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MySQL vs PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL is an open-source relational database with a different feature set and ecosystem; MySQL includes proprietary enterprise tools and AI extensions.
Short answer: Pick MySQL if you want open-source relational database with enterprise extensions; pick PostgreSQL if you want advanced open-source relational database. Both are free and open source.
Which to pick
Pick MySQL if you want…
- Open-source relational database with enterprise extensions
Pick PostgreSQL if you want…
- Advanced open-source relational database
Side by side
- What it is
- MySQL:MySQL is an open-source relational database by Oracle offering enterprise, AI, and cloud analytics features.
- PostgreSQL:PostgreSQL is an open-source object-relational database system known for reliability and performance.
- Best for
- MySQL:Open-source relational database with enterprise extensions
- PostgreSQL:Advanced open-source relational database
- Who it’s for
- MySQL:Developers and organizations needing a reliable, scalable SQL database.
- PostgreSQL:Developers and organizations needing a robust relational database.
- Pricing
- MySQL:Open source
- PostgreSQL:Open source
- Starting price
- MySQL:Free
- PostgreSQL:Free
- Free plan or trial
- MySQL:Free to use
- PostgreSQL:Free to use
- Open source
- MySQL:Yes, 12,517 GitHub stars
- PostgreSQL:Yes, 22,836 GitHub stars
MySQL features
- HeatWave. Integrated generative AI and ML for transaction and lakehouse-scale analytics.
- MySQL AI. Provides automated, secure machine-learning and generative AI capabilities inside the database.
- Enterprise Edition. Advanced features, management tools, and support for high scalability, security, and uptime.
- Cluster CGE. Delivers uncompromising scalability, uptime and agility for web, cloud, and communications services.
- Community Governance. Open collaboration model with transparent processes and community participation.
- Early Access Program. Allows preview, testing, and evaluation of upcoming MySQL Community Edition builds.
PostgreSQL features
- Object-relational engine. Combines relational and object-oriented features for flexible data modeling.
- Reliability. Proven stability with over 35 years of active development.
- Feature robustness. Rich SQL support, extensions, and advanced indexing.
- Performance. Optimized query execution and concurrency handling.
- Extensive documentation. Official docs cover installation, usage, and administration.
- Community support. Mailing lists, events, and user groups help users collaborate.
- Security updates. Regular releases fix vulnerabilities, e.g., 52 CVEs in the latest minor release.
- Versioning policy. Clear support timelines; version 14 ends support on 2026-11-12.
MySQL vs PostgreSQL FAQ
What is the difference between MySQL and PostgreSQL?+
PostgreSQL is an open-source relational database with a different feature set and ecosystem; MySQL includes proprietary enterprise tools and AI extensions.
Should I use MySQL or PostgreSQL?+
Pick MySQL if you want open-source relational database with enterprise extensions. Pick PostgreSQL if you want advanced open-source relational database.
Is MySQL or PostgreSQL free?+
Yes, both are free and open source.
Is MySQL or PostgreSQL open source?+
Yes, both are open source: MySQL (mysql/mysql-server on GitHub) and PostgreSQL (postgres/postgres on GitHub).
On DevHunt
Based on each tool's website and DevHunt data. Details may change; check the official sites.