PostgreSQL vs MySQL: Which Database Should You Choose?
Compare PostgreSQL and MySQL on features, performance, and scalability. Discover which relational database is the best fit for your application.
PostgreSQL is the more powerful and versatile database for modern applications. MySQL is simpler to set up and more broadly supported by traditional hosting providers. For new projects, PostgreSQL is increasingly the industry-standard choice.
PostgreSQL
An advanced open-source relational database with extensive support for complex queries, JSON, extensions, and full ACID compliance.
MySQL
The most popular open-source relational database in the world, known for simplicity, read performance, and broad hosting support.
What are the key differences between PostgreSQL and MySQL?
| Feature | PostgreSQL | MySQL |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced features | Extensive — JSONB, window functions, CTEs, full-text search | More limited — focus on simplicity and speed |
| Read performance | Excellent, especially for complex queries | Very fast for simple read operations |
| Write performance | MVCC ensures good concurrency | Good, but lock contention under high concurrency |
| Hosting availability | Broadly supported — Supabase, Neon, AWS RDS | Available everywhere — every hosting provider |
| Extensions | Rich extension system — PostGIS, pgvector, TimescaleDB | Limited extension system |
What is the verdict on PostgreSQL vs MySQL?
PostgreSQL is the more powerful and versatile database for modern applications. MySQL is simpler to set up and more broadly supported by traditional hosting providers. For new projects, PostgreSQL is increasingly the industry-standard choice.
Which option does MG Software recommend?
MG Software defaults to PostgreSQL, particularly in combination with Supabase. The advanced features, extensibility, and reliability make it the ideal choice for modern web applications. We only recommend MySQL when integration with existing systems requires it.
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