MongoDB Hosting: These Hosts Are Ones-To-Watch In 2020

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Compare MongoDB Hosting

MongoDB is an open-source NoSQL document-based database. With this application, you’ll need both server control and flexibility as the database schema may evolve over time. So you need to pick the right host.

A host must meet specific technical requirements to run MongoDB. It is typically user-installed on a private environment like a VPS or dedicated server able to handle large datasets with a high write load.

There’s a detailed breakdown of our favorite hosts later in this post but here’s a sneak peek at the best 5 hosts for MongoDB:

  1. Bluehost – quick provisioning and dedicated IP address
  2. A2 Hosting – easy one-click installation with solid servers
  3. Liquid Web – unsurpassed infrastructure and support
  4. InterServer – incredible prices on solid VPS plans
  5. DreamHost – reasonable prices with SSDs and unlimited bandwidth

How Did We Pick the Best Hosts for MongoDB?

Out of over 1,500 hosting plans, we looked for VPS and dedicated server plans that come with a dedicated IP address and access to the specific ports required by MongoDB.

We prioritized the hosting providers that had outstanding uptime, all SSDs for storage, and superior technical support. And we scrubbed this list against our massive database of actual customer reviews to end up with the best MongoDB hosts.

Compare MongoDB Hosting Plans

PEOPLE’S CHOICE: #1 HOST FOR mongodb Apr 2021
#1
VPS Standard plan

$14.99 / mo

#2
Entry VPS plan

$5 / mo

#3
2 GB VPS plan

$59 / mo

#4
DreamHost Cloud plan

$12 / mo

#5
Linux Cloud VPS plan

$6 / mo

#6
Webfaction Plan plan

$8.50 / mo

#7
DO1GB plan

$10 / mo

#8
5 Monthly plan

$5 / mo

#9
VPS SSD 1 plan

No reviews yet

$19.95 / mo

MongoDB Hosting

MongoDB is a kind of NoSQL database, which means that the data is stored in documents. This makes it easier to use for simple projects.

In this article, we will explain more about MongoDB and help you to decide the kind of hosting that will best suit the projects you want to do with it.

How MongoDB Works

MongoDB is a database that works a bit differently than most other databases. It is a non-relational (or “NoSQL“), document-oriented database.

Much of the speed and scalability benefits are only achieved if the database is set up correctly, in an environment optimized to take advantage of its strengths.

MongoDB provides a lot of features that allow you to do more than simple database queries.

Spend some time looking at MongoDB’s features so you know what you can do with it.

MongoDB Homepage
MongoDB homepage.

Relational Databases

The most common type of database is a relational database in the SQL (Structured Query Language) family.

SQL Databases

Popular relational databases include:

  • MySQL
  • MariaDB
  • PostgreSQL
  • Oracle
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • SQLite.

Though they are implemented differently “under the hood,” they are very similar in how a developer or user interacts with them.

If you have worked with WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla, you have used a relational, SQL, database.

Table Based Databases

Typical SQL-style databases store data in a series of tables, with each row of the table representing a single entry.

Entries in tables can be related to entries in other tables, allowing complex data structures to be designed (hence the term “relational”).

Relational databases are excellent tools for storing structured data about a large number of fairly similar things.

That’s especially true if you know ahead of time (when you are developing the application) what types of items you will be keeping records on.

It also helps if you know what information you will need to know about them.

NoSQL Databases Explained

Unfortunately, in real life, we do not always know ahead of time what information we might need to store, or even sometimes what sorts of things we may need to keep track of.

Also, some real-world domains simply aren’t structured enough to fit well into the way SQL databases organize data.

MongoDB

MongoDB is a document-based database, one of many new “NoSQL” or non-relational databases.

Rather than storing records in a series of inter-related table rows, where the information on a single item might be spread across multiple tables, MongoDB stores all the information about a particular item in a single document.

Loose Structure

The database then allows for documents of various types to be group together and indexed.

This is a much looser, less structured way of organizing data, and there are both benefits and downsides.

When to Use MongoDB

Making the right choice for your database management solution is important.

But it is worth noting that you might not have any choice with what database to use.

If you are planning to use an existing content management system or blogging platform, those applications are built with a specific database already.

MongoDB is for Development

Generally, the question of what type of database to use is a question for developers of new applications.

MongoDB is often a better choice for very large datasets with a very high write load, in a situation where you will need to share the database.

It also is the right choice if your data model, or schema, is unstable and needs to evolve over time.

When Not to Use MongoDB

Do not use MongoDB if you are building an application which will  require SQL joins or transactions, or where data normalization is needed.

What You Need to Host MongoDB

Shared hosting accounts and “discount” web hosting providers where your site or application shares an IP address with other accounts are totally unsuitable for hosting MongoDB.

You could get around this by purchasing a dedicated IP address for your website. But normally, you should host MongoDB on a Cloud, VPS, or dedicated server plan.

