Software Alternatives & Startups

MySQL VS PostgreSQL

Compare MySQL VS PostgreSQL and see what are their differences

MySQL

The world's most popular open source database

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL is a powerful, open source object-relational database system.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, PostgreSQL should be more popular than MySQL. It has been mentioned 19 times since March 2021.

social mentions
4 vs 19
Databases popularity
49% vs 51%
alternatives listed
224 vs 239

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

MySQL
PostgreSQL
Website mysql.com postgresql.org
Pricing
Open source
Open source Official pricing
Company Startup from the United States Startup from the United States
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

MySQL 9 features
PostgreSQL 7 features
  • Reliability
    MySQL is known for its reliability and durability, making it a solid choice for many businesses' database management needs.
  • Performance
    It offers robust performance, handling large databases and complex queries efficiently.
  • Open Source
    MySQL is an open-source database, making it freely available under the GNU General Public License (GPL).
  • Scalability
    MySQL supports large-scale applications and can handle high volumes of transactions.
  • Community Support
    There is a large, active MySQL community that offers extensive resources, documentation, and support.
  • Cross-Platform
    MySQL is compatible with various operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS.
  • Integrations
    MySQL integrates well with numerous development frameworks, including LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP/Python/Perl).
  • Security
    MySQL offers various security features, such as user account management, password policies, and encrypted connections.
  • Cost
    The open-source nature of MySQL means that it can be very cost-effective, especially for small to medium-sized businesses.

Possible disadvantages

  • Support
    While community support is plentiful, official support from Oracle can be quite expensive.
  • Complexity
    More advanced features and configurations can be complex and may require a steep learning curve for new users.
  • Scalability Limitations
    While MySQL is scalable, very high-scale applications may run into limitations compared to some newer database technologies.
  • Plug-in Storage Engines
    The use of plug-in storage engines like InnoDB or MyISAM can cause inconsistencies and complicate backups and recovery processes.
  • ACID Compliance
    Although MySQL supports ACID compliance, certain configurations or storage engines may not fully adhere to ACID properties, affecting transaction reliability.
  • Concurrent Writes
    Handling a high number of concurrent writes can be less efficient compared to some other database systems designed specifically for high concurrency.
  • Feature Set
    Some advanced features found in other SQL databases (e.g., full-text indexing, rich analytics) may be less robust or absent.
  • Vendor Dependency
    With Oracle now owning MySQL, there can be concerns about licensing changes or other forms of vendor lock-in.
  • Replication Complexities
    Setting up replication and ensuring data consistency across distributed systems can be complex and error-prone.
  • Open Source
    PostgreSQL is an open-source database management system, which means it is free to use, modify, and distribute. This reduces the cost of database management for individuals and organizations.
  • ACID Compliance
    PostgreSQL is fully ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) compliant, ensuring reliable transactions and data integrity.
  • Extensible
    PostgreSQL is highly extensible, allowing users to add custom functions, data types, and operators. This enables tailored solutions to specific requirements.
  • Advanced SQL Features
    PostgreSQL supports advanced SQL features like full-text search, JSON and XML data types, and complex queries, providing powerful tools for database operations.
  • Community Support
    There is a strong and active community around PostgreSQL, offering extensive documentation, forums, and collaborative support, which aids troubleshooting and development.
  • Multiple Indexing Techniques
    PostgreSQL offers a variety of indexing techniques such as B-tree, GIN, GiST, and BRIN, allowing for optimized query performance on various data types.
  • Cross-Platform Availability
    PostgreSQL runs on all major operating systems (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Unix), giving flexibility in deployment and development environments.

