ProxySQL
ProxySQL: A free, open-source proxy for routing, pooling, balancing, and managing database traffic. Ranked #2 of 31 in Database Proxy Software by our editors (9.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free, mature MySQL/PostgreSQL proxying.
At a glance
- Editor score9.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree, mature MySQL/PostgreSQL proxying
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Deployment modelSelf-hosted
- Founded2013
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on ProxySQL
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 balancing, monitoring, caching, and high-availability workflows. The product is primarily aimed at infrastructure, database, and platform engineering teams running self-managed environments. It supports Linux, API-based administration, and self-hosted deployment, with compatibility covering MySQL protocol, PostgreSQL protocol, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, Percona Server for MySQL, and ClickHouse.
Its strongest case is the depth of traffic and availability controls in the core software. Regex-based query routing can direct traffic by query pattern, while read/write splitting and backend hostgroup balancing support different database roles. Backend health monitoring can redirect failover traffic, and query caching, rewriting, and sharding extend the proxy beyond connection management. Prometheus metrics, runtime statistics, a REST API, and web administration provide operational interfaces for teams that need visibility and control around database traffic.
The core software is open source and free to use, making ProxySQL a fit for teams that want a mature, self-managed proxy without a software license charge. The tradeoff is operational ownership: deployment, configuration, monitoring, and ongoing administration remain part of the self-hosted model. ProxySQL suits engineering organizations that need extensive routing and high-availability features across MySQL- or PostgreSQL-oriented environments. Teams seeking a simpler proxy layer or a managed operating model should consider whether this breadth and self-hosted responsibility match their needs.
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ProxySQL pricing
ProxySQL fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Deployment model | Self-hosted |
| Connection pooling | Yes |
| Query routing | Yes |
| Load balancing | Yes |
| Automatic failover | Yes |
| Supported databases | MySQL protocol, PostgreSQL protocol, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, Percona Server for MySQL, ClickHouse |
| Maximum connections | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs · 24/7 |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | proxysql.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to ProxySQL
- Heimdall Database ProxyA broad database proxy with pooling, routing, analytics, security, and failover.9.4
- ShardingSphere-ProxyA self-hosted proxy for routing, scaling, and high availability across four database protocols.9.0
- TurbineProxyA self-hosted Rust proxy for pooling, routing, failover, consistency, and database visibility.8.8
See all ProxySQL alternatives →
ProxySQL vs the competition
- ProxySQL vs Heimdall Database Proxy
- ProxySQL vs ShardingSphere-Proxy
- ProxySQL vs TurbineProxy
- ProxySQL vs HeliosProxy
- ProxySQL vs MariaDB MaxScale
- ProxySQL vs Cloudflare Hyperdrive
Compare ProxySQL with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
ProxySQL is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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