Hosting TypeAdvantagesDisadvantages
Shared hostingCheapNot a lot of choices
VPSDedicated resource allocationMore expensive
Dedicated serverCompletely privateMore complex

Other Reasons to Go With Higher-End Hosting

On top of that, if you are building an application that requires the use of a NoSQL database like MongoDB, you probably have a lot of other needs.

These are probably not going to be adequately provided for in a low-cost shared-hosting environment.



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You Need a Dedicated IP Address

Beyond that, almost any serious web server would work fine, as long as you have a dedicated IP address and can gain access to Ports 27017 and 28017 (in many standard web hosts, you will have to request these ports be opened).

So if you can get a dedicated IP address, MongoDB can be deployed on most operating systems, and on most standard production-level hardware.

MongoDB cloud screenshot
MongoDB cloud screenshot.

Type of Hosting

When you’re looking for a MongoDB host, make sure you go for a private hosting environment.

This can either be in the form of a virtual private server (VPS) or a dedicated server.

VPS plans will be easier to manage than dedicated servers and provide a cloud environment for instant, on-demand provisioning.

Datacenters

Performance is always an issue with web hosting. A common solution to server speed issues is to use a CDN to deliver content from servers close to website visitors.

Because MongoDB creates dynamic content, CDNs offer relatively little help. As a result, it is best to get a hosting plan with a datacenter near your users. Lower-priced plans often offer no options regarding datacenters.

Look for a hosting provider that can provide you with an appropriate datacenter location.

What Platform Is Best for MongoDB

Just because you can run MongoDB on almost any web server doesn’t mean you should run MongoDB on any web server.

Setting-Up MongoDB

MongoDB can be a bit tricky to set up, especially for developers unfamiliar with all of its ins and outs.

Much of the speed and scalability benefits are only achieved if the database is set up correctly, in an environment optimized to take advantage of its strengths.

Setting up MongoDB includes:

  1. Setting up a local development environment
  2. Finding a suitable server
  3. Installing MongoDB
  4. Choosing a programming language
  5. Designing a database
  6. Deploying the database
  7. Building a web app.

Pick a Host That Specializes in MongoDB

For this reason, we recommend deploying your MongoDB database on a web host experienced with MongoDB.

The makers of MongoDB have a cloud-managed MongoDB solution that works in conjunction with “the cloud infrastructure of your choice,” and there a number of other Mongo-optimized web hosting providers available.

Popular MongoDB Hosts

Many of these MongoDB hosts use Amazon Web Services (AWS). Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure are also popular.

MongoDB solutions screenshot

MongoDB solutions screenshot.

Some of these providers that are dedicated to MongoDB hosting include mLab, Compose, and ScaleGrid.

These dedicated companies will offer the fullest breadth of features you need to fully host a MongoDB database.

Prices

But you’ll find that these MongoDB hosts will be more expensive than VPSs offered by traditional web hosting companies.

Other cheaper hosting companies like A2 Hosting have specialized MongoDB hosting plans you can check out.

Pros and Cons of MongoDB

Like all applications, there are good and bad points to MongoDB. Here are the major ones of each type to keep in mind when you are shopping around.

Pros

  • Less upfront development time spent data designing
  • Ability for a data-model to evolve over time
  • Flexibility for exceptions, for bits of “oddball” data
  • Faster writing to the database
  • Infinitely scalable
  • No cascading deletes.

Cons

  • Data may be not be normalized (eg, multiple spellings)
  • Less strict data modeling encourages lazy data design
  • No checks for data consistency at the database layer.

Our Choices: The Top Three MongoDb Hosts

It can be especially hard to pick a host for MongoDB. So we’ll set you on your way with our own three favorite hosts. But remember there are others. See our comparison page for more ideas.

A2 Hosting

A2 Hosting VPS Plans

Our top pick for optimized MongoDB hosting option is A2 Hosting. They give you some of the most affordable VPS plans with plenty of resources available for smaller sites. And if you are technically knowledgeable, their unmanaged plans can’t be beat.

A2 has made it extremely easy for developers to set up a MongoDB database with just one click. You also get root access on the Unmanaged and Core plans, so you can edit any server files you want.

With their anytime money-back guarantee, there’s almost no reason not to try them out.

InterServer

InterServer compare

Like A2 Hosting, InterServer also gives you some cheap VPS plans. In fact, if you don’t need much power, you can get a plan for little more than you’d pay for a shared plan.

However, they don’t offer the same easy MongoDB set-up. Their knowledgebase explains how to do this, so you shouldn’t have any problems if you have any technical skill.

InterServer sells its VPS plans by the “slice.” A slice is 1 Core CPU, 1GB memory, and 25 GB disk space. If you purchase 4 slices or more, they provide managed support. For an extra fee, you can get any of cPanel, Plesk, or DirectAdmin control panels.

Liquid Web

LiquidWeb compare
Liquid Web Cloud VPS.

Liquid Web offers cloud VPS hosting on high-performance servers. Their plans tend to be more expensive than those of A2 Hosting and InterServer. But this price comes with some of the best infrastructure in the business – up with AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.