Possible disadvantages

  • Complex Configuration
    Setting up and configuring PostgreSQL can be complex and time-consuming, especially for beginners, requiring a good understanding of its parameters and best practices.
  • Heavy Resource Consumption
    PostgreSQL can be resource-intensive, consuming significant CPU and memory compared to other database systems, which may affect performance on lower-end hardware.
  • Backup and Restore Process
    The backup and restore process in PostgreSQL is not as straightforward as in some other database systems, requiring more manual intervention and understanding of tools like pg_dump and pg_restore.
  • Replication Complexity
    While PostgreSQL supports replication, setting it up can be more complex than some other databases. Advanced configurations like multi-master replication can be particularly challenging.
  • Steeper Learning Curve
    Due to its advanced features and extensive capabilities, PostgreSQL can have a steeper learning curve, making it harder for new users to get started compared to simpler database systems.
  • Less Third-Party Tool Support
    PostgreSQL has less support from third-party tools compared to more widely adopted databases like MySQL, which can limit options for auxiliary functions like administration, monitoring, and development.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

MySQL
PostgreSQL

Overall verdict

  • Yes, MySQL is generally considered to be a good choice for many applications, especially those requiring a relational database management system. Its performance, ease of integration, and support for various storage engines make it a versatile option.

Why this product is good

  • MySQL is a popular open-source relational database management system known for its reliability, ease of use, and strong community support. It has a proven track record and is widely used for web applications, data warehousing, and logging applications. Additionally, MySQL offers robust security features, scalability, and cross-platform support.

Recommended for

  • Small to medium-sized web applications
  • LAMP stack environments
  • E-commerce platforms
  • Logging and data warehousing applications
  • Projects requiring a mature, well-supported RDBMS

Overall verdict

  • Yes, PostgreSQL is considered a high-quality and reliable database management system, suitable for a wide range of applications, from small-scale personal projects to large enterprise systems.

Why this product is good

  • PostgreSQL is known for its strong support of SQL standards and excellent documentation, making it reliable for complex database requirements.
  • It provides advanced features such as multi-version concurrency control (MVCC), point-in-time recovery, and support for advanced indexing techniques.
  • PostgreSQL offers robust performance optimization options, powerful extensions, and a highly customizable platform.
  • It has a strong open-source community, ensuring ongoing improvements and support.
  • PostgreSQL is compatible with popular development frameworks and languages, enhancing its versatility.

Recommended for

  • Organizations seeking a scalable and stable database solution with strong compliance with SQL standards.
  • Developers who need advanced features like custom data types and indexing capabilities.
  • Projects requiring robust transactional integrity and data consistency.
  • Businesses looking for a cost-effective open-source database solution with active community support.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

MySQL 2 videos + Add
PostgreSQL 3 videos + Add

MySQL IN 10 MINUTES (2020) | Introduction to Databases, SQL, & MySQL

More videos

  • - A Review of MySQL Open Source Software

Comparison of PostgreSQL and MongoDB

More videos

  • - PostgreSQL Review
  • - MySQL vs PostgreSQL - Why you shouldn't use MySQL

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
MySQL
PostgreSQL
49% 49%
51% 51%
49% 49%
51% 51%
54% 54%
46% 46%
44% 44%
56% 56%

User comments

Share your experience with using MySQL and PostgreSQL. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

MySQL no reviews yet
PostgreSQL no reviews yet

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

MySQL 4 mentions
PostgreSQL 19 mentions
  • I have a recurring issue with a MySQL DB where I continually run out of disk space due to logs being filled. I've tried everything I can think of. Can anyone think of anything else I should try?
    So, I did a quick read through the mysql reference and found a bunch of flush related commands. I tried:. Source: over 3 years ago
  • MMORPG design resources
    MySQL: Any SQL or DB knock-off, really... mysql.com - mariadb.org - sqlite.org. Source: almost 4 years ago
  • Probably a syntax error
    15 years and five strokes ago. I was a Unix sysadmin. ALthough I was never an actual programmer, I did maintenance/light enhancement for the organization's website, in php. Now, as self-administered cognative therapy, I'm going back to... Source: about 5 years ago

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Alternatives to MySQL and PostgreSQL

When comparing MySQL and PostgreSQL, you can also consider the following products.