ASP.NET Core Guide

Best Databases for ASP.NET Core (2026)

Compare the best database solutions for ASP.NET Core. We review SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and managed databases with Entity Framework Core integration.

Entity Framework Core is .NET's premier ORM with excellent provider support. We've evaluated databases that work well with EF Core's features and migration system.

Why This Matters

EF Core provides powerful LINQ queries, change tracking, and migrations. The right database choice affects query performance, hosting options, and operational costs.

Key Considerations

Entity Framework Core

EF Core is the standard ORM. Supports SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, and more. LINQ queries, migrations, change tracking.

SQL Server vs PostgreSQL

SQL Server integrates best with Azure. PostgreSQL offers better value and works everywhere. Both have excellent EF Core providers.

Connection Resilience

Use EnableRetryOnFailure() for cloud databases. EF Core handles transient failures automatically.

Migrations

dotnet ef migrations add/update. Run in CI/CD or on startup. Works with all EF Core providers.

Dapper Alternative

Dapper for micro-ORM needs. Faster for simple queries. Use alongside EF Core for performance-critical paths.

Our Recommendations

Neon

Best Serverless Excellent Support Official SDK

Neon provides serverless PostgreSQL with EF Core support. Branching for dev/prod. 512MB free. Scales to zero.

Npgsql.EntityFrameworkCore.PostgreSQL

Website → Documentation →

azure-sql

Best Microsoft Excellent Support Official SDK

Azure SQL for full SQL Server compatibility. First-party Microsoft support. Serverless tier available. Best for Azure deployments.

Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore.SqlServer

Documentation →

Supabase

Best All-in-One Excellent Support Official SDK

Supabase PostgreSQL works perfectly with EF Core. 500MB free. Get database plus auth, storage, realtime if needed.

Npgsql.EntityFrameworkCore.PostgreSQL

Website → Documentation →

PlanetScale

Best MySQL Excellent Support Official SDK

PlanetScale for serverless MySQL. Branching workflow. 5GB free. Note: no foreign key support at database level.

Pomelo.EntityFrameworkCore.MySql

Website → Documentation →

PostgreSQL

Best Self-Hosted Excellent Support Official SDK

Self-hosted PostgreSQL for full control. Npgsql provider is excellent. Well-documented, widely deployed.

Npgsql.EntityFrameworkCore.PostgreSQL

Website → Documentation →

Quick Comparison

Service	TypeScript	Edge	Free Tier	Setup Time
Neon	none	—	512MB	5 min
azure-sql	none	—	250GB (12 mo)	15 min
Supabase	none	—	500MB	5 min
PlanetScale	none	—	5GB	10 min
PostgreSQL	none	—	N/A	30 min

Quick Start

EF Core with PostgreSQL Program.cs

builder.Services.AddDbContext<AppDbContext>(options =>
    options.UseNpgsql(
        builder.Configuration.GetConnectionString("DefaultConnection"),
        npgsqlOptions => npgsqlOptions
            .EnableRetryOnFailure(3)
            .CommandTimeout(30)
    ));

// In appsettings.json:
// "ConnectionStrings": {
//   "DefaultConnection": "Host=...;Database=...;Username=...;Password=..."
// }

Common Integration Patterns

Neon + EF Core

Serverless PostgreSQL with Entity Framework Core migrations.

neon

Azure SQL + Azure App Service

Fully managed Microsoft stack with managed identity.

azure-sql

Supabase + ASP.NET Core

Supabase PostgreSQL with EF Core, optional Supabase Auth.

supabase

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use SQL Server or PostgreSQL with ASP.NET Core? ▼

SQL Server if you're on Azure and want first-party support. PostgreSQL for better value, cross-platform, and excellent Npgsql provider. Both work great with EF Core.

How do I run EF Core migrations in production? ▼

Use 'dotnet ef database update' in CI/CD, or call Database.Migrate() on startup. For production, prefer CI/CD migrations for better control.

When should I use Dapper instead of EF Core? ▼

Use Dapper for simple queries where you don't need change tracking. Use EF Core for complex domain models. They work well together in the same app.

What's the best free database for ASP.NET Core? ▼

Neon offers 512MB PostgreSQL free. Supabase offers 500MB. PlanetScale offers 5GB MySQL. Azure SQL has 12-month free tier with 250GB.

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Last updated: January 11, 2026