A database is the backbone of an organization. A number of databases are available on the market today, many of which are open source, including MariaDB vs PostgreSQL, compared below. Open source solutions lead the ranking of the most popular databases today. Choosing the right database is difficult, since almost all of them are packed with a bunch of features, meet high security requirements and are provided for free.
How to choose the best option for your company? If you are now asking yourself this question, then this article is meant for you.
We chose two of the most popular open source databases for enterprises - PostgreSQL vs MariaDB - and pitted them against each other. In this article, we will look at what cases these databases are best suited for and how to get the most out of them. So, let's begin.
What is PostgreSQL?
Many people know PostgreSQL for its extensive capabilities, for example when choosing to migrate from MariaDB to PostgreSQL using a PostgreSQL Migration tool. This database rightfully holds the title of the richest in capabilities for data manipulation. It supports a range of SQL features, including foreign keys, subqueries, as well as user-defined types and functions.
PostgreSQL is a highly stable database that has been developed for 27 years already by the open-source community. This database further sets the performance bar high and offers features that scale and reserve data workloads.
PostgreSQL boasts sophisticated features like materialized views and partial indexes that boost efficiency. Materialized views can be employed for costly joins and aggregations that are regularly executed.
The use cases for PostgreSQL are indeed rich. This database is an appropriate solution for most of the cases regardless of their size or system loads. PostgreSQL is a reliable database for almost any project.
However, there are a number of cases in which businesses prefer using PostgreSQL to any other database. Among them are a huge number of web applications, geographic information systems, data warehousing, data analytics, and social media platforms. In fact, commercial companies such as Reddit, Uber, Netflix, Instagram, and more use PostgreSQL as their database system. For teams looking to transition smoothly from MariaDB, an efficient MariaDB to PostgreSQL migration tool can help simplify the process.
What is MariaDB?
MariaDB is a highly scalable open-source database made by the MySQL creators in 2009 after MySQL had been purchased by Oracle. Although it bears similarities to MySQL, it has undergone substantial evolution since its creation.
MariaDB leverages its heritage as a MySQL fork to integrate with existing environments. Its architecture boasts pluggable storage engines like PBXT, XtraDB, and InnoDB, enabling granular performance optimization tailored to diverse use cases.
Strong JSON support in MariaDB makes it great for dynamic web apps needing real-time analytics or complex data interactions.
MariaDB is commonly used for business transactions requiring quick responses to frequent queries, especially with small amounts of data. The InnoDB storage engine supports ACID-compliant transactions and ensures that it treats each transaction as a single unit.
MariaDB works well with web applications and e-commerce platforms, and its multi-threading mechanisms allow it to handle higher loads than other database systems. MariaDB can handle sudden increases in website traffic and accommodate business expansion because of its multi-threaded model and high performance. This allows your application or website to effectively grow and handle increased demand, and teams can also simplify transitions using a MariaDB migration tool.
Migration to MariaDB or PostgreSQL
As a matter of fact, PostgreSQL and MariaDB stand as excellent open source solutions for business. These databases serve as viable alternatives to both modern databases like Oracle, SQL Server, DB2, and legacy systems such as Sybase, be it a transition from on-premise to cloud or infrastructure upgrade.
Selecting a new database is a complex and pivotal process. Factors such as the current technological landscape, database workload, size, and specific critical requirements demand careful consideration.
This process can be both intricate and demanding, but the benefits of migration to modern databases outweigh the complexity of this process. Firstly, modern databases typically provide enhanced performance and scalability, allowing businesses to handle larger volumes of data efficiently. Secondly, modern databases often incorporate advanced security features, helping to safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access and cyber threats. The Ispirer experts stand ready to undertake a comprehensive analysis of your existing system, identifying the most suitable option - whether it's PostgreSQL or MariaDB. We will help you transition smoothly and confidently by integrating the chosen solution into your business operations seamlessly.
Additionally, streamlining migration is feasible with the help of automated tools, which can significantly simplify the process. If you need to migrate an existing database to another, you can try Ispirer Toolkit that can save time and resources on PostgreSQL migration or MariaDB migration.
Architecture
Although PostgreSQL and MariaDB have a lot in common, there are a range of differences that set them apart. In fact, both databases support relational database management systems as the primary database model.
One of the unique aspects of PostgreSQL is its ability to function as both a relational and a NoSQL database. It becomes possible because it supports JSON and other data types. This makes it a good option for applications that need the flexibility of NoSQL and the reliability of a relational database.
