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Head-to-head · Database Proxy Software

ProxySQL vs TurbineProxy

  • Updated Nov 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score ProxySQL #2 in Database Proxy Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit ProxySQL
TurbineProxy #4 in Database Proxy Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit 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
Pros
  • Connection pooling, multiplexing, routing, and read/write splitting
  • Failover, load balancing, caching, rewriting, and sharding support
  • Prometheus metrics, REST API, and web administration included
  • 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
Cons
  • 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
  • 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
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 →
  1. ProxySQLDatabase Proxy Software 9.2Free plan
  2. TurbineProxyDatabase Proxy Software 8.8Free plan

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

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.

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026

Last updated · How we research and update