MongoDB Atlas vs Neon
A detailed comparison to help you choose the right databases solution for your project.
Quick Verdict
MongoDB Atlas has a feature edge based on documented capabilities, but the best choice depends on your constraints. MongoDB Atlas is best for flexible schemas, while Neon excels at serverless apps. See methodology for how we compare tools.
MongoDB Atlas
Feature edgeCloud-native document database
Best for
Feature Comparison
| Feature | MongoDB Atlas | Neon |
|---|---|---|
| Document database | Yes | No |
| Full-text search | Yes | No |
| Global clusters | Yes | No |
| Serverless option | Yes | No |
| Built-in Auth | No | No |
| Self-hosted option | Yes | No |
| GraphQL API | Yes | No |
| PostgreSQL | No | Yes |
| Branching | No | Yes |
| Autoscaling | No | Yes |
| Scale to zero | No | Yes |
| Read replicas | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
MongoDB Atlas
Neon
MongoDB Atlas Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Flexible document model
- +Great for unstructured data
- +Built-in search
- +Massive ecosystem
Cons
- -Not relational
- -Can be expensive at scale
- -Query language learning curve
Neon Pros & Cons
Pros
- +True serverless (scale to zero)
- +Database branching
- +Great free tier
- +Fast cold starts
Cons
- -Newer platform
- -Smaller community
- -No self-hosting
MongoDB Atlas Verdict
MongoDB Atlas is the go-to for document databases. Best when you need schema flexibility or have unstructured data.
Neon Verdict
Neon is the best serverless Postgres for Vercel/Next.js projects. Scale-to-zero billing is perfect for side projects.
More options in Databases
Looking for different tradeoffs? Explore alternatives to each tool.
Frequently Asked Questions: MongoDB Atlas vs Neon
Is MongoDB Atlas or Neon better?
It depends on your use case. MongoDB Atlas is best for flexible schemas and content apps. Neon is best for serverless apps and vercel users. MongoDB Atlas is the go-to for document databases. Best when you need schema flexibility or have unstructured data.
Is MongoDB Atlas free?
Yes, MongoDB Atlas offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $9/mo.
Is Neon free?
Yes, Neon offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $19/mo.
Can I migrate from MongoDB Atlas to Neon?
Yes, you can migrate from MongoDB Atlas to Neon, though the complexity depends on how deeply integrated your current solution is. Most developers recommend evaluating both tools in a test environment before committing to a migration.
Which is more popular, MongoDB Atlas or Neon?
Both MongoDB Atlas and Neon are popular choices in their category. The best choice depends on your specific requirements, team expertise, and budget rather than popularity alone.