoDB's prowess in handling unstructured data contrasts MySQL's efficiency with structured data. Data modelling is crucial, especially for apps requiring complex queries or multi-database management, as seen in platforms like Uber.
Note that our team of custom software development experts excels in helping enterprises and startups streamline their business performance through data-driven innovation. If you are weighing up the server side as well, read why your business needs a backend database.
Ensuring data security
Synchronised and decentralised storage demand robust data security measures. Encryption, authentication flexibility, and granular access controls are imperative for safeguarding sensitive data. Adhering to security standards ensures trust and reliability among users.
Platform compatibility and future-proofing
Consideration for multiple platforms, including iOS/Android app development and emerging technologies like IoT and wearables, is vital. Cross-platform frameworks such as React Native and Flutter let you share code between iOS and Android, so check that your database has a well-supported SDK or plugin for the framework you choose. Our guide on choosing between native and cross-platform development covers that decision in more detail.
Must read: Designing digital products for millennials: The two most important rules to follow.
Choosing wisely for success
Selecting the right mobile app database hinges on aligning database features with your app's data structure, scalability needs, speed requirements, security protocols, platform compatibility and future expansion plans. It is also worth checking that the vendor and the product are actively maintained, since a database or sync service can be retired, as MongoDB’s Device Sync was. A meticulous assessment of these factors ensures a robust foundation for your mobile app's success.
