ProxySQL review
A free, open-source proxy for routing, pooling, balancing, and managing database traffic.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
ProxySQL pros and cons
- 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
ProxySQL fact sheet, pricing and score →
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