MariaDB has different storage engines that allow for adding specific database features to a versatile database system. One such pluggable storage engine is OQGRAPH. Contrary to regular storage engines, it does not actually store any data, but rather represents data as a graph. Additionally, MariaDB offers the ColumnStore engine, which provides columnar storage optimized for analytical workloads and fast aggregations.
Both databases support a client-server architecture model, which means that the server is responsible for managing files in the database, accepting connections from client applications, and performing database actions on behalf of clients.
Extensibility
MariaDB and PostgreSQL both feature an expandable structure built for personalization. Users needing specific extra features for their requirements can incorporate them using shared libraries, providing developers with increased development possibilities.
PostgreSQL database is notably adaptable because it accommodates a variety of sophisticated data types. These include network address types, native UUID, geometric/GIS, JSON (indexable), and timestamps aware of time zones. If these attributes aren't persuasive enough, PostgreSQL further sets itself apart with modifiable operators, data types, and index types.
MariaDB accommodates a variety of SQL modes, partitioning, procedures for backing up and restoring databases, server surveillance, and logging. It even allows you to develop functions, data types, operators, window functions, or virtually anything else. Anyway, despite all of these numerous features that MariaDB provides, it still falls behind PostgreSQL in the matter of extensibility.
Indexes
PostgreSQL provides a wide range of indexes that allow flexible work with database tables. What is more, PostgreSQL has advanced indexing options like B-tree, GiST, GIN, function-based, partial, and covering indexes. It has many tools to improve query performance and make data retrieval easier.
In comparison with PostgreSQL, MariaDB offers a more modest set of supported indexes. It only supports four types of indexes, including primary keys, unique indexes, plain indexes, and full-text indexes.
Performance
In order to compare MariaDB vs PostgreSQL performance, it is necessary to consider the use case.
Basically, MariaDB is considered to be the perfect choice for small databases and stands out as one of the best lightweight databases. It is also capable of storing data entirely in-memory - something not offered by PostgreSQL. MariaDB boasts sophisticated thread pooling that can operate swiftly and accommodate over 200,000 connections, complemented by 12 fresh storage engines. This enables it to compete directly with PostgreSQL in relation to query processing velocity.
However, PostgreSQL outperforms MariaDB in regard to reads and writes and can be more efficient for databases with substantial volumes. PostgreSQL uses its cache and the server's cache to quickly retrieve frequently accessed data. In terms of performance MariaDB vs PostgreSQL, PostgreSQL delivers better results than MariaDB's query cache.
Data typing
PostgreSQL provides support for the JSON and JSONB data types, while MariaDB substitutes with a LONGTEXT column to achieve similar functionality. This capability allows both databases to handle unstructured data commonly associated with NoSQL databases.
MariaDB is lenient, automatically adjusting data types that don't align with the schema during inserts and updates. In contrast, PostgreSQL lacks this feature and strictly enforces data typing.
Replication
Replication is a method that allows developers to copy data from a database to its replicas, ensuring consistent access to information for all users. This process offers numerous benefits for database operations, including fault tolerance, scalability, automated backups, and the ability to run complex queries without impacting the main database.
MariaDB and PostgreSQL both offer replication capabilities. MariaDB includes features like asynchronous multi-source replication and master-slave replication. Moreover, the MariaDB Galera Cluster allows users to execute semi-synchronous replication, multi-primary clustering, delayed replication, and parallel replication.
In contrast, PostgreSQL provides primary-secondary replication along with cascading replication, streaming replication, and synchronous replication. Furthermore, by utilizing the latest BDR package, PostgreSQL allows bidirectional replication as well.
Security
MariaDB regularly issues security patches, underscoring the community's commitment to security.
Similarly, the PostgreSQL Global Development Group (PGDG) releases a record of ongoing Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) that is managed by a vast and helpful community. It's crucial to keep open-source software current with the most recent patches and versions. The capacity to implement these patches promptly is essential.
Support and community
MariaDB supports its users through skilled engineers, typically software developers and database administrators, who are experts in both MySQL and MariaDB. Enterprise subscribers receive comprehensive 24/7/365 enterprise-grade support from MariaDB Corporation.
Additionally, support is accessible through the MariaDB knowledge base, featuring tutorials, documentation, and other valuable resources.
MariaDB thrives on its active community, comprising developers, contributors, and non-developer groups. Various avenues exist for engaging with community members, including social media, mailing lists, events, and conferences. Users are encouraged to contribute by debugging, documenting, and developing MariaDB themselves.
