MySQL vs PostgreSQL
MySQL and PostgreSQL are both mature, open-source relational databases used across huge numbers of production systems. MySQL has historically prioritized simplicity and read-heavy speed; PostgreSQL has prioritized standards compliance and advanced features.
PostgreSQL has become the more common default recommendation today thanks to its stronger standards compliance, richer data types (especially JSONB), and better handling of complex queries and data integrity.
Side by side
| MySQL | PostgreSQL | |
|---|---|---|
| SQL standards compliance | Partial - some non-standard behaviors | Very high - closely follows the SQL standard |
| Data types | Standard set | Richer - native JSON/JSONB, arrays, ranges, custom types |
| Concurrency model | Table/row locking depending on storage engine | MVCC (multi-version concurrency control) throughout |
| Full-text search | Basic built-in support | More capable built-in support |
| Extensibility | Limited | Highly extensible (PostGIS for geospatial, custom extensions) |
| Common use case | Web apps, read-heavy workloads, simpler schemas | Complex queries, data integrity-critical apps, analytical workloads |
The verdict
PostgreSQL has become the more common default recommendation today thanks to its stronger standards compliance, richer data types (especially JSONB), and better handling of complex queries and data integrity. MySQL remains a solid, fast choice for simpler, read-heavy web applications, and its ubiquity in shared hosting environments keeps it common for that use case.
Try it yourself
Frequently asked questions
01Which one handles JSON data better?
PostgreSQL's JSONB type supports indexing and querying JSON fields far more efficiently than MySQL's JSON support.
02Is PostgreSQL slower than MySQL?
Not inherently - for many workloads they perform comparably, and PostgreSQL often pulls ahead on complex queries thanks to its more sophisticated query planner.
03Can I migrate between them later?
It's possible but non-trivial - differences in data types, functions, and SQL dialect specifics typically require a dedicated migration effort, so it's worth choosing carefully upfront.