IBM Db2 Database vs MySQL comparison

IBM and Oracle are both solutions in the Relational Databases Tools category. IBM is ranked #6 with an average rating of 8.2, while Oracle is ranked #3 with an average rating of 8.4. IBM holds a 7.1% mindshare in SQL, compared to Oracle’s 8.4% mindshare. Additionally, 90% of IBM users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 91% of Oracle users who would recommend it.

IBM Db2 Database

Read 73 IBM Db2 Database reviews

6,202 Views
4,021 Comparison Views

90% willing to recommend

MySQL

Read 149 MySQL reviews

6,546 Views
5,078 Comparison Views

91% willing to recommend

IBM Db2 Database

MySQL

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Apr 20, 2025

IBM Db2 and MySQL are prominent players in the database management system category. IBM Db2 holds the upper hand due to its advanced features and scalability, while MySQL is noted for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Features: IBM Db2 is respected for its robust SQL dialect and platform flexibility, enabling use across multiple platforms. It has self-tuning memory management for optimized performance and offers extensive integration capabilities and a secure environment. MySQL is favored for its open-source availability, multi-threaded architecture, cross-platform support, and ease of integration with web technologies, making it particularly ideal for web applications.

Room for Improvement: IBM Db2 requires enhancements in user-friendly interfaces, simplified licensing processes, and better integration. It also struggles with web enablement and upgrade complexities. MySQL faces performance limitations with InnoDB, lacks robust replication, and does not offer advanced features like check constraints or strong scalability for heavier installations.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: IBM Db2 primarily supports on-premises deployments with strong technical support, though its responsiveness can vary. MySQL is widely used across both on-premises and cloud environments, with robust community support, though official support requires additional purchase.

Pricing and ROI: IBM Db2's comprehensive features and mainframe compatibility contribute to its higher cost, offering high ROI for enterprise-grade applications. MySQL offers extensive cost savings through its open-source model, suitable for startups and smaller projects, though enterprise support comes with extra costs.

To learn more, read our detailed IBM Db2 Database vs. MySQL Report (Updated: April 2025).

Buyer's Guide

IBM Db2 Database vs. MySQL

April 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

IBM Db2 Database

Ranking in Relational Databases Tools

6th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

MySQL

Ranking in Relational Databases Tools

3rd

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

7.4

Number of Reviews

149

Ranking in other categories

Open Source Databases (2nd)

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the Relational Databases Tools category, the mindshare of IBM Db2 Database is 7.1%, up from 6.5% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of MySQL is 8.4%, down from 8.7% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Relational Databases Tools

Featured Reviews

SimonHiggins

Mainframe Technical Manager/Service Integration Lead at Saudi Business Machines

Very scalable with high availability and excellent technical support

The good thing is that there are improvements coming with later function levels for the z/OS Db2. I'd like it if, with the operating system that we've got, z/OS, on the mainframe, it would allow us to refresh the hardware to run Linux dockers on the mainframe. This means this might give us opportunities for different ways of coming into the Db2 environment in the future. We just want a bit more integration with Linux. That said, we are already seeing Linux more readily available on the mainframe environment. Not only have we got the premium operating systems on OS. We can run LPARs on the same mainframe footprint that is also supporting Linux. This is what has improved and made the mainframe environment more competitive. We're also looking at AI for Db2 as well, and machine learning for the future. We know that AI has come out, that we're going to get that, and we're going to evaluate that product next year for Db2. That said, I haven't got any real complaints about Db2 on the mainframe. For the most part, a lot of the problems we have nowadays are to do with communication between the various teams that you would class as stakeholders.

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Muzzamil Hussain

Assistant Vice President at National Bank of Pakistan

Native encryption ensures secure data management with a simple deployment

The most valuable feature is the on-premises data encryption facilities. By default, we can provide encryption, and this feature in MySQL is why we prefer it over other databases. The native encryption in MySQL encourages us to use this database model more frequently compared to Oracle and other databases. With Oracle, we have to buy another solution for encryption and masking, but MySQL supports native encryption, which enhances our return on investment. It perfectly supports our ROI, and we have no issues with its functionality.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The solution has many beneficial features, such as security, support, and stability."

"The most valuable features are the simplicity of the database and the access to Db2 and Db2 information."

