![FerretDB drop-in MongoDB replacement Image](https://res.cloudinary.com/dojdzamvk/image/upload/v1761386079/Image_10_tgpzyi.jpg "Realtime Deployment of FerretDB on Railway”)

Deploy and Host Managed FerretDB Service with one click on Railway

FerretDB is a free, open-source database solution that provides a MongoDB-compatible interface while using PostgreSQL or other SQL databases as the backend. It allows developers to run MongoDB workloads without relying on MongoDB’s proprietary software, ensuring full data portability, transparency, and cost efficiency.

About Hosting FerretDB on Railway (Self Hosting FerretDB on Railway)

You can self-host FerretDB on Railway to maintain complete control over your database infrastructure while taking advantage of Railway’s modern cloud platform. Hosting FerretDB on Railway ensures smooth scalability, automated deployment, and effortless maintenance, with zero dependency on MongoDB’s closed-source components.

FerretDB enables you to use your existing MongoDB tools and drivers seamlessly while storing data in PostgreSQL or other SQL databases. Railway’s infrastructure automates deployment, scaling, and monitoring - allowing you to focus on application development instead of database management.

Why Deploy Managed FerretDB Service on Railway

Deploying a managed FerretDB service on Railway allows you to easily set up, run, and scale your MongoDB-compatible database without any manual server configuration. Railway automates backups, scaling, and monitoring, providing a secure, high-performance environment for your FerretDB instance.

Railway vs DigitalOcean:

DigitalOcean requires manual server setup, configuration, and maintenance when self-hosting FerretDB. Railway, on the other hand, provides a one-click deployment process with automated scaling and managed PostgreSQL integration, saving time and resources.

Railway vs Linode:

Linode offers virtual servers but requires you to handle installation, patching, and storage configuration for FerretDB. With Railway, all these tasks are managed automatically through its intuitive dashboard, so you can self-host FerretDB in minutes.

Railway vs Vultr:

Hosting FerretDB on Vultr involves manual setup, monitoring, and scaling. Railway simplifies this by offering managed containers and built-in observability tools, making FerretDB deploy as easy as a few clicks.

Railway vs AWS Lightsail:

AWS Lightsail adds complexity with networking, permissions, and scaling configuration. Railway’s managed FerretDB removes these overheads, allowing automatic scaling and secure deployments for production-ready applications.

Railway vs Hetzner:

Hetzner offers powerful servers but expects you to manage all aspects of FerretDB hosting manually. Railway eliminates this complexity, providing a fast, seamless, and fully managed environment for FerretDB hosting.

Common Use Cases

Here are some common use cases for FerretDB:

1. MongoDB Replacement: Seamlessly migrate from MongoDB to an open-source alternative without changing your existing applications or queries.

2. Open-Source Development: Ideal for developers who prefer fully open-source technologies with no license restrictions or vendor lock-ins.

3. Cost-Effective Cloud Databases: Leverage PostgreSQL’s performance and low cost while maintaining MongoDB compatibility through FerretDB.

4. Cross-Platform Data Portability: Run MongoDB workloads on any SQL backend, ensuring long-term flexibility and no dependency on proprietary storage.

Dependencies for FerretDB hosted on Railway

To host FerretDB on Railway, you need the following components:

• A PostgreSQL instance (or compatible SQL backend)

• FerretDB application container

• Properly configured environment variables for database connection

Deployment Dependencies for Managed FerretDB Service

When deploying a managed FerretDB service, Railway automatically provisions:

• A PostgreSQL database backend

• Environment variable setup for connection strings

• Secure networking configuration

• Auto-scaling containers for performance optimization

Implementation Details for FerretDB (MongoDB-Compatible Layer)

FerretDB works as a translation layer between MongoDB queries and SQL queries. To deploy it, set environment variables such as:

• FERRETDB_POSTGRESQL_URL for PostgreSQL connection

• FERRETDB_LISTEN_ADDR to define server binding address

• FERRETDB_TELEMETRY to control telemetry preferences

Railway handles container orchestration, scaling, and monitoring automatically.

How does FerretDB compare to other MongoDB alternatives

FerretDB vs MongoDB

FerretDB is fully open source and uses PostgreSQL or other SQL databases as the backend, whereas MongoDB uses its proprietary storage engine and licensing model. FerretDB provides MongoDB compatibility without vendor lock-in or hidden costs.

