Head-to-head · Database Proxy Software
ProxySQL vs Cloudflare Hyperdrive
ProxySQL leads on 0 checks, Cloudflare Hyperdrive on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreProxySQL · 9.2/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresProxySQL · 4 of 4
ProxySQL scores higher on our rubric for database proxy software: 9.2 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.
On deployment model, Cloudflare Hyperdrive gives you Managed where ProxySQL offers Self-hosted.
ProxySQL is the better fit for free, mature MySQL/PostgreSQL proxying. Cloudflare Hyperdrive is the better fit for managed edge database connectivity.
- ProxySQL fits best
Free, mature MySQL/PostgreSQL proxying
- Cloudflare Hyperdrive fits best
Managed edge database connectivity
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Side by side
| Feature | ProxySQL 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Cloudflare Hyperdrive 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #2 in Database Proxy Software | #7 in Database Proxy Software |
| Best for | Free, mature MySQL/PostgreSQL proxying | Managed edge database connectivity |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Cloud |
| Platforms | Linux | Web |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs · 24/7 | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features ProxySQL 4/4 · Cloudflare Hyperdrive 2/4 | ||
| Connection pooling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Query routing | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Load balancing | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Automatic failover | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Deployment model | Self-hosted | Managed |
| Supported databases | MySQL protocol, PostgreSQL protocol, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, Percona Server for MySQL, ClickHouse | PostgreSQL 9.0–17.x; MySQL 5.7–8.x; MariaDB; PostgreSQL- and MySQL-compatible providers |
| Maximum connections | Not checked yet | 100 connections |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | ProxySQL is an open-source, protocol-aware database proxy for MySQL, PostgreSQL, and compatible systems. It provides a single database endpoint while handling connection multiplexing, pooling, query routing, read/write splitting, load… Read the review → |
Cloudflare Hyperdrive is a managed database proxy for developers building globally distributed Cloudflare Workers applications. It connects Workers to existing regional databases without requiring a major database migration or application… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
ProxySQL — where it wins
- Connection pooling, multiplexing, routing, and read/write splitting
- Failover, load balancing, caching, rewriting, and sharding support
- Prometheus metrics, REST API, and web administration included
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment requires your team to operate the software
- Commercial support, consulting, training, and managed services are quote-based
- Its feature breadth may be more than a simple proxy deployment needs
Cloudflare Hyperdrive — where it wins
- Pooling, caching, transaction pooling, and failover recovery
- Supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, and compatible providers
- Includes query and connection-pool metrics with configurable limits
Where it doesn't
- Free usage is limited to 100,000 database queries per day
- Paid access is tied to the Workers Paid plan
- Documented connection limits are approximately 100 per configuration
- ProxySQL9.2/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source proxy for routing, pooling, balancing, and managing database traffic.
Visit ProxySQLFull verdict → - Cloudflare Hyperdrive8.5/10 · Free plan
A managed edge proxy for Workers applications connecting to existing databases.
Visit CloudflareFull verdict →
ProxySQL vs Cloudflare Hyperdrive: questions
Which is better for database proxy software, ProxySQL or Cloudflare Hyperdrive?
ProxySQL scores higher on our rubric for database proxy software: 9.2 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.
How do ProxySQL and Cloudflare Hyperdrive compare?
All 5 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.
Do ProxySQL and Cloudflare Hyperdrive have a free plan?
ProxySQL: Yes. Cloudflare Hyperdrive: Yes.
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- ProxySQL vs MariaDB MaxScale
- ProxySQL vs PgDog
- ShardingSphere-Proxy vs Cloudflare Hyperdrive
All database proxy software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





