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Databases · head to head

Azure SQL vs Scaleway

Azure SQL logo

Azure SQL

Databases

Intelligent, scalable cloud database service from Microsoft

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Scaleway logo

Scaleway

Cloud

European cloud for developers

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Azure SQL ecosystem lock-in limits flexibility compared to open-source or multi-cloud solutions; Scaleway no free tier or trial period mentioned on homepage
  • They diverge on capability: Azure SQL covers Intelligent Performance, Scaleway covers Virtual Instances.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Azure SQL and Scaleway actually diverge.

Attributes where Azure SQL and Scaleway differ
AttributeAzure SQLScaleway
Pricing modelUnknownusage-based
PlatformsCloud (Microsoft Azure)Web, Api, Cli
CategoryDatabasesCloud
Founded19751999

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Azure SQL

  • Intelligent Performance
  • Advanced Security
  • Hyperscale
  • Serverless Compute
  • Geo-replication
  • Automatic Tuning
  • Built-in AI
  • Power BI

Only in Scaleway

  • Virtual Instances
  • Bare Metal
  • Kubernetes Kapsule
  • Object Storage
  • Serverless Functions
  • Managed Databases
  • Container Registry
  • Load Balancer

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Azure SQL

  • Transaction processingnot Scaleway
  • Data storage
  • Application backendnot Scaleway
  • Reportingnot Scaleway
  • Data analyticsnot Scaleway

Scaleway

  • Web hostingnot Azure SQL
  • Container orchestrationnot Azure SQL
  • Development environmentsnot Azure SQL
  • Data storage

Both are used for data storage, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Azure SQL

  • Ecosystem lock-in limits flexibility compared to open-source or multi-cloud solutions
  • Managed service reduces control over database configuration and optimization tuning
  • Pricing complexity with consumption-based model can be unpredictable at scale
  • Less operational depth compared to Amazon RDS for advanced scaling scenarios
  • Azure PostgreSQL is less compelling than dedicated PostgreSQL providers outside Azure ecosystem

Scaleway

  • No free tier or trial period mentioned on homepage
  • Specific pricing requires navigating to individual product category pages
  • Base pricing starts at 4.99 EUR per month but varies significantly by service type

Pricing, plan by plan

Azure SQL

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Azure SQL review.

Scaleway

Free
  • DEV1-S$7.99/month
    • 2 vCPU
    • 2GB RAM
    • 20GB SSD

Which should you pick?

Choose Azure SQL if

  • You need intelligent performance.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Cloud (Microsoft Azure).
  • You also want advanced security.
Azure SQL review

Choose Scaleway if

  • You need virtual instances.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Api, Cli.
  • You also want bare metal.
Scaleway review

Questions people ask

Is Azure SQL or Scaleway better?
Neither clearly leads. Azure SQL starts at Free and Scaleway at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Azure SQL or Scaleway?
Azure SQL starts at Free and Scaleway at Free.
Does Azure SQL or Scaleway run on more platforms?
Azure SQL runs on Cloud (Microsoft Azure). Scaleway runs on Web, Api, Cli.
Can I use Azure SQL for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Azure SQL best used for?
Azure SQL is most often used for transaction processing, data storage, application backend, reporting. Of those, transaction processing and application backend are not what Scaleway is typically brought in for.
What can Azure SQL do that Scaleway cannot?
Azure SQL covers Intelligent Performance, Advanced Security, Hyperscale, Serverless Compute. Scaleway covers Virtual Instances, Bare Metal, Kubernetes Kapsule, Object Storage. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Azure SQL: Does Azure SQL Database offer a free tier?

Yes, Azure SQL Database includes a permanent free tier that provides 100,000 vCore seconds, 32 GB of data storage, and 32 GB of backup storage per month. This free tier is available for the lifetime of any Azure subscription with no expiration.

Source
Scaleway: Does Scaleway have a free tier?

Scaleway does not mention a free tier or trial period on its pricing or homepage. Users must select specific services to see rates.

Source
Azure SQL: What pricing models does Azure SQL Database support?

Azure SQL Database offers consumption-based pricing where you pay for resources used, with no long-term commitments required. Database Savings Plans launched in March 2026 allow committing to a fixed hourly amount and save up to 35% across Azure database services.

Source
Scaleway: What is Scaleway's pricing model?

Scaleway uses transparent, usage-based pricing that varies by service. Different categories (bare metal, compute, AI, storage, network) have separate pricing. Dedibox servers start at 4.99 EUR per month.

Source
Azure SQL: Is Azure SQL Database compatible with on-premises SQL Server?

Yes, Azure SQL Database shares the same Database Engine as on-premises SQL Server. Existing databases maintain their compatibility level and continue to work after upgrades. Azure SQL Managed Instance provides even broader SQL Server compatibility dating back to SQL Server 2008.

Source
Scaleway: How does Scaleway billing work?

Scaleway emphasizes transparent, predictable billing where customers know exactly what they'll pay. Users must select products and view pricing within each category.

Source
Azure SQL: What high availability features does Azure SQL Database provide?

Azure SQL Database provides automatic backups, geo-replication for disaster recovery, failover groups for automatic failover, and zone redundancy for enhanced availability. The service maintains a 99.99% availability SLA for Business Critical tier.

Source
Azure SQL: Can I use AI features with Azure SQL Database?

Yes, Azure SQL Database includes Copilot for database tasks, Intelligent Applications support, REST API endpoints for building applications, and GraphQL endpoints for modern app development.

Source
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