Working with MySQL databases can be fun, but not when you’re constantly worried about costs. It’s like storing your precious belongings in a rented storage space, but you’re unsure whether you can afford next month’s storage fees. Your mind won’t be at peace in such a scenario.
But what if I told you it’s possible to host and manage MySQL databases for free? Sounds too good to be true, right? In this article, I’ll introduce you to 11 of the best free MySQL hosting providers to bring your data-driven dreams to life.
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Free MySQL Hosting Providers
Now, let’s check out some completely free hosts. No free trials. No credit card information. Everything’s free.
Pro tip: Free hosting plans are great for students and test projects but may not have the resources required for professional websites. If you’re looking for performance, we highly recommend considering a cheap hosting plan. We’ll list some of those options later on.
1. InfinityFree
InfinityFree is completely free; it won’t ask for your credit card information when you sign up. That’s how it’s been for a decade. It’s almost difficult to believe how this host manages to stay free despite offering the kind of features and services you’ll find in some premium hosting providers. However, it says it makes enough money by running ads on its website and control panel, which makes perfect sense given that it has more than 400,000 clients.
Pros
- No credit card required
- Up to 400 MySQL databases
- Free SSL certificates
- Free Softaculous auto-installer
Cons
- Limited customer support
- No email services
In addition to supporting up to 400 MySQL databases, InfinityFree describes itself as the world’s fastest free hosting provider. And given that some free hosting providers don’t invest in state-of-the-art infrastructure, it’s refreshing to see this host grab the bull by the horns and lead the way.
2. HelioHost
You should check out HelioHost for three reasons. First, it’s completely free. Second, it allows remote access (which is perfect for collaboration). Third, you can create unlimited MySQL databases.
Pros
- Unlimited MySQL databases
- Free-forever hosting
- Remote access
- Responsive staff volunteers
Cons
- Complicated signup process
- Limitations on daily resource usage
- Uptime isn’t consistent
The only catch is that you can only sign up during specific times of the day. For example, free signups are available starting at midnight UTC daily, and they fill up fast. Plus, there’s a resource limit you can’t exceed without incurring extra charges.
On the brighter side, you have at least four free plans to choose from (Johnny, Ricky, Tommy, and Lily), so you won’t run out of options. One more thing: This host doesn’t have robust infrastructure and resources for its free plan, so use it for testing databases but not for production purposes.
3. GoogieHost
GoogieHost welcomes you on board with a free subdomain, business email, SSL certificate, and a Site.pro website builder. But what makes it truly special in the world of free MySQL hosting is that it combines speed, security, and excellent customer service to provide the perfect hosting environment for your databases. All that comes with zero ads and unlimited databases.
Pros
- No credit card required
- Free SSL certificates
- LiteSpeed servers and Cloudflare CDN
- Malware protection
Cons
- Fewer MySQL databases than other hosts
- Only 1GB disk space
- Complaints about uptime and ads
As you’d imagine, the free version comes with its limitations. For instance, you’ll have just one gigabyte of free storage, which can quickly fill up if you’re handling large data. However, this plan is ideal if you’re just testing the waters.
4. GigaRocket
GigaRocket suits students learning to build websites and create databases. Its generosity will blow your mind. Upon signing up, you’ll have access to tons of tools to help you create a free website. You’ll also have access to a private control panel, which serves as a centralized location from which you can control your website and databases.
Pros
Cons
- No customer support
- Limited free signups
This host is also surprisingly well-equipped with powerful infrastructure you often don’t see with even some of the best free web hosting providers. For example, its NGINX-powered servers support MySQL and MariaDB databases and come with a free SSL certificate to protect your data and boost your SEO. What else would you ask for from a free MySQL host?
However, as with most free hosting providers, there is always a caveat in play. Signing up for GigaRocket’s hosting plans involves a long and complicated process. To learn how to apply for GigaRocket’s free hosting plan, check out our article here.
The Best MySQL Hosts With Free Trials
If you don’t want to pay for an expensive database hosting plan and want more than what free hosting provides, your first option is to choose a MySQL host with a free trial. This type of offer will let you host your database for free for a certain period, after which you will be charged a fee.
