InfluxDB is a database specifically designed for time series, boasting high performance, horizontal scalability, and a powerful query language. We introduce you to the most popular InfluxDB alternatives, which include relational systems, NoSQL solutions, and embedded instances.

What is InfluxDB and what alternatives are there?

InfluxDB is an open-source database specifically developed for time series. This refers to data with a timestamp, such as temperature recordings, weather data, or even server performance stats. InfluxDB enables efficient storage, querying, and processing of timestamped data. These often come from monitoring systems, IoT sensors – IoT stands for the Internet of Things – or from the field of measurement and control technology and may include millions of incoming data records.

Compared to relational databases, InfluxDB shows significantly better performance for timestamped measurement data. This is made possible by using a specially developed TSM format (Time Structured Merge Tree), which bundles write operations and minimises read paths for contiguous data. The database management system was developed by the American company InfluxData and is available as a free open-source version. However, InfluxCloud and InfluxEnterprise also offer a cloud service and a commercial enterprise version.

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Among the central features of InfluxDB is its own scripting and query language called Flux, which optimises the ETL process (Extract, Transform, Load) and can even be used in combination with other databases. The database system also supports InfluxQL, a SQL-like language that makes it easier for users of relational databases to get started. Additionally, InfluxDB scores with easy installation and horizontal scaling.

MySQL, the powerful SQL database for structured data

MySQL is among the most widely used relational database systems worldwide. The open-source database was acquired by the American company Oracle in 2010, which has continually developed the system since then. MySQL is available both as an open-source version and as an enterprise version for various operating systems. The InfluxDB alternative is particularly suitable for the management of structured data in tables, shines with stability and performance, and offers a wealth of interfaces – such as Java or Python. You also benefit from mature security features and high availability, which proves advantageous especially in mission-critical applications.

MySQL uses the InnoDB-storage engine by default, offering full ACID compliance, transaction safety, and foreign key support. Additional storage engines like MyISAM, CSV, or Merge are also provided. With integrated features such as master-slave replication, multi-master clustering, horizontal scaling, and sharding, the database handles demanding scenarios—particularly regarding high availability. Thanks to clear documentation, numerous tutorials, and an engaged community, it’s also very accessible for newcomers.

Advantages of MySQL at a glance

  • Open source with optional enterprise upgrade
  • User-friendly system with clear structure
  • High reliability and speed
  • Various scaling options
  • Replication and clustering for high availability
  • Flexibly deployable storage engines
  • Extensive documentation and dedicated community
  • LAMP stack standard (Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP)
  • Seamless integration into various environments and frameworks

PostgreSQL, the flexibly extensible database thanks to its object-relational architecture

PostgreSQL is an object-relational database system that has been continuously developed since its first release in 1996. This open-source solution is impressive for its high reliability and data integrity, offering excellent performance even under heavy loads thanks to its powerful transaction processing (MVCC).

A particular highlight is its modular expandability: With provided extensions like PostGIS for geodata, the database management system can be flexibly tailored to meet individual requirements. Users have the option to create custom data types, operators, and procedures. For those looking to reliably manage extensive table-based data, PostgreSQL is a strong InfluxDB alternative.

Advantages of PostgreSQL at a glance

  • Open source without licensing fees
  • High robustness and security
  • Highly versatile
  • Powerful performance
  • Numerous options for scaling
  • Many extensions and interfaces available
  • Large and active community
  • Versatile data types from JSONB (binary representation of JSON) to geodata

MariaDB, the scalable relational database with an enhanced engine ecosystem

The database system MariaDB is a community-driven MySQL fork that was launched in 2010 after Oracle acquired MySQL. At its core, MariaDB remains fully compatible with MySQL clients and queries, but it also offers innovative storage engines like Aria, ColumnStore for analytical evaluations, and MyRocks for SSD-optimised storage.

