Head-to-head · Database Proxy Software
TurbineProxy vs MariaDB MaxScale
TurbineProxy leads on 1 check, MariaDB MaxScale on 0, and 4 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 scoreTurbineProxy · 8.8/10
- Free planonly TurbineProxy
- Free trialonly MariaDB MaxScale
TurbineProxy scores higher on our rubric for database proxy software: 8.8 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.
TurbineProxy offers free plan; MariaDB MaxScale doesn't. On deployment model, MariaDB MaxScale gives you Both where TurbineProxy offers Self-hosted.
TurbineProxy is the better fit for modern MySQL/PostgreSQL proxy teams. MariaDB MaxScale is the better fit for enterprise MariaDB proxy operations.
- TurbineProxy fits best
Modern MySQL/PostgreSQL proxy teams
- MariaDB MaxScale fits best
Enterprise MariaDB proxy operations
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Side by side
| Feature | TurbineProxy 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | MariaDB MaxScale 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #4 in Database Proxy Software | #6 in Database Proxy Software |
| Best for | Modern MySQL/PostgreSQL proxy teams | Enterprise MariaDB proxy operations |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | Pricing on request · 30-day trial |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | 30 days |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Browser extension | Cloud, Self-hosted, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, Linux | Web, Linux |
| Support | Docs | Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 6 integrations | 8 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Enterprise, Mid-market |
| Features TurbineProxy 4/4 · MariaDB MaxScale 4/4 | ||
| Connection pooling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Query routing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Load balancing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic failover | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Deployment model | Self-hosted | Both |
| Supported databases | MySQL, PostgreSQL | MariaDB Server, MySQL-compatible servers, ColumnStore, Enterprise Cluster, MongoDB protocol |
| Maximum connections | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | 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 → |
MariaDB MaxScale is a database proxy and intelligent query router for production and mission-critical MariaDB environments. It sits between applications and backend databases, handling SQL-aware query routing, read/write splitting,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
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
MariaDB MaxScale — where it wins
- SQL-aware routing, read/write splitting and load balancing
- Automatic failover with connection migration and transaction replay
- Firewalling, caching, streaming and multiple administration interfaces
Where it doesn't
- Production use requires an enterprise subscription
- Pricing uses a contact-sales model
- No free plan is available
- TurbineProxy8.8/10 · Free plan
A self-hosted Rust proxy for pooling, routing, failover, consistency, and database visibility.
Visit TurbineProxyFull verdict → - MariaDB MaxScale8.6/10 · Pricing on request · 30-day trial
A feature-rich MariaDB proxy for routing, failover and production database operations.
Visit MariaDBFull verdict →
TurbineProxy vs MariaDB MaxScale: questions
Which is better for database proxy software, TurbineProxy or MariaDB MaxScale?
TurbineProxy scores higher on our rubric for database proxy software: 8.8 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.
How do TurbineProxy and MariaDB MaxScale compare?
Of the 5 checks we put side by side, TurbineProxy leads on 1, MariaDB MaxScale on none, and 4 are level. Free plan only on TurbineProxy.
Do TurbineProxy and MariaDB MaxScale have a free plan?
TurbineProxy: Yes. MariaDB MaxScale: No.
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All database proxy software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update