Comparison
PostgreSQL vs MySQL
Overview
PostgreSQL is a powerful, open-source object-relational database with 35+ years of active development. It is known for reliability, standards compliance, extensibility (JSON, full-text search, pgvector) and strong ACID guarantees, making it a default choice for everything from small apps to large-scale analytics.
MySQL is a widely deployed open-source relational database owned by Oracle. It powers a huge share of web applications thanks to its speed, maturity, replication options and broad ecosystem support across every major framework and hosting provider.
Which should you choose?
Both are free, open-source relational databases with huge ecosystems. PostgreSQL leads on advanced SQL, JSONB, and extensions like pgvector and PostGIS, appealing to teams wanting extensibility. MySQL is simpler and extremely widely supported across frameworks and hosting, with a slightly larger installed base historically. Choose PostgreSQL if you want advanced features and extensibility (including vector search); choose MySQL if you want the broadest framework/hosting compatibility and simplicity.
TLDR
- —If you want advanced SQL features, JSONB, and extensions like vector search, choose PostgreSQL.
- —If you want the broadest framework and hosting compatibility with a simpler model, choose MySQL.
Features
- —Full ACID compliance
- —Advanced SQL and window functions
- —JSONB document storage
- —Extensions (pgvector, PostGIS, full-text search)
- —Logical and streaming replication
- —Strong data integrity and constraints
- —Mature relational engine (InnoDB)
- —Primary/replica replication
- —Broad framework and ORM support
- —Stored procedures and triggers
- —JSON column type
- —Large hosting and tooling ecosystem
Pricing
PostgreSQL
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open Source | Free | Self-hosted, no license fee. |
MySQL
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Community | Free | Open-source GPL edition. |
| Enterprise | Contact sales | Oracle commercial license and support. |
Company Fit
PostgreSQL
MySQL
Alternatives
MySQL alternatives