The whole point of a free trial is to gauge whether the host offers what you need for your database. If you don’t like what you get, you can cancel anytime before the free trial period ends. With that in mind, let’s explore some of the best options available.
5. Kamatera.com
- Customize your cloud environment for FREE
- Work with a dedicated account manager
- Dozens of Windows & Linux OS choices
- Complimentary live chat support open 24/7
- Launch in less than 60 seconds
- Get started on Kamatera now.
Surajdeep Singh
That’s right, Kamatera gives new customers FREE access to high-quality VPS hosting for 30 days.Upgrade your bargain-basement shared hosting to a cloud server configured to your exact specifications for no cost. Site owners simply need to configure their cloud…
Go to full review »| Money Back Guarantee | Disk Space | Domain Name | Setup Time |
| 30-day FREE trial | 20 GB SSD – 4 TB SSD | New or Transfer | 3 minutes |
Free trial duration: 30 days
Kamatera offers MySQL hosting on its cloud-based servers. Whenever you hear the word ‘cloud’ in web hosting lingo, think of freedom to grow as you wish. Real clouds can spread across the sky or occupy small sections. That’s how this type of hosting works; it is highly customizable and scalable depending on your hosting needs.
Pros
- Customizable server environments
- Deploys instantly
- Several OS choices
- 24/7 technical support
Cons
- Extra costs for daily backups
- Knowledgebase is limited
Kamatera’s MySQL hosting service has two plans from which you can choose. The Simple plan comes with all systems preset, meaning you can get started immediately. The customized option does exactly what it sounds like.
Instead of offloading your free MySQL database into the server and managing it right after signing up, customized MySQL hosting allows you to create the kind of database that suits your needs. It’s like a web hosting buffet serving different specifications and features you need to feed your database with. You can choose your preferred operating system, data center, storage capacity, number of IP addresses, bandwidth size, memory, and more.
- Try managed cloud hosting for FREE for 3 days
- Optimize costs with custom server configurations
- Scale server resources up and down as needed
- FREE SSL certificates, site migrations, and CDN
- Use code HOSTINGADVICE for 25% OFF
- Get started on Cloudways now.
Jack Wallen
Cloudways doesn’t offer a dollars-per-month shared hosting plan. But the company still brings a significant bargain to the table, thanks to a (short) free trial.Cloudways invites prospective users to give its cloud hosting services a whirl for free. This is a…
Go to full review »| Money Back Guarantee | Disk Space | Domain Name | Setup Time |
| 3-day FREE trial | 20 GB SSD – 4 TB SSD | New or Transfer | 8 minutes |
Free trial duration: 3 days
This web host’s name alone tells you everything you need to know about its hosting environment — it’s based in the cloud. I like how blends the world of a database administrator and a web developer into one cloud hosting environment. Database administrators can also use its easy-to-use yet powerful built-in MySQL manager to manage their databases.
Pros
- Built-in MySQL manager
- Compatibility with GitHub
- 24/7 support and monitoring
- No long-term contracts
Cons
- Pricier than other hosts
- No email hosting or file manager
On the other hand, it also comes with developer-friendly tools and features, such as remote MySQL connections, which allow developers to access databases remotely. This is especially crucial if something goes wrong with your database and you need help troubleshooting or when you’re working on a team project.
Its compatibility with GitHub also makes it easier for developers to work on projects in remote repositories, as the host automatically updates the code on live servers.
I also recommend this host if you’re still learning the ropes of MySQL databases. It offers tons of resources, including tutorials on how to get started with your virtual database. And if you ever feel stuck, its customer support team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer your questions.
The Best Cheap MySQL Hosts
If a host with a free trial doesn’t meet your needs, you might want to consider a web host that’s so affordable it feels almost free. Luckily, there are plenty of options available. These MySQL hosts strike a great balance between cost and features. Let’s dive in.
- Unlimited databases with generous 3GB maximum
- Support for remote MySQL access and InnoDB
- Custom control panel for easy database oversight
- GitHub integration plus phpMyAdmin
- LiteSpeed caching and WordPress acceleration
- Get started on Hostinger now.
