PostgreSQL vs MySQL: The Ultimate Database Comparison

Comprehensive comparison of the two most popular open-source databases. Discover which database fits your project's performance, feature, and scalability requirements.

PostgreSQL

Advanced Open Source

VS

MySQL

Popular & Simple

PostgreSQL vs MySQL: Quick Comparison

Feature PostgreSQL MySQL
ACID Compliance Full ACID Depends on Engine
SQL Standards Excellent Good
JSON Support Native JSONB Basic JSON
Performance (OLTP) Excellent Excellent
Complex Queries Superior Good
Learning Curve Moderate Easy
Extensibility Highly Extensible Limited

Performance Benchmarks: PostgreSQL vs MySQL

OLTP Workload (TPC-B)

PostgreSQL
9,200 TPS
MySQL
8,800 TPS

PostgreSQL shows slight advantage in complex OLTP scenarios with better concurrency handling.

Read-Heavy Workload

PostgreSQL
12,750 QPS
MySQL
15,000 QPS

MySQL excels in simple read operations, especially with MyISAM engine for read-only workloads.

Complex Analytical Queries

PostgreSQL
245 seconds
MySQL
378 seconds

PostgreSQL significantly outperforms MySQL in complex analytical workloads and window functions.

Feature-by-Feature Analysis

Data Types & Advanced Features

PostgreSQL Advantages

  • Native JSONB with indexing and operators
  • Arrays, custom types, and domains
  • Full-text search built-in
  • Geometric and network data types
  • Range types and exclusion constraints
  • Common Table Expressions (CTEs)

MySQL Advantages

  • Multiple storage engines (InnoDB, MyISAM)
  • Simpler administration and setup
  • Better performance for simple queries
  • Smaller memory footprint
  • Faster replication setup
  • More hosting provider support

ACID Compliance & Transactions

PostgreSQL

Full ACID compliance by default with all operations. Uses Multi-Version Concurrency Control (MVCC) for excellent concurrent performance without locking issues.

  • Atomicity: Complete transaction rollback on failure
  • Consistency: Strict constraint enforcement
  • Isolation: Multiple isolation levels supported
  • Durability: WAL ensures data persistence

MySQL

ACID compliance depends on storage engine. InnoDB provides full ACID, while MyISAM does not support transactions.

  • InnoDB: Full ACID compliance
  • MyISAM: No transaction support
  • Mixed engines can cause consistency issues
  • Requires careful engine selection

Migration Strategies

MySQL to PostgreSQL Migration

Common Challenges

  • SQL syntax differences (LIMIT vs LIMIT/OFFSET)
  • Data type mapping (TINYINT, ENUM)
  • Auto-increment vs SERIAL/IDENTITY
  • Case sensitivity differences
  • Function and operator variations

Migration Tools

  • pgloader - Automated migration tool
  • AWS Database Migration Service
  • Custom ETL scripts
  • mysqldump + custom conversion

PostgreSQL to MySQL Migration

Common Challenges

  • Advanced PostgreSQL features not available
  • JSONB to JSON conversion
  • Array and custom type handling
  • Complex query simplification
  • Stored procedure language differences

Considerations

  • Feature loss assessment
  • Performance impact evaluation
  • Application code modifications
  • Storage engine selection

When to Choose PostgreSQL vs MySQL

Choose PostgreSQL For:

  • Complex analytical queries and reporting
  • Applications requiring JSONB and NoSQL features
  • Data integrity is critical (full ACID)
  • Advanced SQL features and window functions
  • Geospatial applications (PostGIS)
  • Full-text search requirements
  • Custom data types and extensions
  • Concurrent write-heavy workloads

Choose MySQL For:

  • Simple web applications and CMSs
  • Read-heavy workloads with simple queries
  • Quick setup and deployment
  • Shared hosting environments
  • Applications with simple data models
  • When team expertise is primarily MySQL
  • Legacy applications requiring MySQL
  • Budget-conscious projects needing simplicity

PostgreSQL vs MySQL: Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster: PostgreSQL or MySQL?

Performance depends on the workload. MySQL typically performs better for simple read operations and basic queries, while PostgreSQL excels in complex queries, analytical workloads, and concurrent write operations. Both can achieve excellent performance with proper optimization.

Is PostgreSQL more difficult to learn than MySQL?

MySQL has a gentler learning curve for beginners due to its simpler setup and administration. PostgreSQL offers more advanced features but requires more initial learning. However, PostgreSQL's superior SQL standards compliance can make it easier for developers familiar with standard SQL.

Can I migrate from MySQL to PostgreSQL easily?

Migration complexity depends on your application's use of MySQL-specific features. Simple applications can migrate relatively easily using tools like pgloader, while complex applications with stored procedures, specific data types, or MySQL-specific SQL may require more effort.

Which database has better JSON support?

PostgreSQL has superior JSON support with its native JSONB data type, which offers indexing, operators, and functions for efficient JSON operations. MySQL's JSON support is more basic, though it has improved significantly in recent versions.

Is PostgreSQL or MySQL better for web applications?

Both are excellent for web applications. MySQL is popular for simple web apps and CMSs due to its ease of use and widespread hosting support. PostgreSQL is better for complex web applications requiring advanced features, data integrity, and analytical capabilities.

Which database has better community support?

Both have strong communities. MySQL has a larger user base due to its longer history and simplicity, while PostgreSQL has a highly technical community focused on advanced features and standards compliance. Both offer excellent documentation and community resources.