Extensions like Galera Cluster enable synchronous multi-master replication, while features such as virtual columns and dynamic column storage (JSON documents) enhance flexibility for modern application scenarios. The Dynamic Columns feature allows time-based data to be flexibly modelled within relational tables, making MariaDB interesting for time-series-like applications. As an InfluxDB alternative, MariaDB is particularly appealing to companies that value transparency, high performance, and open standards.

Overview of MariaDB advantages

  • Open source with a transparent license (GPLv2)
  • Full compatibility with MySQL
  • Versatile storage engines for different requirements
  • High performance and scalability
  • Advanced SQL features like virtual columns and JSON documents
  • Runs very stably on all common platforms

MongoDB, the document-oriented NoSQL for large datasets

While InfluxDB is mainly specialised in time series data, a more flexible NoSQL alternative is better suited for heterogeneous workloads – and this is where MongoDB comes into play. The database system, released in 2009, stores structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data in BSON documents – thus foregoing rigid schemas. This allows for quick adaptations and agile development cycles.

Tip: Managed MongoDB from IONOS

Managed MongoDB from IONOS enables you to concentrate on the essentials. From installation to operation and maintenance work, IONOS makes sure you always get the best performance from your data banks.

With automatic sharding, datasets are distributed across multiple server nodes, increasing both availability and fault tolerance. Thanks to horizontal scaling, the database easily adapts to growing data volumes. Whether it’s a web application, IoT platform, or content management system, MongoDB is a top-notch InfluxDB alternative for increasing data volumes and is used by the New York Times, Disney, and the CERN particle accelerator, among others.

Overview of MongoDB benefits

  • Infinitely horizontal scaling and therefore optimal for increasing data volumes
  • High availability and fault tolerance thanks to sharding
  • Highly flexible usage
  • Suitable for diverse data types
  • Compatible with a variety of platforms, systems, and languages
  • Extensive ecosystem with tools like Compass or Atlas Charts
  • Simple replication

Redis, the in-memory database for ultra-fast performance

If you’re looking for a NoSQL option with low response times, Redis is a great InfluxDB alternative. This open-source database stores data entirely in memory, achieving latencies of less than one millisecond. With its streamlined model based on so-called key values, Redis is ideal as a cache layer, message broker, or for real-time analytics.

The architecture of the database system allows for both vertical scaling (using larger servers) and horizontal scaling (via Redis clusters), but it is more geared towards speed rather than large data volumes. Therefore, Redis is less suitable for workloads involving complex data and extensive query options. For larger datasets, the high RAM requirement can also quickly drive up operating costs.

Advantages of Redis at a glance

  • Open source
  • Outstanding speed thanks to in-memory model
  • Latencies of less than one millisecond
  • Ideal for real-time analytics and event processing
  • Horizontal and vertical scalability
  • High user-friendliness
  • Flexible data processing thanks to versatile data types
  • Compatible with many systems, platforms, and languages

SQLite, the compact SQL solution with minimal administrative effort

As an InfluxDB alternative for smaller applications or embedded devices, SQLite is excellent. With a minimal library size of just a few hundred kilobytes and broad language support via API, SQLite is ideal for desktop, mobile, and IoT applications where resources are limited. The serverless, file-based database stores all data and the complete schema in just one file and does not require a separate database service. As a result, most of the administrative effort as well as installation and server configuration are eliminated. Backups can be easily created by copying the file.

SQLite not only covers a large portion of the SQL standard, but also impresses with its compatibility with most common data storage formats. Because SQLite databases can be effortlessly transferred between different systems, many developers trust the lightweight engine as the foundation of their applications. With uniform data access, low resource requirements, and serverless operation, SQLite offers a high level of reliability.

Overview of SQLite advantages

  • Serverless operation with minimal administrative effort
  • Compact library with a memory requirement of only a few hundred kilobytes
  • Extensive SQL support
  • Portability
  • High reliability and fault tolerance
  • Uncomplicated backups
  • Optimal for embedded scenarios
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