ClearDB
Database as a service (DBaaS) providers
Database software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$45 per month
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What is ClearDB
ClearDB is a managed MySQL database service that provisions and operates MySQL instances for application workloads. It is commonly used by developers deploying web applications that need a hosted relational database without managing servers, backups, and basic operations. The service is known for its integration with platform-as-a-service environments (notably Heroku) and for offering tiered plans with defined resource limits.
Managed MySQL operations
ClearDB provides a hosted MySQL environment where the vendor handles provisioning and routine database operations. This reduces the need for customers to manage database servers, OS patching, and basic maintenance tasks. It fits teams that want a straightforward managed relational database rather than a broader application platform.
PaaS-friendly integration
ClearDB is widely used as an add-on style database for applications deployed on PaaS environments, especially Heroku. This simplifies initial setup for app teams that want to attach a MySQL database to an existing deployment workflow. For organizations standardizing on PaaS deployment patterns, this can reduce integration work compared with self-hosting.
Familiar MySQL compatibility
Because ClearDB is based on MySQL, it supports common MySQL drivers, tooling, and SQL patterns used by many web applications. This helps teams migrate existing MySQL-backed apps with fewer code changes than moving to a different database model. It also supports typical operational needs such as backups and connection management expected in managed MySQL offerings.
Narrow database engine scope
ClearDB focuses on MySQL rather than offering multiple database engines or a broader data platform. Organizations that need additional managed services (e.g., other relational engines, analytics, or integrated app-building capabilities) may need to adopt additional vendors. This can increase architectural complexity when compared with more comprehensive cloud platforms.
Less suited for complex workloads
The service is often selected for straightforward web application workloads, but it may not be the best fit for highly specialized performance, compliance, or advanced operational requirements. Teams needing fine-grained control over infrastructure, custom configurations, or deep observability may find the managed abstraction limiting. Larger enterprises may also prefer providers with broader regional coverage and enterprise governance features.
Vendor details not transparent
Publicly verifiable, current corporate information about ClearDB (ownership, headquarters, and corporate profiles) is not consistently available from authoritative sources. This can complicate vendor due diligence, procurement, and risk assessments. Buyers may need to rely on contract documentation and direct vendor confirmation for up-to-date company details.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $45 per month | Open-source databases (MySQL/Postgres), up to $50/month in free infrastructure credit, 3 instance options. |
| Basic | $95 per month | Open-source databases, up to $100/month in free infrastructure credit, 3 instance options. |
| Standard | $295 per month | MySQL, PostgreSQL and Oracle supported, up to $300/month in free infrastructure credit, 3 instance options. |
| Professional | $595 per month | MySQL, PostgreSQL and Oracle, up to $600/month in free infrastructure credit, 8 instance options; higher capacity/support. |
| Business | $1,195 per month | All databases supported, up to $1,200/month in free infrastructure credit, 12 instance options; larger deployments. |
| Enterprise | $2,395 per month | All databases supported, up to $2,400/month in free infrastructure credit, 14+ instance options; enterprise-grade features and support. |
Notes: Navisite (which now hosts ClearDB) also lists "Starting at" prices by engine: MySQL/PostgreSQL starting at $45/month; SQL Server/Oracle starting at $295/month. Navisite additionally offers pay-as-you-go (per-minute) DBaaS/data-cloud pricing and BYOC (Bring Your Own Cloud) options on AWS and Azure (detailed instance-level charges are shown on the Navisite DBaaS pages).
Seller details
ClearDB, Inc.
Austin, Texas, United States
2011
Private
https://www.cleardb.com/
https://x.com/cleardb
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleardb
