Are you in search of a high-quality MySQL hosting platform to power your app or website? The good news is that MySQL is the most popular open-source database management tool available. However, the sheer number of hosting options can be overwhelming. To assist you in making the right choice, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to the best-managed MySQL hosting platforms. First, we’ll discuss the key factors to consider when selecting a MySQL host. Then, we’ll introduce you to some of the top options on the market, including Kinsta, Cloudways, ScaleGrid, DigitalOcean, and InMotion Hosting. Finally, we’ll provide a direct comparison to help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive in!
What to Look for in a Managed MySQL Hosting Service
When evaluating MySQL hosting services, several important factors should be taken into account:
- Easy Setup: Setting up your database or migrating it from another host should be a straightforward process, typically requiring just a few clicks.
- Server Maintenance: Your chosen MySQL host should handle server updates and general database management tasks, allowing you to focus on designing your website or building your business.
- End-to-End Security: Data encryption and private account hosting are essential. Many top-managed MySQL hosting platforms also include proprietary firewalls to safeguard your data.
- Scalability: The hosting service should offer various plans to accommodate your site’s growth. When upgrading to a larger plan, the host should manage all the details, such as increasing CPU, RAM, and storage resources.
- Daily Backups: Regular backups ensure you can quickly recover your website if it goes offline due to any reason, be it malicious activity or a problematic software update.
- Speed and Reliability: Your hosting plan should provide access to high-powered CPUs for efficient and dependable database management. Additionally, having the option to purchase dedicated CPUs can be advantageous.
You should also consider the types of hosting available. Some hosts offer separate database hosting from website or app hosting, while others specialize in app hosting or website hosting utilizing MySQL technology.
Best Managed MySQL Hosting Platforms
Here are our top picks for the best-managed MySQL hosting platforms:
1. Kinsta
Type of Hosting Available: Kinsta offers various hosting tools, including app hosting, database hosting, and website hosting plans. For this article, we’ll focus on Kinsta’s database hosting tools.
Features (Database 1 Plan):
- Choice of database type and version
- Access to 25 data centers for selecting your database’s hosting location
- Resource configuration during setup
- 0.25 CPU
- 0.25 GB RAM
- 1 GB storage
- Database updates and maintenance managed by Kinsta
- Dual enterprise firewalls
- Automated backups with the option to create up to five manual backups
- Unlimited users
- MyKinsta dashboard for easy database and website management
Overview: Kinsta is highly recommended for web hosting and offers powerful database hosting tools. You’ll have access to all the features needed for creating a secure and robust database, with ongoing maintenance handled by Kinsta. Moreover, Kinsta provides 24/7 live chat support with a guaranteed response time of two minutes.
Pricing: Kinsta’s database plans start at $18 per month.
Best For: Kinsta’s database hosting service is ideal if you want a managed MySQL hosting option that enables you to create databases, apps, and WordPress websites all in one place.
2. Cloudways
Type of Hosting Available: Cloudways offers cloud-based web hosting suitable for various applications, including MySQL databases and platforms like WordPress.
Features (Base Plan – Hosted on DigitalOcean):
- 1 GB RAM
- One processor core
- 25 GB storage
- 1 TB bandwidth
- Free SSL
- Free migration
- Team management tools
- Dedicated firewalls
- 24/7 real-time monitoring
- Automated backups
- Staging environment
- Automated security patches
- Advanced caching
- Ability to install unlimited applications
- SSH and SFTP access
Overview: Cloudways provides an affordable hosting option with a focus on simplicity and cloud infrastructure utilization. It supports various hosting options, including AWS and Google Cloud, allowing you to choose the servers that best suit your business needs. Additionally, Cloudways offers 24/7 support via live chat and premium support add-ons for more complex needs.
Pricing: The most affordable Cloudways hosting plan costs $11.00 per month.
Best For: Cloudways is an excellent choice if you’re seeking an uncomplicated way to leverage cloud infrastructure for MySQL database hosting.
3. ScaleGrid
Type of Hosting Available: ScaleGrid specializes in MySQL Database-as-a-Server hosting and does not offer web hosting or specialized app hosting. However, it can connect websites and apps to its databases.
Features (All ScaleGrid Plans):
- Multi-cloud support on AWS, Azure, DigitalOcean, and Google Cloud
- Superuser database access
- Use of any instance type
- SSH root access
- Disk encryption and backup
- Disaster recovery and one-click restores
- Managed upgrades
- OS patching
- Monitoring console
- Custom alerts
Overview: ScaleGrid stands out by offering highly flexible and scalable database hosting plans. Users have full customization control, including firewall settings, while benefiting from managed updates and OS patches. ScaleGrid places a strong emphasis on security, with dedicated security teams monitoring your databases. Additionally, extensive documentation and tutorials are available, and various support packages provide access to 24/7 expert support.
Pricing: Dedicated MySQL hosting plans start at $25 per month, with a “Bring Your Own Cloud” option starting at just $6 per month. Both base plans include one CPU, 1 GB RAM, and 18 GB storage. Discounts may be available through Startup Deals, Switch Providers discounts, or Amazon RDS Deals.
Best For: ScaleGrid is an excellent choice for developers seeking highly secure, specialized MySQL database hosting.
4. DigitalOcean
Type of Hosting Available: DigitalOcean primarily offers Droplets, a virtual machine system. It also provides managed MySQL database hosting, Kubernetes cluster management, object storage, and website hosting through Cloudways.
Features (All MySQL Database Hosting Plans):
- Free daily backups
- End-to-end security
- Database(s) run on Droplet vCPUs, with the option to choose between shared vCPUs and dedicated vCPUs
- Simplified API for easy database setup and management
- Automated failover to minimize downtime in case of database failure
- Ability to add new nodes and database clusters to scale your business
- Tracking of key database metrics such as disk usage
Overview: DigitalOcean offers a range of cloud-based storage solutions, making it a versatile choice. In addition to top-tier MySQL hosting, DigitalOcean provides extensive documentation and tutorials to assist users. For those who prefer direct assistance, the Partner Program grants access to over 80 specialists.
Pricing: DigitalOcean’s MySQL database hosting starts at $15 per month, providing 1 GB RAM, 10 GB storage space, and one vCPU.
Best For: DigitalOcean is a reliable option for those seeking dedicated MySQL hosting tailored to their specific requirements.
5. InMotion Hosting
Type of Hosting Available: InMotion Hosting offers various hosting options, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated server
hosting.
Features (InMotion Hosting’s MySQL Hosting Plans):
- Multiple plans tailored to your needs
- VPS or dedicated server options
- High-performance SSD hosting
- Free SSL certificate
- Pre-installed and managed MySQL databases
- Reliable performance and uptime
- 24/7 customer support
Overview: InMotion Hosting is known for its exceptional customer support and reliable hosting services. Their MySQL hosting plans cater to both small and large businesses, with the flexibility to scale as your website or app grows. These plans include pre-installed and managed MySQL databases, ensuring optimal performance and security.
Pricing: InMotion Hosting offers a range of pricing plans for MySQL hosting, with rates starting at $5.99 per month for shared hosting.
Best For: InMotion Hosting is an excellent choice for those seeking reliable, managed MySQL hosting with outstanding customer support.
Conclusion
When it comes to managed MySQL hosting platforms, you have a plethora of options to choose from. Whether you require comprehensive hosting solutions like those offered by Kinsta or Cloudways, specialized database hosting from ScaleGrid, or the flexibility of DigitalOcean or InMotion Hosting, there’s a platform to meet your needs. Take into consideration the features, pricing, and support options provided by each platform to make an informed decision for your MySQL hosting requirements.
