pglogical review
A focused PostgreSQL replication extension for selective, multi-node data movement.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
pglogical is an open-source PostgreSQL extension for logical streaming replication through a publish/subscribe model. It is designed for teams that need to move selected database objects or entire databases between PostgreSQL provider and subscriber nodes. The extension supports replication across supported PostgreSQL major versions, making it relevant for PostgreSQL migrations, distributed deployments, and architectures that need more control than full-database copying alone. It runs in a self-hosted environment on Linux and supports PostgreSQL as its primary database platform, with Postgres-XL supported as a subscriber.
Selective replication is the product’s defining strength. Replication sets can target specific data, while row and column filtering provide additional control over what moves between nodes. pglogical also supports one provider replicating to multiple subscribers, merging changes from multiple upstream servers, and cascading replication through changeset forwarding. Conflict detection and configurable conflict resolution add support for designs where changes can travel in more than one direction. Together, these features make pglogical a suitable choice for PostgreSQL environments with selective distribution, multi-upstream requirements, or staged replication paths.
The main trade-off is focus. pglogical is built around PostgreSQL rather than a broad database ecosystem, and its self-hosted deployment places installation and operation within the team’s environment. Its lifecycle also matters: EDB states that pglogical 2 support ends after version 18 and recommends native PostgreSQL logical replication for version 19 onward. Choose pglogical when its filtering, multi-subscriber, multi-upstream, conflict-handling, or cascading capabilities match a PostgreSQL architecture. Choose another option when you need broader database coverage or a longer-term path centered on native PostgreSQL logical replication.
pglogical pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Selective replication with row, column, and replication-set filters
- Supports multi-subscriber, multi-upstream, and cascading designs
- Conflict detection with configurable conflict resolution
- Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted Linux deployment requires PostgreSQL administration
- Database coverage centers on PostgreSQL; Postgres-XL is subscriber-only
- EDB support for pglogical 2 ends after PostgreSQL version 18
pglogical fact sheet, pricing and score →
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