MySQL alternatives: 3 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave MySQL: some features are reserved for paid Enterprise editions, and controlled by Oracle rather than a community foundation. We ranked 3 alternatives by how directly each one replaces MySQL, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. MariaDB currently ranks first.
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Show all 3 alternativesThe best MySQL alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best MySQL alternative for most people
MariaDBDrop-in compatible fork run by a foundation, so most MySQL apps move over with little change.
Best MySQL alternative for a free option
PostgreSQLRicher SQL features and types under a permissive licence with community governance.
Best MySQL alternative for open source
MariaDBDrop-in compatible fork run by a foundation, so most MySQL apps move over with little change.
Best MySQL alternative for self-hosting
CockroachDBDistributed SQL for apps that have outgrown a single MySQL primary.
Best MySQL alternative for Mac
MariaDBDrop-in compatible fork run by a foundation, so most MySQL apps move over with little change.
Best MySQL alternative for Windows
MariaDBDrop-in compatible fork run by a foundation, so most MySQL apps move over with little change.
Best MySQL alternative for Linux
MariaDBDrop-in compatible fork run by a foundation, so most MySQL apps move over with little change.
Best MySQL alternative for working in the browser
CockroachDBDistributed SQL for apps that have outgrown a single MySQL primary.
MySQL alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to MySQL?
MariaDB ranks first right now. Drop-in compatible fork run by a foundation, so most MySQL apps move over with little change. PostgreSQL and CockroachDB follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to MySQL?
Yes. MariaDB (open source) and PostgreSQL (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to MySQL?
Yes: MariaDB and PostgreSQL. MariaDB and PostgreSQL can also be self-hosted.
Which MySQL alternatives work on Linux?
MariaDB and PostgreSQL run on Linux.
Why do people switch from MySQL?
The complaints we hear most: some features are reserved for paid Enterprise editions; controlled by Oracle rather than a community foundation; fewer advanced data types and SQL features than PostgreSQL.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces MySQL, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.