MySqlConnector
MySqlConnector: A free, cross-platform .NET driver with configurable pooling and MySQL-compatible database support. Ranked #20 of 29 in Database Connection Pooling Software by our editors (7.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for cross-platform .NET MySQL connectivity.
At a glance
- Editor score7.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forCross-platform .NET MySQL connectivity
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Transaction poolingNo
- Facts checked14 Nov 2026
Where it wins
- Connection pooling defaults with configurable size, lifetime, idle timeout, and reset
- Supports MySQL-compatible servers with failover and load-balancing options
- Async I/O plus Entity Framework Core and Dapper integrations
Where it doesn't
- Embedded client-side driver, not a standalone database pooler
- Supports the MySQL protocol rather than multiple database protocols
- Published support channel is documentation only
Our verdict on MySqlConnector
MySqlConnector is an open-source C# ADO.NET driver for .NET applications connecting to MySQL-compatible databases. It suits teams building applications on Windows, macOS, or Linux that need standard connection, command, reader, and transaction APIs alongside synchronous or asynchronous database I/O. Documented compatible servers include MySQL, MariaDB, Amazon Aurora, Azure Database for MySQL, Google Cloud SQL for MySQL, and Percona Server. It is deployed self-hosted as an embedded client component.
Connection pooling is enabled by default, with connection-string controls for maximum and minimum pool sizes, connection lifetime, idle timeout, and reset behavior when pooled connections are reused. Multiple-server load balancing and failover options extend the driver beyond a single-server connection pattern, while TLS configuration options address encrypted database connections. The package is installed through NuGet, and integrations with Entity Framework Core and Dapper help it fit applications already using those tools. The published category specifications identify a configurable default maximum of 100 connections, not a fixed plan limit.
The main boundary is architectural: MySqlConnector provides pooling inside a .NET database driver rather than operating as an independent pooler shared by different application runtimes. Its protocol focus is MySQL, and transaction pooling is not supported in the listed specifications. Documentation is the stated support channel, so organizations seeking managed operations or broader support services should evaluate alternatives. Choose MySqlConnector when a .NET application needs open-source, cross-platform connectivity and direct control over pool behavior; consider another product when a standalone pooler, multi-protocol coverage, or managed deployment is central.
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MySqlConnector pricing
MySqlConnector fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Transaction pooling | No |
| Pooling modes | Not verified |
| Deployment model | Embedded |
| Supported databases | MySQL, MariaDB, Amazon Aurora, Azure Database for MySQL, Google Cloud SQL for MySQL, Percona Server |
| Connection limit | 100 connections |
| Protocol support | MySQL protocol |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: Entity Framework Core, Dapper |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | mysqlconnector.net |
| Facts checked | 14 Nov 2026 |
MySqlConnector integrations
MySqlConnector lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- Entity Framework Core
- Dapper
Alternatives to MySqlConnector
- MariaDB MaxScaleSQL-aware pooling and routing for MariaDB and MySQL-compatible production environments.9.3
- OdysseyA focused, open-source pooler for PostgreSQL session and transaction workloads.9.1
- PgBouncerA self-hosted PostgreSQL pooler with flexible modes and connection controls, but no built-in failover.8.9
See all MySqlConnector alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
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