Sead Fadilpasic
Although Hostinger’s low prices make it seems the company is best serving beginners and site owners without advanced requirements, developers will be impressed with the level of advanced features available on most plans. Hostinger gives users tons of…
Go to full review »| Money Back Guarantee | Disk Space | Domain Name | Setup Time |
| 30 days | 20 GB SSD | FREE (1 year) | 3 minutes |
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
is yet another affordable MySQL hosting option worth checking out. On top of keeping the prices low, this host will let you create unlimited databases on its servers. So, whether you run an online learning platform, an eCommerce or gaming website, or anything along those lines, you have so much room to store data with this host.
Pros
- Up to 800 MySQL databases
- MySQL user connections
- Easy-to-use control panel
- Git access
Cons
- Customer support limited to live chat
- No free CDN with base plan
Developers can also make the most of Hostinger’s competitive prices. By integrating with GitHub, it creates an ideal environment for database management if you’re working on a web development project. It updates your code automatically with every change you make, allowing you to concentrate on the key aspect of your project: development.
8. IONOS.com
- Pay just $1/month for 12 months
- Unlimited databases available on most plans
- 2GB of storage per MariaDB or MySQL database
- Upgraded PHP memory and up to 19 GB RAM
- Georedundant ISO-certified datacenters
- Get started on IONOS now.
Christina Lewis
Offering full support for MySQL, MariaDB, and even Microsoft SQL Server, IONOS takes data management seriously. The company will automatically set up MariaDB for you, but enables you to manually control MySQL databases if you choose.
Go to full review »| Money Back Guarantee | Disk Space | Domain Name | Setup Time |
| 30 days | 10 GB SSD | FREE (1 year) | 4 minutes |
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
IONOS is not only affordable but incredibly easy to navigate. While it does not come with a MySQL hosting environment by default, you can set it up in four simple steps. My favorite thing about this host is that it holds itself to high standards in the hosting industry despite being cheap. For instance, its servers are highly scalable and optimized for high performance, perfect for a growing database.
Pros
- Scalable server environments
- Unlimited databases and storage
- Daily backup and recovery
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- No free domain registration
- Complaints about frequent upselling
But that’s not even the best part. When you sign up for a hosting account with IONOS, the host will assign a personal consultant you can communicate with directly if you ever need help with your database. I’ve been using web hosting services for close to 15 years now, but that’s a first in the industry. In a world where the customer is king, IONOS is the perfect definition of a kingmaker.
- MySQL hosting crafted for superior performance
- Separate disk for MySQL and in-house query cache
- Support for unlimited databases
- Easy management with Site Tools and phpMyAdmin
- Custom optimizations for performance and security
- Get started on SiteGround now.
Lynn Cadet
SiteGround sets the standard for MySQL server hosting with support for unlimited databases, its proprietary Site Tools control panel, and hardware and software optimizations that deliver excellent performance and security. All MySQL files are housed on a…
Go to full review »| Money Back Guarantee | Disk Space | Domain Name | Setup Time |
| 30 days | 10 GB SSD – 100 GB Google Cloud SSD | FREE (1 Year) | 6 minutes |
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
is up there with my all-time favorite WordPress hosting providers (it’s not restricted to WordPress only but enjoys its endorsement), and that’s because, somehow, it finds ways to do things differently from other web hosts. For instance, regarding MySQL hosting, most hosts I’ve reviewed so far offer unlimited databases.
Pros
- Support for unlimited databases
- Unlimited FTP accounts
- Responsive 24/7 customer support
- Automated daily backups
Cons
- Limitations on database size
- No options for VPS or dedicated servers
- High renewal pricing
In true SiteGround style, this host has a dedicated disk for MySQL databases. Think of it like a car with two engines: one excels on highways, while the other (the MySQL disk) is perfect for off-roading. This setup enhances performance and reduces server congestion because, as they say, two is better than one.
10. Hosting.com
- Unlimited databases on high-class servers
- FREE cPanel license for easy management
- Optimized configurations for WordPress
- All-SSD solution for your files, OS, and databases
- FREE HackScan, SSL, and 99.9% uptime guarantee
- Get started on hosting.com now.
Christina Lewis
Hosting.com caters to performance-minded folks across all hosting disciplines. The provider’s MySQL-focused plans allow users to host five databases on the most basic package — up to unlimited DBs for just a few dollars more.
