MySQL vs PostgreSQL comparison

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MySQL

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Jul 27, 2025

PostgreSQL and MySQL are both prominent contenders in the open-source database management system category. While PostgreSQL often has an edge due to its advanced functionality and compliance with standards, MySQL attracts users with its speed and ease of deployment.

Features: PostgreSQL is known for comprehensive SQL standard support, robustness, and advanced functionality, ideal for feature-rich applications. It handles complex queries and data integrity well. MySQL excels in speed and reliability for web applications, integrates well with programming languages, and is known for fast transaction handling and web integration.

Room for Improvement: PostgreSQL lacks MySQL's broad compatibility with open-source applications, struggles with read-only queries, and does not support some SQL operations like 'INSERT IGNORE'. It also has challenges in user-friendliness and documentation complexity. MySQL faces limitations in standard SQL compliance, complex features like clustering, and lacks advanced replication features available in premium offerings.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: PostgreSQL offers a wide deployment range, including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments, supported by a strong community but lacking formal technical support. MySQL provides similar deployment flexibility, enhanced by extensive community and enterprise-level support options from Oracle.

Pricing and ROI: Both PostgreSQL and MySQL are open-source with a low total cost of ownership. PostgreSQL's costs are mainly in training and implementation, with support available through consultancy. MySQL offers a free community version and a commercial enterprise edition with advanced features and support, delivering high ROI due to its functionality and cost-effectiveness.

To learn more, read our detailed MySQL vs. PostgreSQL Report (Updated: July 2025).

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MySQL vs. PostgreSQL

July 2025

Helped 865,164 peers since 2012

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

MySQL

Ranking in Open Source Databases

2nd

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

7.4

Number of Reviews

149

Ranking in other categories

Relational Databases Tools (5th)

PostgreSQL

Ranking in Open Source Databases

3rd

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

7.7

Number of Reviews

125

Ranking in other categories

Vector Databases (12th)

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2025, in the Open Source Databases category, the mindshare of MySQL is 9.4%, down from 15.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of PostgreSQL is 17.1%, down from 20.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Open Source Databases

Featured Reviews

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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PavithrarajShetty

Software Architect at Tetherfi

Offers simplicity and is cheaply priced

I haven't gone through the scalability aspect since I was using MySQL Server. I haven't worked to a high level in PostgreSQL, but with MySQL Server, I have managed clustering and partitioning. I think I haven't put much focus on PostgreSQL, so I am not sure how it behaves or how it works.

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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

"MySQL's most significant attribute is its capability to create, modify, and maintain databases. This is crucial and advantageous in procedures, such as SOAR. Therefore, all SQL functions are beneficial to any backend developer or developer who requires data storage."

"I like the JSON stuff."

"The solution is very simple. It's easy to use. That's the most important feature."

"We use the basic features of MySQL. The interface that allows us to see the parameters of the server is good."

"I like the simplistic view of MySQL to build custom queries and things like that as compared to SQL Server, which seems more cluttered. SQL Server has a query analyzer. MySQL pretty much does the same, and performance-wise, it has less overhead for connecting to our ERP system. It seems more responsive and cleaner. With MySQL, you get what you need without any overbloating, for which Microsoft is known. That's why they have so many constant security patches for everything because there is so much stuff, which degrades performance."

"MySQL is the best option for the Laravel PHP framework."

"My main reason for using MySQL for this small customer database company and for some kinds of scientific projects was that I had to do the installation myself. I didn't have a database administration team behind me. Therefore, I was looking for something very easy to handle. MySQL is easy to install, connect, and do all such things."

"The solution is a small application and is very easy to deploy."

More MySQL pros

"The performance is good."

"Postgres has some functions called JSONB aggregators or other aggregators, which are quite useful."

"With the database, you can provide a multi-component at the same service with the same performance, scalability, or all those things."

"It has completely met our needs. It works, and it is robust. We haven't had any problems with what PostgreSQL does for us and the way it does it. That's why we've been using it for so long. We understand it, and it does the job."

"Scalable, stable, and easy to manage database system, with a straightforward installation."

"It is easy to use."

"PostgreSQL is very easy to use. I have experience in Oracle SQL and PostgreSQL uses the same syntax which makes it is easy for me to develop."

"The solution provides complete support in terms of the SQL dialect and behaves nicely when it comes to transactions."

Cons

"The replication needs improvement. It's becoming a native cloud product like Oracle DB or Cockroach DB."

