Aiven vs ScaleWay Database
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Aiven is a managed cloud data platform that deploys and operates popular open-source data technologies on major cloud providers. It simplifies database management, streaming, and caching for developers and enterprises. The platform handles routine administrative tasks such as automated backups, security patching, and scaling, allowing engineering teams to focus on building applications rather than managing infrastructure.
ScaleWay Database is a fully managed Database-as-a-Service (DBaaS) offering reliable PostgreSQL and MySQL hosting. It removes the operational burden of database administration by automating routine tasks such as backups, patching, and scaling. Designed for developers and businesses of all sizes, the platform ensures high availability, security, and performance for critical data workloads. Users can easily spin up instances via console or API and focus entirely on application development rather than infrastructure management.
- Supports a wide array of popular open-source data technologies
- Deployable across multiple major cloud service providers
- Simplifies complex database administration and scaling tasks
- Provides robust enterprise security and compliance standards
- Fully managed infrastructure reduces operational overhead
- Predictable hourly and monthly pricing models
- Seamless integration with Scaleway cloud ecosystem
- Automated backups and point-in-time recovery
- Pricing can become high for large production workloads
- Limited customization compared to self-hosted database deployments
- Advanced support tiers require higher subscription levels
- Limited to PostgreSQL and MySQL engines
- Fewer advanced enterprise features compared to AWS RDS
- Data centers primarily focused in Europe
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Aiven
View all →Fully managed, scalable SQL database service built seamlessly for Heroku developers.
Worry-free fully managed database hosting for modern cloud applications.
Comprehensive, autonomous, and high-performance cloud database solutions for any workload.
Alternatives to ScaleWay Database
View all →Fully managed, scalable SQL database service built seamlessly for Heroku developers.
Worry-free fully managed database hosting for modern cloud applications.

A fully managed, distributed SQL database built for resilience and global scale.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataScaleWay Database is the safer default for Europe‑centric developers needing managed PostgreSQL/MySQL with predictable pricing, while Aiven offers broader multi‑cloud, multi‑service flexibility at higher cost.
Key differences
- •ScaleWay is limited to PostgreSQL and MySQL; Aiven supports many open‑source data technologies.
- •ScaleWay runs only in three European regions; Aiven deploys globally across AWS, GCP, Azure, etc.
- •Aiven includes a free tier and enterprise‑grade security/compliance; ScaleWay has no free tier.
- •ScaleWay’s SLA is 99.95%; Aiven’s SLA is 99.99%.
Pricing & value
ScaleWay offers predictable hourly/monthly rates without a free tier; Aiven can become expensive at large scale.
Uptime & reliability
Aiven SLA 99.99% vs ScaleWay 99.95%.
Performance
Both provide automated scaling and high‑availability; specific performance metrics not disclosed.
Developer experience
Aiven adds integrated console, Prometheus, and multi‑service pipelines; ScaleWay offers basic dashboards.
Regions & compliance
Aiven spans global cloud providers; ScaleWay limited to Paris, Amsterdam, Warsaw (Europe).
Support
Neither fact sheet details support levels; both are paid subscription services.
Lock‑in
Aiven runs on multiple clouds, reducing provider lock‑in; ScaleWay ties you to Scaleway’s own infrastructure.
Choose Aiven if…
Enterprises requiring multi‑cloud, multi‑service data stacks and global compliance.
Choose ScaleWay Database if…
SMBs or dev teams needing PostgreSQL/MySQL in Europe with predictable costs.
Common questions
Is there a free tier to try the service?
ScaleWay: No free tier. Aiven: Yes, a free tier is offered.
Can I run databases outside Europe?
ScaleWay: No, only Paris, Amsterdam, Warsaw. Aiven: Yes, globally across AWS, GCP, Azure, etc.
What database engines are supported?
ScaleWay supports only PostgreSQL and MySQL. Aiven supports a wide range of open‑source data technologies.