pgloader review
A focused Linux tool for moving relational databases and files into PostgreSQL.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
pgloader is an open-source, self-hosted command-line tool for migrating databases and loading data into PostgreSQL. It is aimed at teams moving from MySQL, MariaDB, Microsoft SQL Server, or SQLite, as well as those loading CSV, DBF, or fixed-width files. Its scope covers source schema discovery, user-defined type-casting rules, on-the-fly transformations, and completion of indexes, foreign keys, constraints, comments, and schemas. Linux is the supported platform, making it a focused fit for PostgreSQL migration work in Linux-based environments.
The core tool is free and open source, while paid plans provide support. Evaluate costs €0 as a flat plan with best-effort support via GitHub. Production costs €100 per month and adds prioritized issues for live systems. Business Critical costs €800 per month and includes structured handling of fixes and releases. Strategic costs €2,000 per month and adds roadmap input plus reserved development capacity. These tiers make the product suitable for teams that want to begin with the free tool and add progressively more formal support around production migrations.
Migration depth is the main strength. pgloader supports partial, schema-only, and data-only migrations, parallel PostgreSQL COPY loading, parallel index creation, and repeatable unattended workflows. Those capabilities suit planned database moves and repeatable operational jobs rather than a broad integration platform. The published category specifications show no continuous replication and no integrations, so teams needing ongoing synchronization or a wider ecosystem should choose another tool. pgloader is a strong match for Linux-based relational migrations into PostgreSQL; it is less suitable when cross-platform deployment, continuous replication, or managed integrations are central requirements.
pgloader pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Migrates MySQL, MariaDB, SQL Server, SQLite, and common file formats
- Supports schema discovery, transformations, partial migrations, and unattended workflows
- Parallel COPY loading and index creation help organize large migration jobs
- Where it doesn't
- Linux-only deployment limits platform flexibility
- No continuous replication for ongoing source-to-target synchronization
- Paid support tiers add cost beyond the free open-source tool
pgloader fact sheet, pricing and score →
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