"It is not as powerful as SQL Server. It can be more powerful. It is not scalable and has certain limitations, which is not the case with SQL Server."

"We have encountered some performance issues, and the solution takes time for performing complex queries."

"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."

"The GUI could improve to make MySQL better."

"Stability needs improvement and the backup needs to be enhanced."

"The integration with other systems can be improved as can the integration between other databases."

"The documentation is pretty weak and should be improved."

More MySQL cons

"Postgres should focus on building a stronger knowledge base. They also need to expand their integration capabilities, so more tools and resources are available to manage it."

"PostgreSQL could improve by providing a geographical solution for tracking trucks and people in the field. They might already have features similar to this and I have not found them. I haven't done research about this topic."

"The interface could be much better."

"A better graphic user-interface would be nice to see."

"We have to set up event API, which takes a lot of events from the user."

"The scalability is limited."

"I'm not really able to customize it."

"I had some issues when I integrated with the Jupyter Notebook."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"We are using the free community edition of MySQL."

"We've never bought a commercial license. We just use the open-source community edition."

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

"I am using the Community Edition, which is available free of charge."

"MySQL is a cheap solution."

"We're using the open-source version right now, which is free. I do see some value in some of the more enterprise functions. We're using the open-source version right now, and I was interested in the MySQL Enterprise version really for the tools that they provide, but we decided not to make the purchase."

"For the on-premise version, no license is required."

"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."

More MySQL pricing and cost advice

"This solution can offer a cheaper choice for customers since it is open-source."

"We are using the free version of PostgreSQL."

"It is free. There is no license on it."

"Our company pays for it. There are free versions available, but for advanced features, you obviously have to pay."

"PostgreSQL is a free and open-source database."

"PostgreSQL is open-source, so if capable admins are available then the setup cost can be $0."

"It is open source. There is no licensing."

"There is an annual license."

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

15%

Financial Services Firm

11%

Manufacturing Company

Government

Computer Software Company

15%

Financial Services Firm

11%

Comms Service Provider

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

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...

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...

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...

How does Firebird SQL compare with PostgreSQL?

PostgreSQL was designed in a way that provides you with not only a high degree of flexibility but also offers you a cheap and easy-to-use solution. It gives you the ability to redesign and audit yo...

What do you like most about PostgreSQL?

It's a transactional database, so we use Postgres for most of our reporting. That's where it's helping.

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for PostgreSQL?

The tool is free of cost. For now, it's not about making money. But once we perfect it, we can offer it to customers willing to pay for support and other services. Most of my deployments are free.

Firebird SQL vs PostgreSQL

Comparisons

Firebird SQL vs MySQL

Compared 23% of the time

SAP HANA vs MySQL

Compared 8% of the time

MariaDB vs MySQL

Compared 6% of the time

SQL Server vs MySQL

Compared 6% of the time

Oracle Database vs MySQL

Compared 5% of the time

More MySQL Competitors

Compared 33% of the time

EDB Postgres Advanced Server vs PostgreSQL

Compared 10% of the time

MariaDB vs PostgreSQL

Compared 8% of the time

Chroma vs PostgreSQL

Compared 7% of the time

LanceDB vs PostgreSQL

Compared 4% of the time

Product Reports

Download MySQL product report

MySQL

August 2025

Download PostgreSQL product report

August 2025

Overview

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

PostgreSQL is a versatile and reliable database management system commonly used for web development, data analysis, and building scalable databases.

It offers advanced features like indexing, replication, and transaction management. Users appreciate its flexibility, performance, and ability to handle large amounts of data efficiently. Its robustness, scalability, and support for complex queries make it highly valuable.

Additionally, PostgreSQL's extensibility, flexibility, community support, and frequent updates contribute to its ongoing improvement and stability.

Sample Customers

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

1. Apple 2. Cisco 3. Fujitsu 4. Instagram 5. Netflix 6. Red Hat 7. Sony 8. Uber 9. Cisco Systems 10. Skype 11. LinkedIn 12. Etsy 13. Yelp 14. Reddit 15. Dropbox 16. Slack 17. Twitch 18. WhatsApp 19. Snapchat 20. Shazam 21. SoundCloud 22. The New York Times 23. Cisco WebEx 24. Atlassian 25. Cisco Meraki 26. Heroku 27. GitLab 28. Zalando 29. OpenTable 30. Trello 31. Square Enix 32. Bloomberg