"Db2 database scalability and performance capabilities match our database needs. It covers pretty much everything a database administrator or engineer might need."

"When you submit a ticket the response time is quick."

"Its functionality and availability are valuable. Its availability is great. It is available 99.99% of the time."

"Reliable, robust with great features."

"I believe that because the support is good, they jump in and assist us in determining the root cause."

"The most valuable feature of the solution is its compatibility with IBM Power Systems."

More IBM Db2 Database pros

"I rate the solution's stability a ten out of ten since it has been running flawlessly."

"The most valuable features are that it's free and the documentation is good."

"The most valuable feature is the on-premises data encryption facilities."

"I am totally satisfied with MySQL."

"MySQL is a scalable tool. Scalability-wise, I rate the solution a nine out of ten...The solution's technical support is good. I rate the technical support a nine out of ten."

"The deployment process is pretty fast."

"It is pretty simple to use and I don't have anything really bad to say about it."

"The easy access to the data and the ability to sort the data with multiple methods are very valuable features."

More MySQL pros

Cons

"IBM Db2 Database is not ACID compliant, which would improve it. Db2 lacks Isolation, so when two people are trying to update the same field at the same time it can become stuck. Other newer databases do not have this issue, such as Microsoft SQL, Oracle DB, PostgreSQL, and SAP HANA."

"The usage of Db2 could be simplified, as it is quite complex and requires substantial knowledge of Db2 and zOS."

"It would be ideal if the solution offered backup functionality. Many similar tools already do, which means Db2 is somewhat behind the curve in terms of what a customer might expect from it."

"Not very solid compared to its competitors' products."

"There could be better integration with some cloud solutions."

"The price should be lower."

"I would like to see better support for advanced analytics."

"The solution's data retrieval speed could be improved, especially for heavy queries. Better optimization or indexing might also be involved."

More IBM Db2 Database cons

"MySQL's performance requires attention. For optimal performance, one should review and sometimes revise the code, particularly when using server-side scripting."

"The auto-tuning and NDB cluster has some limitations regarding foreign keys."

"Oracle should start putting in some of the enterprise features in the standard feature. There are some key features that should be part of the standard."

"Its performance should be better. When we use big data, it is slow in performance. We should be able to use mirroring for improved performance."

"There should be an arrangement for end-users to get trained to use the tool...Improvement-wise, a graphical interface could be added for new users, eliminating the need to memorize the complex syntax."

"There are some issues with compatibility with Java environments that need to be improved. When Oracle bought this solution there were some driver changes that caused some issues with operations."

"The solution is expensive."

"It could be more secure."

More MySQL cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"If I consider the price of IBM Db2 Database, I would say there are cheaper products in the market."

"There is a license for this solution and we pay every three years."

"The solution's hardware and subscription model for support are very expensive."

"Clients are required to purchase a license."

"It is expensive when compared to other products."

"We normally handle large size businesses and as far as I am aware, the license is negotiable based on the number of users and the quantitative data."

"We did not buy it. It came with our hardware without any complimentary maintenance. If I compare Db2 Database with Oracle Database, its price is lower than Oracle Database."

"Compared to Oracle, it is so much cheaper."

More IBM Db2 Database pricing and cost advice

"We do have a couple of clients who choose to use the paid, enterprise version of the solution and who take full advantage of it."

"We are using the licensed version of MySQL."

"It has a community version."

"My company uses MySQL's corporate licenses."

"It's an open-source database management system that can be used free of charge."

"I use a free version at present."

"We are using the free version of MySQL. We prefer paying for a yearly license."

"We are using the free community version of the solution."

More MySQL pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Educational Organization

55%

Financial Services Firm

Computer Software Company

Manufacturing Company

Computer Software Company

16%

Financial Services Firm

11%

Manufacturing Company

Government

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about IBM Db2 Database?

Db2 database scalability and performance capabilities match our database needs. It covers pretty much everything a database administrator or engineer might need.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for IBM Db2 Database?

IBM Db2 is an expensive solution. While I am not heavily involved with pricing, additional companies provide capabilities or products like those from BMC, which many installations might also purchase.

See all answers

What needs improvement with IBM Db2 Database?

The user interface is old and needs to be improved. It doesn't match the responsive and suggestion-rich UI of cloud solutions. New functions don't come to mind.

