Head-to-head · Database Software
MySQL vs Google Cloud SQL
MySQL leads on 1 check, Google Cloud SQL on 0, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreMySQL · 9.3/10
- Free planonly MySQL
MySQL scores higher on our rubric for database software: 9.3 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.
MySQL offers free plan; Google Cloud SQL doesn't.
MySQL is the better fit for teams needing a versatile SQL database. Google Cloud SQL is the better fit for google Cloud teams managing relational databases.
- MySQL fits best
Teams needing a versatile SQL database
- Google Cloud SQL fits best
Google Cloud teams managing relational databases
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Side by side
| Feature | MySQL 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Google Cloud SQL 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #2 in Database Software | #8 in Database Software |
| Best for | Teams needing a versatile SQL database | Google Cloud teams managing relational databases |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | $0.04 usage-based |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux | Web |
| Integrations | 8 integrations | 6 integrations |
| Features MySQL 0/3 · Google Cloud SQL 0/3 | ||
| SQL support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Vector search | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Replication support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Database model | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Deployment options | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Included storage | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | MySQL is a relational database management system for developers, applications, and organizations that need SQL workloads across cloud or self-hosted environments. Its Community Edition is freely downloadable under the GPL and includes SQL… Read the review → |
Google Cloud SQL runs managed MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server instances in Google Cloud. It is aimed at teams that want relational databases without handling routine administration themselves, and it supports connections from standard… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
MySQL — where it wins
- Free GPL Community Edition includes SQL, NoSQL, replication, and connectors
- JSON support, replication, and failover cover varied relational workloads
- Available as cloud service or self-hosted, with Workbench administration
Where it doesn't
- Commercial editions require server licensing and may involve sales engagement
- Advanced security and management features are reserved for Enterprise Edition
- Cluster and high-availability capabilities sit in a separate commercial edition
Google Cloud SQL — where it wins
- Automates backups, maintenance, updates, and failover
- Supports read, cross-region, and cascading replicas
- Integrates with BigQuery, Cloud Run, and Google Kubernetes Engine
Where it doesn't
- No free plan
- Usage-based costs vary by region, engine, and configuration
- Enterprise Plus costs more per vCPU-hour than Enterprise
- MySQL9.3/10 · Free plan
A flexible SQL database with a free edition and commercial paths for higher availability and management.
Visit MySQLFull verdict → - Google Cloud SQL8.7/10 · Paid
Managed MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server with backups, replication, and failover.
Visit Google CloudFull verdict →
More comparisons
All database software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update