Compare · Databases
MySQL vs PostgreSQL.
MySQL and PostgreSQL are the two dominant open-source relational databases. Both are excellent. Choice usually comes down to specific feature needs.
(01) — Strengths
What each does best.
MySQL
- Widest managed hosting support — every shared host runs MySQL
- Simpler operational model
- Slightly faster for simple read-heavy workloads
- Excellent WordPress + PHP fit
PostgreSQL
- Richest feature set — JSON, arrays, full-text search, geospatial
- Better ACID compliance
- Superior for analytical queries
- Better concurrency handling at scale
(02) — Head-to-head
Direct comparison.
| Criterion | MySQL | PostgreSQL |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting availability | Everywhere | Most managed platforms |
| Feature depth | Solid | Extensive |
| JSON handling | Basic | First-class |
| Read performance (simple queries) | Slightly faster | Excellent |
| Complex query performance | Good | Better |
| Enterprise features | Solid | Excellent |
(03) — Decision
When to pick each.
Pick MySQL when
Shared hosting deployments, WordPress-adjacent projects, simple read-heavy web apps.
Pick PostgreSQL when
Anything with complex data model, JSON-heavy workloads, analytical queries, or high-concurrency writes.
(04) — FAQ
Common questions.
For anything greenfield in 2026 — PostgreSQL wins. The richest feature set (native JSON/JSONB, arrays, full-text search, geospatial), better ACID compliance, superior handling of analytical queries, and better concurrency at scale. For shared hosting deployments, WordPress-adjacent projects, or simple read-heavy web apps where universal hosting availability matters most — MySQL wins. Every shared host runs it, the operational model is simpler, and it's slightly faster on simple read-heavy workloads. Both are excellent open-source databases. Our default: PostgreSQL for anything greenfield in 2026; MySQL only when shared hosting or WordPress compatibility requires it. For JSON-heavy workloads, PostgreSQL with JSONB usually beats even MongoDB — you get relational + document in one system.
Excellent for embedded or single-user scenarios. Not for concurrent web workloads.
PostgreSQL with JSONB usually wins. You get relational + document in one system.
(05) — Related
Go deeper.
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