Liquid Web includes a dedicated IP address, full root access, and 100% network uptime (our tests back this up). They also offer InterWorx, cPanel, and Plesk control panels.

Other features in NoSQL




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MongoDB Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is MongoDB?

    MongoDB is a non-relational (NoSQL), document-oriented database management system. It is controlled from application code by drivers written for different programming languages. It was first developed by 10gen (now MongoDB Inc) in 2007 as part of a PaaS product they were creating.

  • What is a non-relational database system?

    Most database management systems are relational. This means that the data is stored in a number of related tables, according to a complex data scheme that has to be designed before the system is used. Any given query usually pulls from several tables, so the data has to be assembled when it’s accessed.

    In a non-relational database, information concerning a single record is usually stored in a single place. MongoDB is a document-oriented database, which means that information about a specific record is stored in a single block of serialized data called a document.

  • What are the disadvantages of using non-relational databases?

    A non-relational document model does not make it particularly good for highly normalized, structured data sets. Sometimes, updates can create inconsistencies. For example, if a collection of blog posts store the author’s name as an attribute, and a separate collection of authors’ names contains bio information, changing the name of the author will break the connection. This isn’t an issue with a relational database.

  • What data format does MongoDB use?

    MongoDB stores information in BSON. This is a binary version of JSON with additional elements. This helps to make certain types of development faster because JSON can be consumed directly by JavaScript-powered applications. Unless you are going to be developing for MongoDB, you probably don’t need to know much about BSON.

  • Why would I choose MongoDB for my project?

    You don’t need to pre-determine your data model, so MongoDB is ideal for continuous development environments where the data model simply isn’t known at the beginning. Additionally, the document model aligns with the way we think about many data domains, and the way objects are used in applications. This similarity can make programming more intuitive.

  • Does MongoDB use tables?

    No. A single record in MongoDB is stored in a document, rather than in a row of a table. Documents of a similar type are stored in collections. NoSQL databases use an entirely different paradigm for the way they handle data. It’s best not to attempt to reconcile one with the other.

  • What operating systems support MongoDB?

    Like most database systems, MongoDB is platform-independent. Since its source code is available, it could theoretically be used on any system. Binary distributions are available for Windows, Mac OS X, and many flavors of Linux. There is even a community-supported version available for Solaris.

  • Can I use MongoDB on shared hosting?

    MongoDB isn’t usually provided as a standard feature with shared hosting plans. You will need a dedicated IP address, SSH access, and specific ports opened. Additionally, some hosts find it to be resource-intensive, which could prevent you from using it. Finally, be aware that you may run into configuration problems that you won’t be able to deal with easily.

  • What programming languages can I use with MongoDB?

    MongoDB supports a wide range of programming languages. Drivers are available for C, C++, C#, Go, Java, Node.js, Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby, Scala, Switch, and more. There are community-supported drivers for many other languages. Additionally, MongoDB University offers specialized courses for Java, Node.JS, and Python.

  • What types of applications are a good fit for MongoDB?

    MongoDB is a good choice for applications that have a large number of records that do not rely on relationships to other types of records. A library catalog is a good example. MongoDB is also a good choice for indeterminate projects where you aren’t sure where you are headed.

  • Does MongoDB conform to data normalization requirements?

    No. MongoDB does not enforce a strict data schema either. In MongoDB, data normalization and the overall schema are enforced by the application layer, instead of the data layer. However, MongoDB isn’t designed to provide a high degree of formal data integrity. For that reason, it isn’t the best choice for things like payment systems.

  • What is sharding?

    MongoDB provides scalability by being able to shard a database. This simply means that the data is broken up into pieces, and those pieces are stored on several computers. As a result of this, MongoDB is well hosted in a distributed environment like a cloud.

  • What are the most common alternatives to MongoDB?

    Relational databases are alternatives to MongoDB. These include MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite. But most of the time, MongoDB would be best replaced with a document-oriented database. CouchDB is very popular and similar to MongoDB. Other non-document-oriented NoSQL databases include Cassandra and BigTable.

  • Can MongoDB handle multi-dimensional data?

    Yes. Documents can be nested inside of other documents, creating data with the structure of multi-dimensional arrays. Don’t let the NoSQL label confuse you; MongoDB is very powerful. So it can do most things that you want. Where it might suffer is in relative performance when dealing with highly structured data.

  • Why can’t I do a JOIN in MongoDB?

    The JOIN command combines tables in an SQL query. It is a way of organizing data from different locations. There’s no need to JOIN anything in MongoDB, because the data model doesn’t support the notion that information about a single object should be spread across multiple tables.

  • What types of applications are not a good fit for MongoDB?

    MongoDB should not be used for all projects. Any type of application where data consistency is highly valued or required, or where a strict data model needs to be maintained, is a bad fit for it. Financial systems are a particularly bad use case.

Toni Allen

About Toni Allen

Webmaster, mom, juggler. Toni manages the day-to-day operations of WhoIsHostingThis. She is a keen hiker, climber, and outdoors explorer.

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