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CosmosDB vs Knack

CosmosDB logo

CosmosDB

Software

Globally distributed, multi-model database service from Azure

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
K

Knack

Software

Build online databases and apps without code

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only CosmosDB has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: CosmosDB autoscale provisioned throughput enforces a minimum of 1,000 RU/s, billed hourly whether or not the database is used; Knack plans are priced by number of records and objects rather than users, ranging from $110 to $300 per month as data volume grows

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which CosmosDB and Knack actually diverge.

Attributes where CosmosDB and Knack differ
AttributeCosmosDBKnack
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelusage-basedsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, AzureWeb
Founded1975Unknown

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 CosmosDB

  • Global Distribution
  • Multi-model APIs
  • Elastic Scaling
  • Five Consistency Levels
  • SLA-backed Latency
  • Automatic Indexing
  • Serverless
  • Azure Functions

Only in Knack

Nothing recorded that CosmosDB does not also cover.

What people use each for

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

CosmosDB

  • Running a globally distributed multi model database on Azurenot Knack
  • Serving low latency reads and writes from multiple Azure regionsnot Knack
  • Storing document, key value and graph data behind a managed servicenot Knack

Knack

No use cases recorded yet. See the Knack review.

Where each one falls short

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

CosmosDB

  • Autoscale provisioned throughput enforces a minimum of 1,000 RU/s, billed hourly whether or not the database is used
  • Provisioned throughput is charged in every region the account is replicated to, so multi region accounts multiply the RU bill
  • Storage charges cover data, indexes and backups in each replicated region
  • Egress out of Azure and between regions is charged, though ingress is free
  • The free allowance is one account per Azure subscription, limited to 1,000 RU/s and 25 GB
  • RU/s rates vary by region and are only shown through the pricing calculator rather than a flat published rate

Knack

  • Plans are priced by number of records and objects rather than users, ranging from $110 to $300 per month as data volume grows

Pricing, plan by plan

CosmosDB

Free
  • Free TierFree
    • 1000 RU/s
    • 25GB storage
    • First 12 months
  • ServerlessFree
    • Pay per request
    • Auto-scaling
    • Event-driven workloads

Knack

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Knack review.

Which should you pick?

Choose CosmosDB if

  • You need global distribution.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Azure.
  • You also want multi-model apis.
CosmosDB review

Choose Knack if

Nothing in the data separates Knack from CosmosDB on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

Knack review

Questions people ask

Is CosmosDB or Knack better?
Neither clearly leads. CosmosDB starts at Free and Knack at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, CosmosDB or Knack?
CosmosDB has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for CosmosDB and On request for Knack.
Does CosmosDB or Knack run on more platforms?
CosmosDB runs on Web, Azure. Knack runs on Web.
Can I use CosmosDB for free?
Yes. CosmosDB has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Knack starts at On request.
What is CosmosDB best used for?
CosmosDB is most often used for running a globally distributed multi model database on azure, serving low latency reads and writes from multiple azure regions, storing document, key value and graph data behind a managed service. Of those, running a globally distributed multi model database on azure and serving low latency reads and writes from multiple azure regions are not what Knack is typically brought in for.
What can CosmosDB do that Knack cannot?
CosmosDB covers Global Distribution, Multi-model APIs, Elastic Scaling, Five Consistency Levels.
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