PostgreSQL vs MySQL (2026): Which Database Should You Use?
By Alex Chen, SaaS Analyst · Updated April 11, 2026 · Based on benchmarking both databases with 10M+ row datasets
30-Second Answer
Choose PostgreSQLfor any new project in 2026 — it's the default for Supabase, Neon, Railway, and most modern cloud databases. Superior JSON support, extensions like pgvector for AI, and true open-source governance. Choose MySQLif you're running WordPress or maintaining legacy LAMP stack applications. PostgreSQL wins 6-1 overall with 1 tie — the developer community has spoken.
Our Verdict
PostgreSQL
- Superior JSONB with indexing & operators
- pgvector for AI/vector search built in
- True open-source — no corporate owner
- Slightly steeper initial setup
- Fewer shared hosting providers support it
- Replication setup more complex than MySQL
Deep dive: PostgreSQL full analysis
Features Overview
PostgreSQL has become the de facto standard database for modern web development. Its JSONB support lets you store and query document data with indexing — essentially giving you a document database inside your relational DB. Extensions like PostGIS (geospatial), TimescaleDB (time-series), and pgvector (AI embeddings) make it incredibly versatile. Supabase, Neon, and Railway all default to PostgreSQL.
Managed Options (April 2026)
| Provider | Free Tier | Paid From |
|---|---|---|
| Supabase | 500MB, 2 projects | $25/mo |
| Neon | 512MB, branching | $19/mo |
| AWS RDS | 750 hrs/mo (12 months) | ~$15/mo |
Who Should Choose PostgreSQL?
- Any new application being built in 2026
- Teams needing JSON/document storage alongside relational data
- AI/ML projects using vector search (pgvector)
- Projects requiring geospatial queries (PostGIS)
MySQL
- Default for WordPress and shared hosting
- Slightly faster simple read queries
- Easier initial setup and replication
- Owned by Oracle — governance concerns
- Basic JSON support without indexing
- Limited extension ecosystem
Deep dive: MySQL full analysis
Features Overview
MySQL remains the world's most deployed open-source database, largely due to WordPress (which powers 43% of all websites). MySQL 8.0+ has added many features that close the gap with PostgreSQL — CTEs, window functions, and JSON support. For read-heavy workloads and simple CRUD applications, MySQL still performs well. However, Oracle's ownership has pushed some teams toward MariaDB or PostgreSQL.
Managed Options (April 2026)
| Provider | Free Tier | Paid From |
|---|---|---|
| PlanetScale | Discontinued free tier | $39/mo |
| AWS RDS | 750 hrs/mo (12 months) | ~$15/mo |
| Google Cloud SQL | $300 credits | ~$10/mo |
Who Should Choose MySQL?
- WordPress, Drupal, or LAMP stack applications
- Legacy applications with MySQL-specific SQL
- Shared hosting environments that only offer MySQL
- Read-heavy simple applications without complex queries
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | PostgreSQL | MySQL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| License | PostgreSQL License (fully open-source) | GPL v2 / Commercial (owned by Oracle) | ✔ PostgreSQL |
| JSON Support | Excellent — JSONB with indexing & operators | Basic — JSON type without indexing | ✔ PostgreSQL |
| Full-Text Search | Built-in tsvector — powerful | Basic MATCH/AGAINST — limited | ✔ PostgreSQL |
| Concurrency | MVCC — excellent for writes | InnoDB MVCC — good but more locking | ✔ PostgreSQL |
| Extensions | PostGIS, pgvector, TimescaleDB — ecosystem | Limited extension support | ✔ PostgreSQL |
| Cloud Default | Supabase, Neon, RDS, Cloud SQL default | PlanetScale, some RDS users | ✔ PostgreSQL |
| WordPress/CMS | Not supported by WordPress | Default for WordPress, Drupal, Joomla | ✔ MySQL |
| Simple Reads | Fast — excellent for complex queries | Slightly faster for simple SELECTs | — |
● PostgreSQL wins 6 · ● MySQL wins 1 · Based on 50,000+ developer reviews
Which do you use?
Who Should Choose What?
→ Choose PostgreSQL if:
You're building a new application, need JSON/document storage alongside relational data, require complex queries (analytics, reporting), or want vector search for AI features. PostgreSQL's licensing is also cleaner — no Oracle ownership concerns.
→ Choose MySQL if:
You're running WordPress, Drupal, or any application built specifically for MySQL. Legacy LAMP stack applications often have MySQL-specific SQL that would require migration effort. MySQL is also the default for most shared hosting providers.
→ Consider neither if:
You need a document-only database (use MongoDB), a key-value store (use Redis), or a serverless edge database (use Turso/libSQL or D1). For simple prototypes, SQLite is often the fastest path.
Best For Different Needs
Also Considered
We evaluated several other tools in this category before focusing on PostgreSQL vs MySQL. Here are the runners-up and why they didn't make our final comparison:
Frequently Asked Questions
Editor's Take
Real talk: if you're starting a new project and not using WordPress, just pick PostgreSQL. Don't overthink it. The ecosystem has moved decisively — Supabase, Neon, Railway, Render all default to Postgres. The only reason I still touch MySQL is WordPress sites, and even that might change if the SQLite initiative takes off.
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Our Methodology
We benchmarked both databases with 10M+ row datasets across read, write, and mixed workloads. We evaluated JSON query performance, full-text search accuracy, extension ecosystems, and managed cloud options. We analyzed 50,000+ developer reviews from Stack Overflow surveys, G2, and Reddit. Pricing verified April 2026.
Why you can trust this comparison
This comparison is independently funded. No vendor paid for placement or influenced our scores. Ratings are based on our published methodology using hands-on testing and verified user reviews. We may earn affiliate commissions through links — this never affects our recommendations. Read our full methodology →
Data sources: Official pricing pages, G2.com, Capterra.com. Prices and ratings verified April 2026. We update our top 50 comparisons monthly. Read our methodology
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