Best next js database with drizzle

by | Sep 23, 2024 | Technology

🧩 Best Next.js Database with Drizzle ORM: Top Choices for Modern Web Apps

Looking for the best database to use with Next.js and Drizzle ORM? You’re in the right place. As full-stack apps become more modular and type-safe, the combination of Next.js + Drizzle ORM offers a modern, developer-friendly stack for building scalable, high-performance web applications.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best databases to use with Drizzle ORM in Next.js projects, with pros, use cases, and integration tips.

⚙️ What Is Drizzle ORM?

Drizzle ORM is a lightweight, type-safe ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) for JavaScript and TypeScript. It’s designed for modern full-stack frameworks like Next.js, offering:

  • Fully typed SQL queries

  • Zero runtime overhead

  • First-class TypeScript support

  • Migrations and schema generation

  • Works in edge functions, serverless, and traditional backends

🏆 Best Databases for Next.js + Drizzle

Here are the top databases developers use with Drizzle ORM in a Next.js environment:

1. PostgreSQL – ✅ Best All-Round Choice

Why it’s great:

  • Fully supported by Drizzle ORM

  • Works seamlessly in server-side and API routes

  • Strong relational features and JSON support

  • Ideal for production apps with moderate to complex data needs

Use it with:
🛠️ pg driver + Drizzle PostgreSQL dialect

ts
import { drizzle } from 'drizzle-orm/node-postgres';
import { Pool } from 'pg';
const pool = new Pool({ connectionString: process.env.DATABASE_URL });
const db = drizzle(pool);

2. SQLite – 🧪 Best for Local Development or Lightweight Apps

Why it’s great:

  • Fast, file-based database — no server setup

  • Fully supported in Drizzle

  • Perfect for prototyping, personal projects, and testing

  • Can be bundled easily with your project

Use it with:
🛠️ better-sqlite3 + Drizzle SQLite dialect

ts
import { drizzle } from 'drizzle-orm/better-sqlite3';
import Database from 'better-sqlite3';
const sqlite = new Database('db.sqlite');
const db = drizzle(sqlite);

3. MySQL / MariaDB – 🔄 For Existing Projects & Legacy Systems

Why it’s great:

  • Compatible with many hosting environments

  • Good for existing infrastructure

  • Supported by Drizzle via MySQL dialect

Use it if: You’re integrating Drizzle into an existing MySQL-based project or using cloud MySQL services like PlanetScale.

4. PlanetScale – ☁️ Serverless MySQL with Next.js + Vercel

Why it’s great:

  • Built on MySQL, but optimized for serverless

  • Works beautifully with Drizzle in Next.js

  • Scalable, production-ready, and integrates easily with Vercel

Ideal for: Production-grade apps with serverless infrastructure needs

🔧 Bonus: Edge Support with Drizzle ORM

Need to run your database queries from Next.js edge functions? Drizzle’s lightweight, runtime-free design allows you to use SQLite or PlanetScale from edge-friendly environments — just be mindful of connection pooling and cold starts.

🧠 What to Consider When Choosing a Database

  • 🔒 Security: PostgreSQL and PlanetScale offer advanced encryption and access controls

  • ⚡ Performance: SQLite is blazing fast locally; PostgreSQL is excellent for production

  • 🔄 Migration support: Drizzle supports automatic SQL migration generation

  • 🌍 Hosting: Choose a DB that fits your deployment model (e.g., Vercel + PlanetScale)

✅ Summary: Best Database for Drizzle + Next.js

Database Best For Drizzle Support Type Safety
PostgreSQL Full-stack production apps ✅ Full ✅ Excellent
SQLite Prototyping, lightweight projects ✅ Full ✅ Excellent
MySQL Legacy or MySQL-based hosting ✅ Supported ✅ Good
PlanetScale Serverless & Vercel integration ✅ Full ✅ Excellent
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