Comparison
MySQL vs MariaDB
Overview
MySQL is a widely deployed open-source relational database owned by Oracle. It powers a huge share of web applications thanks to its speed, maturity, replication options and broad ecosystem support across every major framework and hosting provider.
MariaDB is a community-driven fork of MySQL created by its original developers. It stays largely drop-in compatible with MySQL while adding storage engines, performance improvements and a fully open governance model via the MariaDB Foundation.
Which should you choose?
Both are free and open source, and MariaDB is a drop-in-compatible fork of MySQL. MySQL has the larger installed base and ecosystem, plus an official Enterprise tier. MariaDB adds extra storage engines (Aria, ColumnStore), Galera synchronous clustering, and fully open community governance via the MariaDB Foundation. Choose MySQL for the widest tooling/hosting support; choose MariaDB if you want extra storage engines and built-in clustering under open governance.
TLDR
- —If you want the widest tooling and hosting support, choose MySQL.
- —If you want extra storage engines and built-in clustering under open governance, choose MariaDB.
Features
- —Mature relational engine (InnoDB)
- —Primary/replica replication
- —Broad framework and ORM support
- —Stored procedures and triggers
- —JSON column type
- —Large hosting and tooling ecosystem
- —Drop-in MySQL compatibility
- —Multiple storage engines (Aria, ColumnStore)
- —Galera synchronous clustering
- —Open governance (MariaDB Foundation)
- —JSON and window functions
- —Managed SkySQL cloud option
Pricing
MySQL
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Community | Free | Open-source GPL edition. |
| Enterprise | Contact sales | Oracle commercial license and support. |
MariaDB
Company Fit
MySQL
MariaDB
Alternatives
MySQL alternatives
MariaDB alternatives