Similarly, PostgreSQL boasts a robust community that offers support through user groups, documentation, mailing lists, and supplementary resources. An IRC channel provides a platform for users to ask questions and interact with knowledgeable PostgreSQL community members. Furthermore, there are several international sites for PostgreSQL users that offer community engagement opportunities and resources in various languages.
Differences between MariaDB and PostgreSQL: What to choose?
Both databases have a number of solid advantages, but it's worth relying on the specific requirements of your project. For instance, if your project involves a PostgreSQL vs MariaDB migration from Oracle, you can simplify the process using PostgreSQL migration tools, and these requirements will guide your decision.
If you have a small project that needs web application analytics and the ability to customize customer experience based on real data, then pay attention to MariaDB. Moreover, it is a more budget-friendly option compared to PostgreSQL.
If your business is in the fintech or healthcare sector, and you have large volumes and heavy database loads, then PostgreSQL is a great option for you. Reliability, a wide range of capabilities - this is what you need. This option is also ideal for data warehousing and analytics. Besides, with the PostGIS extension, it’s a perfect fit for location-based apps and GIS systems.
A Detailed Technical Checklist to Guide Your Decision
1. System load
- Choose PostgreSQL if you expect moderate load (hundreds of concurrent connections) and need high reliability (e.g., for financial systems). Its multi‑process model isolates data well and reduces failure risks.
- Opt for MariaDB if you anticipate high load (thousands of short connections, like in web apps). It uses memory more efficiently and scales better thanks to its multi‑threaded architecture.
2. Database maintenance
- Go with MariaDB if you want minimal routine work and an auto‑managed system. It has Continuous Purge, which automatically cleans up obsolete data – no need for constant performance tuning.
- Pick PostgreSQL if you’re ready to manually optimize the database and want more control. Its VACUUM tool gives you that control, but you’ll need to monitor and adjust it regularly.
3. Memory management
- Choose MariaDB for a simple setup with little tuning. Just set one parameter (innodb_buffer_pool_size) – the system handles the rest.
- Select PostgreSQL if you need fine‑grained cache control for complex workloads. It uses a two‑layer cache (Shared Buffers + OS cache), but requires careful configuration.
4. Data storage engines and extensions
- Use PostgreSQL if one robust engine is enough and you want to add features via plugins (e.g., geospatial data). It’s well‑optimized for common use cases.
- Prefer MariaDB if you need multiple engines for different tasks (transactions, analytics, distributed data). It offers InnoDB (transactions), ColumnStore (analytics), MyRocks (heavy write loads), Spider (distributed data)
5. Connection handling and high availability
- Choose MariaDB if you need to handle thousands of connections out‑of‑the‑box. It has a built‑in thread pool that efficiently manages load distribution.
- Opt for PostgreSQL if you’re willing to add tools (e.g., PgBouncer) and want more control over replication. You’ll need third‑party solutions (Patroni, Citus) for clustering, but gain flexibility in replication setup.
Need more options? MySQL vs MariaDB vs PostgreSQL compared
We’ve already covered the main differences between MariaDB and PostgreSQL, but developers often also evaluate MariaDB vs MySQL vs PostgreSQL when choosing a database for new projects. MySQL is widely used for web applications and smaller workloads due to its simplicity, reliability, and broad hosting support. Its mature ecosystem makes it easy to integrate with most development stacks.
For projects requiring enhanced performance or additional storage engines, MySQL vs PostgreSQL vs MariaDB comparisons often highlight MariaDB as a flexible alternative to MySQL, offering optimizations like Aria and ColumnStore. In PostgreSQL vs MySQL vs MariaDB features comparisons, PostgreSQL is often preferred for demanding workloads that require complex queries, strong data integrity, and advanced indexing. Choosing the right database depends on your specific workload, the volume of data, and required features. Teams looking to transition smoothly between systems can benefit from a PostgreSQL to MySQL migration tool.
Convert MariaDB to PostgreSQL and Vice Versa, or Migrate from Other Databases
In this article, we talked in detail about the capabilities and characteristics of PostgreSQL and MariaDB databases. We touched on PostgreSQL vs MariaDB performance benchmarks, customizability, security, and use cases for both databases.
We hope that the information will allow you to make the right choice in favor of the database that suits you. In case you don’t have a team of experts to perform the migration – such as a MariaDB to PostgreSQL migration – Ispirer will help you migrate as part of the comprehensive migration services.