FerretDB vs PostgreSQL

While PostgreSQL is a powerful SQL database, FerretDB acts as a MongoDB-compatible API layer on top of PostgreSQL. It’s ideal for users who want MongoDB-like query syntax while benefiting from PostgreSQL’s stability and open ecosystem.

FerretDB vs CouchDB

FerretDB uses SQL as its backend and is compatible with MongoDB tools, while CouchDB is document-oriented with a REST-based API. FerretDB is better suited for developers migrating from MongoDB, while CouchDB focuses on distributed sync.

FerretDB vs NoSQL Databases

Unlike most NoSQL databases, FerretDB allows MongoDB-style operations while storing data in SQL engines. This hybrid approach offers flexibility, better query performance, and strong data consistency.

How to use FerretDB?

To use FerretDB:

1. Deploy it using Railway’s one-click deploy option.

2. Connect it to your PostgreSQL database.

3. Use your existing MongoDB drivers and commands - FerretDB translates them automatically.

4. Manage your data directly through MongoDB clients like Compass or the Mongo shell.

You’ll get all the familiar MongoDB features but with full transparency and open-source benefits.

How to self host FerretDB on other VPS?

Clone the Repository

Clone the official FerretDB GitHub repository using:

git clone https://github.com/FerretDB/FerretDB.git

Install Dependencies

Ensure your VPS includes Docker, PostgreSQL, and Go (for source builds).

Configure Environment Variables

Set environment variables for PostgreSQL connection:

FERRETDB_POSTGRESQL_URL=postgres://user:password@localhost:5432/ferretdb
FERRETDB_LISTEN_ADDR=0.0.0.0:27017

Start the FerretDB Application

Run using Docker Compose or systemd service. Example:

docker-compose up -d

Access the FerretDB Instance

Connect via MongoDB-compatible clients using mongodb://localhost:27017.

With Railway, you can skip all manual steps and self-host FerretDB with a single click. Deploy Now!

Features of FerretDB

• 100% open-source MongoDB alternative.

• Uses PostgreSQL as the backend for data durability and scalability.

• MongoDB wire protocol compatibility for existing drivers and tools.

• No vendor lock-in or hidden license restrictions.

• Cross-platform portability and simplicity.

Official Pricing of FerretDB

FerretDB itself is open source and free to use. The cost of hosting depends on the underlying infrastructure:

• Self-hosting on Railway: Typically $5–$10/month for base app instance.

• Managed PostgreSQL Database: Additional $3–$5/month, depending on size.

Total cost on Railway generally remains under $15/month for small to medium workloads - significantly cheaper than MongoDB Atlas.

Self hosting FerretDB vs MongoDB Cloud Plans

Self-hosting FerretDB is free and gives you total control over your database, whereas MongoDB Cloud (Atlas) involves paid plans starting from $9/month and higher for production workloads. FerretDB provides an open, transparent stack without proprietary restrictions.

System Requirements for Hosting FerretDB

• 1 vCPU, 512MB RAM minimum

• PostgreSQL 13+

• Docker or Railway-managed container

• Network access to PostgreSQL backend

FAQs

What is FerretDB?

FerretDB is an open-source, MongoDB-compatible database solution that uses PostgreSQL as the backend, providing full transparency and no vendor lock-in.

How do I self host FerretDB?

You can self-host FerretDB on platforms like Railway or VPS servers. Railway provides a one-click deployment with automated setup and scaling.

What are the main advantages of FerretDB over MongoDB?

FerretDB is fully open-source, license-free, and uses SQL backends like PostgreSQL. It avoids vendor lock-in and provides better cost efficiency.

Can I use MongoDB drivers with FerretDB?

Yes, FerretDB is designed to be compatible with MongoDB drivers and tools like MongoDB Compass and Mongoose.

How do I deploy FerretDB on Railway?

Simply click the Deploy Now button on the Railway template page, connect your PostgreSQL database, and Railway handles everything else.

What are the dependencies for FerretDB hosting?

FerretDB requires PostgreSQL, Docker (optional), and appropriate environment configurations for database connection.

How does FerretDB deployment on Railway compare to other VPS providers?

Railway automates all infrastructure tasks - setup, scaling, updates, and monitoring - while traditional VPS providers require manual configuration.

Is FerretDB suitable for production use?

Yes, FerretDB is stable and production-ready for workloads that require MongoDB compatibility with SQL-based durability.

Where can I find the official FerretDB source code?

You can access the official FerretDB repository on GitHub at https://github.com/FerretDB/FerretDB.