ClearDB vs Heroku Postgres: What are the differences?

Introduction

ClearDB and Heroku Postgres are both popular database services used for storing and managing data in web applications. While they share similarities in terms of functionality, there are several key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will delve into the specific differences between ClearDB and Heroku Postgres.

1. Pricing Models: ClearDB offers both free and paid plans, allowing users to choose the one that suits their needs best. On the other hand, Heroku Postgres follows a tiered pricing model, where users can select from different pricing tiers based on the amount of storage and performance required.

2. Integration with Cloud Platforms: ClearDB is primarily associated with the Azure cloud platform, making it an excellent choice for developers who already utilize Azure services. On the contrary, Heroku Postgres is a native product of the Heroku platform, providing seamless integration and additional features specific to Heroku.

3. Scalability: ClearDB allows users to scale their databases horizontally by adding read replicas, ensuring improved performance and redundancy. However, Heroku Postgres enables vertical scalability through its Continuous Protection feature, which automatically provisions more powerful database instances as the workload increases.

4. Data Center Locations: ClearDB offers multiple data center locations around the world, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their geographical requirements. In contrast, Heroku Postgres primarily relies on the data center regions provided by the hosting platform (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud), limiting the flexibility to select specific locations.

5. Backup and Recovery: ClearDB provides automated backups and allows users to restore their databases to a previous state in case of data loss. Heroku Postgres offers continuous protection with rolling backups, allowing for point-in-time recovery and minimizing the risk of data loss.

6. Support: ClearDB offers different support channels, including community forums, tickets, and phone support, to assist users with their database-related queries and concerns. On the other hand, Heroku Postgres leverages the existing support infrastructure provided by the Heroku platform, providing comprehensive support for its users.

In summary, ClearDB and Heroku Postgres differ in terms of pricing models, integration with cloud platforms, scalability options, data center locations, backup and recovery mechanisms, as well as support offerings.