Is MySQL better than PostgreSQL in 2026?

It depends on your needs. PostgreSQL is rated higher at 4.6/5 vs MySQL's 4.4/5. MySQL excels at the most widely deployed open-source relational database, powering wordpress, drupal, and most php apps., while PostgreSQL focuses on open-source relational database with jsonb, full-text search, and extensions like pgvector and timescaledb.. MySQL starts at $2000/mo; PostgreSQL starts at free tier.

Which is cheaper, MySQL or PostgreSQL?

MySQL starts at $2000/mo; PostgreSQL starts at free tier. MySQL has a free plan, and PostgreSQL also offers a free tier.

Can I migrate from MySQL to PostgreSQL?

Most users can switch between these tools. PostgreSQL supports data import from MySQL. Plan 1-3 days for migration depending on data volume and team size.

What are the key differences between MySQL and PostgreSQL?

MySQL uniquely offers ACID Transactions (InnoDB), Replication, JSON Support. PostgreSQL uniquely offers ACID Transactions, Advanced SQL, JSON/JSONB Support. Both share 2 features including Full-Text Search, Point-in-Time Recovery. MySQL starts at $2000/mo; PostgreSQL starts at free tier. Founded in 1995 and 1996 respectively.

When was this MySQL vs PostgreSQL comparison last updated?

This comparison was last updated on May 13, 2026. We review and refresh our comparisons regularly to reflect the latest pricing, features, and ratings from MySQL and PostgreSQL.

Home›Databases›Compare›MySQL vs PostgreSQL

Updated May 13, 2026 · Independent Analysis

MySQLvsPostgreSQL

Capability Overview

MySQLvs PostgreSQL

★ 4.4/5-0.2 vs PostgreSQL

Only in MySQL

✦ ACID Transactions (InnoDB)
✦ Replication
✦ JSON Support

✓ Free planFrom $2000/mo1B+ users · est. 1995

View Full Review Try MySQL Free

PostgreSQLvs MySQL

★ 4.6/5+0.2 vs MySQL

Only in PostgreSQL

✦ ACID Transactions
✦ Advanced SQL
✦ JSON/JSONB Support

✓ Free planMost popular users · est. 1996

View Full Review Try PostgreSQL Free

Pricing Features Pros & Cons At a Glance FAQ Related

Pricing Intelligence

MySQL Plans

Free tier available

Community0

Free

• GPL license
• Full SQL
• Community support

EnterpriseBest Value

$2000/yr

• Commercial license
• Oracle support
• Advanced security

Full MySQL Pricing Breakdown →

PostgreSQL Plans

Free tier available

Open Source0

Open Source

• Full SQL
• Extensions ecosystem
• Community support

Full PostgreSQL Pricing Breakdown →

Feature Matrix

1 differences found across 10 standardized features

Feature

MySQL

PostgreSQL

Vector Search

✗

✓

Total (raw)

Pros & Cons Face-Off

Evaluative strengths and weaknesses — not feature lists

MySQL

Pros

+Most widely deployed database — abundant expertise and tooling
+Battle-tested for 30 years on the web
+HeatWave adds analytics and ML without ETL
+Available managed on AWS RDS, Azure, GCP

Cons

−PostgreSQL has surpassed it in features for new projects
−Oracle ownership creates open-source licensing concerns

PostgreSQL

Pros

+#1 most-loved database — massive community and ecosystem
+Rich extensions (pgvector, PostGIS, TimescaleDB)
+Zero licensing cost with enterprise-grade features
+Available managed on all major clouds

Cons

−Horizontal write scaling requires external solutions (Citus)
−Large cluster operations require database expertise

At a Glance

User Rating

4.4/5vs4.6/5

MySQL

PostgreSQL

▲

Starting Price

$2000/movsPay-per-use

MySQL

▲

PostgreSQL

Feature Count

16 featuresvs16 features

MySQL

PostgreSQL

User Base

1vs0

MySQL

▲

PostgreSQL

Frequently Asked Questions

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MySQL vs Redis →MySQL vs Snowflake →MySQL vs CockroachDB →PostgreSQL vs TiDB →PostgreSQL vs SurrealDB →PostgreSQL vs Oracle Database 23ai →MySQL Alternatives →PostgreSQL Alternatives →

Authored by Oleh KemExpert verified·Updated May 13, 2026·Our methodology