Comparison
PostgreSQL vs MariaDB
Overview
PostgreSQL is a powerful, open-source object-relational database with 35+ years of active development. It is known for reliability, standards compliance, extensibility (JSON, full-text search, pgvector) and strong ACID guarantees, making it a default choice for everything from small apps to large-scale analytics.
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, open-source relational databases. PostgreSQL offers deeper SQL standard compliance, JSONB, and extensions like pgvector and PostGIS. MariaDB is a drop-in MySQL-compatible fork with multiple storage engines and Galera clustering, governed openly by the MariaDB Foundation. Choose PostgreSQL for advanced features and extensibility; choose MariaDB if you want MySQL compatibility with open governance and built-in synchronous clustering.
TLDR
- —If you want advanced SQL features and extensibility like vector search, choose PostgreSQL.
- —If you want MySQL compatibility with open governance and built-in clustering, choose MariaDB.
Features
- —Full ACID compliance
- —Advanced SQL and window functions
- —JSONB document storage
- —Extensions (pgvector, PostGIS, full-text search)
- —Logical and streaming replication
- —Strong data integrity and constraints
- —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
PostgreSQL
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open Source | Free | Self-hosted, no license fee. |
MariaDB
Company Fit
PostgreSQL
MariaDB
Alternatives
MariaDB alternatives