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Head-to-head · Sql Databases

MySQL vs MariaDB Server

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score MySQL #1 in Sql Databases 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 1 features Visit MySQL
MariaDB Server #6 in Sql Databases 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 1 features Visit MariaDB

MySQL leads on 0 checks, MariaDB Server on 0, and 1 is 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 · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth

MySQL scores higher on our rubric for sql databases: 9.4 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.

MySQL is the better fit for broadly compatible SQL workloads. MariaDB Server is the better fit for free, self-hosted MySQL-compatible databases.

  • MySQL fits best

    Broadly compatible SQL workloads

  • MariaDB Server fits best

    Free, self-hosted MySQL-compatible databases

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Side by side

Feature MySQL 9.4/10 Visit ↗ MariaDB Server 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.9
Ranking #1 in Sql Databases #6 in Sql Databases
Best for Broadly compatible SQL workloads Free, self-hosted MySQL-compatible databases
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price — Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Self-hosted
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux Linux, Windows
Support Community, Docs · 24/7 Community, Docs
Integrations 8 integrations 5 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features MySQL 0/1 · MariaDB Server 0/1
Managed backups Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Deployment options Not checked yet Not checked yet
SQL standard support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Included storage Not checked yet Not checked yet
Availability SLA Not checked yet Not checked yet
Replication options Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Community Edition includes SQL and NoSQL capabilities at no charge.
  • Replication, read scaling, and failover support high-availability designs.
  • Connectors and MySQL Workbench support varied development workflows.
  • GPLv2 open source licensing and a free plan
  • Read scaling, primary-replica replication and Galera clustering
  • Connectors for C, Java, ODBC, Python and Node.js
Cons
  • Commercial editions add licensing and may involve sales engagement.
  • Advanced management and security features are limited to Enterprise Edition.
  • Cluster capabilities are concentrated in Cluster Carrier Grade Edition.
  • Self-hosted deployment requires managing the database environment
  • Listed platforms are limited to Linux and Windows
  • Support channels are community and documentation
Our verdict

MySQL is a relational database management system for developers, applications, and organizations running SQL workloads across self-managed and cloud environments. Its free, GPL-licensed Community Edition includes SQL and NoSQL application…

Read the review →

MariaDB Server is an open source, SQL-based relational database for developers and organizations that need a self-hosted option compatible with common MySQL-based applications. It supports transactional workloads, analytics and embedded…

Read the review →
  1. MySQLSql Databases 9.4Free plan
  2. MariaDB ServerSql Databases 8.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • MySQL — where it wins

    • Community Edition includes SQL and NoSQL capabilities at no charge.
    • Replication, read scaling, and failover support high-availability designs.
    • Connectors and MySQL Workbench support varied development workflows.

    Where it doesn't

    • Commercial editions add licensing and may involve sales engagement.
    • Advanced management and security features are limited to Enterprise Edition.
    • Cluster capabilities are concentrated in Cluster Carrier Grade Edition.

  • MariaDB Server — where it wins

    • GPLv2 open source licensing and a free plan
    • Read scaling, primary-replica replication and Galera clustering
    • Connectors for C, Java, ODBC, Python and Node.js

    Where it doesn't

    • Self-hosted deployment requires managing the database environment
    • Listed platforms are limited to Linux and Windows
    • Support channels are community and documentation
  • MySQL9.4/10 · Free plan

    A versatile SQL database for workloads spanning self-managed and cloud deployments.

    Visit MySQLFull verdict →
  • MariaDB Server8.9/10 · Free plan

    A self-hosted, MySQL-compatible database with replication, clustering and multiple connectors.

    Visit MariaDBFull verdict →

More comparisons

All sql databases comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update