Go to full review »| Money Back Guarantee | Disk Space | Domain Name | Setup Time |
| 30 days | 15 GB NVMe SSD | FREE (1 year) | 4 minutes |
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Speed is one of the most important things I look for when choosing a MySQL hosting provider, and that’s why is on this list in the first place. You probably already know how these databases work; the faster they are, the quicker they will process requests and deliver them to the client.
Pros
- Unlimited NVMe storage available
- Support for unlimited databases
- Free site backups
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- High renewal pricing
- Base plans aren’t enhanced
Having a sluggish database is like betting on a tortoise to win a race against a cheetah. With hosting.com’s turbocharged servers, you can enjoy speeds up to 20 times faster than what most hosting companies provide. It’s the perfect choice for your gaming database, online store, or fintech project.
11. HostGator.com
- Highly compatible LAMP stack with MySQL support
- FREE website transfer from WordPress or cPanel
- Zero-downtime MySQL migration when you start
- Unmetered bandwidth and a FREE SSL certificate
- Automatic weekly off-site data backups
- Get started on HostGator now.
Lynn Cadet
We love HostGator for its flexible, modern support of important technologies customers use as foundations of their online presence. MySQL hosting is no different, evidenced by the company’s expert-level support and assistance with migrations and setup.
Go to full review »| Money Back Guarantee | Disk Space | Domain Name | Setup Time |
| 30 days | 10 GB SSD – 100 GB SSD | FREE (1 year) | 4 minutes |
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
goes the extra mile to woo anyone looking for reliable MySQL hosting. This host knows the specific features any database administrator would look for when deciding whether that particular hosting provider is worth signing up for. While it is common knowledge that you’d want to choose a web host that offers routine database backup, HostGator spices it up by backing up databases off-location.
Pros
- MySQL databases with phpMyAdmin access
- cPanel and Webmail access
- Malware scanning
- 1-click WordPress installs
Cons
- Only live chat support for base plans
- Inconsistent customer support
This off-site technology means that if anything happens to the main SQL server infrastructure, you won’t have to worry about losing your database. Instead, this host will restore the off-site copy of the database almost instantly, limiting the chances of service interruptions. If your website runs on WordPress, you’ll get free migration to this host with zero downtime.
MySQL Host Comparison
| Host | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| InfinityFree | Always free | Up to 400 MySQL databases, free SSL certificates, and free Softaculous auto-installer |
| HelioHost | Always free | Unlimited MySQL databases and remote access |
| GoogieHost | Always free | Free SSL certificates, LiteSpeed servers, Cloudflare CDN, and malware protection |
| GigaRocket | Always free | Free SSL certificates, cPanel integration, and DDoS protection |
| Kamatera | 30-day free trial, then $4.00/month | Customizable server environments, several OS choices, and 24/7 technical support |
| Cloudways | 3-day free trial, then $6.60/month | Built-in MySQL manager, compatibility with GitHub, 24/7 support and monitoring, and no long-term contracts |
| Hostinger | $2.69/month | Up to 800 MySQL databases, MySQL user connections, easy-to-use control panel, and git access |
| IONOS | $1.00/month | Scalable server environments, unlimited databases and storage, and daily backup and recovery |
| SiteGround | $2.99/month | Support for unlimited databases, unlimited FTP accounts, and automated daily backups |
| Hosting.com | $3.99/month | Unlimited NVMe storage available, support for unlimited databases, and free site backups |
| HostGator | $3.75/month | MySQL databases with phpMyAdmin access, cPanel and Webmail access, malware scanning, and 1-click WordPress installs |
What Is MySQL Hosting?
To understand what MySQL hosting is all about, let’s first start with MySQL, an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) used to manage and organize structured data. MySQL communicates in a language known as SQL ( sometimes pronounced as “Sequel”). Using this language, you can request a particular database — hosted in a physical bare-metal server or cloud environment — to retrieve specific information you want.
Here’s a scenario. Imagine you’re searching for a specific tool at your local hardware store, like Home Depot or Ace, and you don’t know where to find it. You, as the customer, would ask the store attendant for help. Since this person knows exactly where to find it, they can bring it to you quickly because they work there.
