Head-to-head · Database Proxy Software
ProxySQL vs TurbineProxy
ProxySQL leads on 0 checks, TurbineProxy 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
ProxySQL scores higher on our rubric for database proxy software: 9.2 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.
ProxySQL is the better fit for free, mature MySQL/PostgreSQL proxying. TurbineProxy is the better fit for modern MySQL/PostgreSQL proxy teams.
- ProxySQL fits best
Free, mature MySQL/PostgreSQL proxying
- TurbineProxy fits best
Modern MySQL/PostgreSQL proxy teams
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Side by side
| Feature | ProxySQL 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | TurbineProxy 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #2 in Database Proxy Software | #4 in Database Proxy Software |
| Best for | Free, mature MySQL/PostgreSQL proxying | Modern MySQL/PostgreSQL proxy teams |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Self-hosted, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Linux | Web, Linux |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs · 24/7 | Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features ProxySQL 4/4 · TurbineProxy 4/4 | ||
| Connection pooling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Query routing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Load balancing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic failover | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Deployment model | Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Supported databases | MySQL protocol, PostgreSQL protocol, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, Percona Server for MySQL, ClickHouse | MySQL, PostgreSQL |
| Maximum connections | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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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 → |
TurbineProxy is an open-source database proxy written in Rust for MySQL and PostgreSQL deployments. It sits between applications and database topologies, supporting standalone use and primary-replica arrangements. Its core audience is… 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
TurbineProxy — where it wins
- Combines pooling, query splitting, balancing, consistency, and failover
- Adds SQL injection protection, query allowlisting, TLS, and health monitoring
- Connects with Prometheus, Grafana, and developer AI tools
Where it doesn't
- Requires a self-hosted deployment model
- Supports MySQL and PostgreSQL rather than a broader database range
- Traffic routing and consistency controls may require careful configuration
- ProxySQL9.2/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source proxy for routing, pooling, balancing, and managing database traffic.
Visit ProxySQLFull verdict → - TurbineProxy8.8/10 · Free plan
A self-hosted Rust proxy for pooling, routing, failover, consistency, and database visibility.
Visit TurbineProxyFull verdict →
ProxySQL vs TurbineProxy: questions
Which is better for database proxy software, ProxySQL or TurbineProxy?
ProxySQL scores higher on our rubric for database proxy software: 9.2 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.
How do ProxySQL and TurbineProxy compare?
All 5 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.
Do ProxySQL and TurbineProxy have a free plan?
ProxySQL: Yes. TurbineProxy: Yes.
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- ShardingSphere-Proxy vs TurbineProxy
All database proxy software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





