A managed DB is any database that is provided as a service rather than one that runs directly on a VM you are responsible for. You typically pay a bit more for managed databases than VMs, but in exchange you get a highly optimized environment and curated experience so that you have minimal operational overhead to keep it online consistently. Managed database services typically take care of: - minor version patching - automated failover and backup options - some level of security Heroku Postgres is a popular option, as are services from all major cloud providers and database companies.

For reference, a T3.micro VM is $0.0104 / hr vs T3.micro RDS at $0.017 / hr or $7.50 vs $12.25 /mo. Its a high margin service for cloud providers, but also gives a lot of peace of mind around the data's integrity and availability.

Spin one up running your favorite database. You can run any version of most popular databases for the past 7-10 years, including MySQL, Postgres, MS SQL, Oracle, Redis, MongoDB, Cassandra, Elasticsearch and more. Spin it up, load up some data, make some queries, and throw it away a couple hours later and you'll be out a few pennies. You can also throw down $25 and get an hour with a 128 cpu, 4TB RAM, 25 Gbps monster. In any case, have fun and don't forget to terminate your instances!

Digital Ocean has managed Postgres for $15/mo

Probably amazon rds? Which is basically a rebranded postgres.

RDS is so expensive, cries :_(

Postgres RDS on a t2.micro is $15/mo and afaik eligible for free tier.

Micro on cloud services is basically trash, it has no power at all, you'll quickly run I to problems even with a handful of customers.

It'll have like 1/100th the power of a $5 p/m VPS.