That’s how MySQL hosting works. Using the example above, your local hardware would be the hosting provider in this case. Its database would contain all the tools you need, while SQL represents the language used to communicate with the database (store attendant) to retrieve the tools you’re looking for.
What Are the Benefits of Free MySQL Hosting?
MySQL is the fifth most popular programming language, and that’s primarily due to its use in databases. Its compatibility with WordPress, which powers more than 43% of all websites, makes it a force to be reckoned with.
The programming language has several unique benefits, which include:
- Compatibility with hundreds of software and operating systems, including WordPress, Linux, and Windows OSes.
- It’s open-source, which makes it free to use.
- It has a massive community of users who contribute to the knowledge base.
- It’s fast and can handle enormous data sets.
When you look at MySQL’s advantages, you’ll see a robust database programming language capable of handling almost anything. The benefits get even more appealing when you pair it with a free host.
Is MySQL Server Free?
MySQL is an open-source database, which means it doesn’t require you to purchase a license such as closed-source software, including the Windows operating system. So, technically, MySQL is free. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t incur costs getting your MySQL database online and connected to a hosted website.
As we mentioned before, you can get a MySQL server for free, but it won’t have many advanced features. You’ll receive a basic server with limited resources and security. If that works for you, go ahead and give it a try.
But if you prefer more oomph than what a free MySQL server can offer, check out some cheap hosts instead. Since MySQL is open-source, your web host doesn’t have to recoup the cost of its licensing in your hosting plan. What this means for you is that MySQL hosting plans are incredibly cheap.
Why not pay a few extra dollars per month for a paid hosting plan with better service and features?
Is There a Free MySQL Cloud?
Free cloud-based MySQL providers are fairly common. Here are some ideas to help you decide what would work best for you.
If you run a business or a massive project and want to try out different hosting providers risk-free, I’d recommend starting with Kamatera. This host offers free MySQL cloud hosting services for the first 30 days, so you have all the time in the world to explore and decide if it’s worth it.
is also free, but not the right fit if you need more time to move around the system before deciding whether it’s the right choice. Although it uses cloud-based servers, the free trial only lasts three days. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if you’re ready to start exploring the database right after signing up.
Where Should I Host MySQL?
Our favorite MySQL host is Kamatera. But the right host for you will depend on several factors.
When choosing the right host for your MySQL database, you should know that each host is unique in its own way. So, before you even grab the shopping basket, you should first understand your goals.
For instance, a host with limited storage may work best for testing a database with minimal data. On the other hand, an eCommerce website or online gaming platform will need unlimited storage at the very least.
The same applies to your level of experience dealing with databases. If you’re a beginner, you’ll likely need to contact support quite often. In that case, a web host that provides dedicated MySQL support, such as , would be a great fit. The bottom line is that the right host will also depend on your needs and not solely on its features or services.
Can I Host My Own MySQL Database?
You can host your own MySQL database on a local computer, a separate server (machine) that you own, or by using a third-party platform such as Docker.
However, hosting your own database has a number of caveats you should know about before deciding whether it’ll work for you.
- Hosting your own database may work for a personal development project, but it can be stressful and overwhelming to maintain for bigger, sensitive, and resource-intensive projects.
- Secondly, self-hosted databases are usually not as fast, secure, and reliable as those offered by hosting companies. That’s because hosting providers have the resources and infrastructure to support these hosting environments.
When in doubt, opt for an affordable MySQL host instead.
Get a Free Hosting Service for Your MySQL Databases the Smart Way
Free MySQL hosting comes in different forms. Whether you are a student playing around with databases, a website administrator managing a powerful website, or a database developer working on a project, there’s always a MySQL hosting plan that matches your needs.
With that in mind, I know we all love free stuff, but sometimes, free costs a lot more when you start thinking about security, storage, unlimited bandwidth, customer service, and all those add-ons you’ll need down the road. So, rather than settle for a completely free web hosting plan and stress about migrating to a premium host shortly after, you’re better off paying for a cheap provider.
Not sure where to start? You’ve got a variety of options to choose from, including IONOS, Hostinger, hosting.com, SiteGround, and HostGator—just a few examples of budget-friendly hosts.
And if you want more power, even better performance, and more scalability up there in the cloud, Kamatera and Cloudways lead the way.
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