See all answers

Why are MySQL connections encrypted and what is the biggest benefit of this?

MySQL encrypts connections to protect your data and the biggest benefit from this is that nobody can corrupt it. If you move information over a network without encryption, you are endangering it, m...

See all answers

Considering that there is a free version of MySQL, would you invest in one of the paid editions?

I may be considered a MySQL veteran since I have been using it since before Oracle bought it and created paid versions. So back in my day, it was all free, it was open-source and the best among sim...

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What is one thing you would improve with MySQL?

One thing I would improve related to MySQL is not within the product itself, but with the guides to it. Before, when it was free, everyone was on their own, seeking tutorials and how-to videos onli...

See all answers

Comparisons

SQL Server vs IBM Db2 Database

Compared 32% of the time

Oracle Database vs IBM Db2 Database

Compared 18% of the time

SAP HANA vs IBM Db2 Database

Compared 16% of the time

Teradata vs IBM Db2 Database

Compared 13% of the time

IBM Informix vs IBM Db2 Database

Compared 2% of the time

More IBM Db2 Database Competitors

Firebird SQL vs MySQL

Compared 27% of the time

PostgreSQL vs MySQL

Compared 14% of the time

SAP HANA vs MySQL

Compared 9% of the time

MariaDB vs MySQL

Compared 6% of the time

SurrealDB vs MySQL

Compared 2% of the time

More MySQL Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

IBM Db2 Database

May 2025

Download IBM Db2 Database product report

Buyer's Guide

MySQL

May 2025

Download MySQL product report

Also Known As

DB2

No data available

Overview

DB2 Enterprise for Linux, UNIX, and Windows is the ideal data server for the most demanding workloads. New XML support is designed to help firms minimize the time and effort it takes to persist and use their XML data reducing development costs and improving business agility.

IBM

MySQL is a cost-efficient and scalable relational database management system widely used in web, mobile applications, and academic projects.

MySQL is utilized for backend operations, data analysis, reporting, financial transactions, and ERP databases. It supports deployment on local servers, Cloud, and Kubernetes. Its free, open-source nature along with strong community support make it popular among companies. MySQL's compatibility with multiple platforms and programming languages enhances its appeal. While it remains stable and easy to use, areas such as replication, clustering, and backup require improvement to better serve enterprise applications. Enhanced security, error messages, and monitoring tools are also desired for a better user experience.

What are the most important features of MySQL?

Free and Open-Source: No licensing costs, perfect for budget-conscious projects.
Compatibility: Works with multiple platforms and programming languages.
High Performance: Efficient performance across large datasets.
Scalability: Easily scales to meet growing business needs.
Clustering and Replication: Ensures data availability and redundancy.
Easy Installation: Quick setup process on various operating systems.
Community Support: Extensive resources and community assistance.
Cross-Platform: Operates seamlessly on different operating systems.
Data Management Interface: Simplifies data handling and manipulation.

What are the benefits of using MySQL?

Cost Efficiency: Reduce expenses with a free, open-source database.
Scalability: Adapt to increasing data demands effortlessly.
Performance: Handle large datasets with ease and speed.
Community Support: Access a vast pool of knowledge and resources.
Flexibility: Integrate with various platforms and languages for diverse use cases.
Data Reliability: Clustering and replication for high data availability.

In multiple industries, MySQL supports internal applications, billing systems, academic teaching purposes, and ERP databases. Companies leverage MySQL for Cloud and local deployments, ensuring effective data manipulation and backend operations in diverse projects. Its role in financial transactions and reporting further emphasizes its versatility.

Oracle

Sample Customers

Knorr-Bremse, Mizuho Bank Ltd., Australian Government Department of Defence, SCHWENK Zement, Friedhelm Loh Group, YAZAKI Europe Limited, Ekornes ASA, Baldor Electric, VSN Systemen BV, Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC, PLANSEE Group, TE Connectivity, Hansgrohe SE, Openmatics, University of Toronto

Facebook, Tumblr, Scholastic, MTV Networks, Wikipedia, Verizon Wireless, Sage Group, Glassfish Open Message Queue, and RightNow Technologies.

Buyer's Guide

IBM Db2 Database vs. MySQL

April 2025

Free Report: IBM Db2 Database vs. MySQL

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