PostgreSQL vs Percona Server

MySQL

Microsoft SQL Server

MongoDB

Rubrik

MariaDB

Cloud Volumes ONTAP

Compare PostgreSQL and Percona Server based on features, pricing, verified reviews, integrations & more on GetApp. Find out which software is best for your business in 2026.

MySQL is a relational database management system (RDBMS) designed to help businesses record, update, and manage data and deploy cloud-native applications. Features include data masking and de-identification, multi-document transaction support, intrusion detection, alerts & configuration management.

SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDMS) designed to help businesses of all sizes analyze structured or unstructured data across various data environments including Azure SQL Database, Azure Cosmos DB, MySQL, and more.

AI demands adaptability. MongoDB offers flexible, scalable, AI-ready data solutions, eliminating friction and accelerating innovation.

PostgreSQL is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS), which helps businesses store, manage, and scale data workloads, from single machines to data warehouses with multiple concurrent users.

Access Controls/Permissions

Authentication

Backup and Recovery

Configuration Management

Database Conversion

Data Dictionary Management

Data Import/Export

Data Migration

Data Replication

Data Retrieval

Data Storage Management

Data Synchronization

Disaster Recovery

Full Text Search

Monitoring

Multiple Programming Languages Supported

NOSQL Database Management

OLAP

OLTP

Performance Analysis

Relational Database Management

Role-Based Permissions

Search/Filter

Secure Data Storage

Most reviewers indicate that PostgreSQL delivers excellent value for money because it is free and open-source, allowing them to avoid licensing fees. Some users report rare concerns about support options and licensing enforcement.

Value for money

By industry, PostgreSQL reviewers are most commonly professionals in computer software (35%). The most frequent use case for PostgreSQL cited by reviewers is as a database (93% of reviewers).

PostgreSQL

Web-based

Windows

Basic

Senior Data Engineer

The only problem I faced with Postgres SQL was that API people need column comments, and for a table with huge number of columns like 250-300 fields, it is very hard to update column via SQL query. And there is no provision in Postgres to tag comment to a column with DDL statement.

Senior Software Developer

One of my favorite features is that PostgreSQL can be learned quickly and easily because there are many resources, it has high performance, it can easily handle very large data operations and high instantaneous transaction loads.

Technical Director

I love using PostgreSQL for the following main reasons, firstly databases with a lot of data can be stored, it is possible to have different settings for various databases on a same server and on top that it costs nothing to use PostgreSQL since it is an open source software.

Senior Engineer

The versatility it offers with its support for several programming languages, which enables us to smoothly incorporate PostgreSQL into our current tech stack, is something I personally enjoy.

Postgres implements catalog internally, so it stores differently from other RDBMS(s).

It is incredibly durable when utilised in my engineering sector both at business and with home projects, yet versatile enough to support my speedy deployment of web apps.

PostgresSQL is very famous among the data engineering fraternity due to its high resilience and throughput.

PgAdmin is best tool to manage the DB with intuitive UI.

The query performance was identified and optimized with the use of the performance analysis tools, resulting in effective data retrieval.

Student

The diagram feature isn't as customizable as I would prefer.

I strongly rely on PostgreSQL as a data-driven professional to store, retrieve, and analyze massive volumes of data.

Full stack developer

subqueries and json native compatibility is a game changer

Software

PostgreSQL excels in its strong documentation, large data handling, and exceptional security.

I haven't used database management systems for very long, so navigating PostgreSQL's installation and configuration options proved to be a challenge.

In my experience with PostgreSQL, its adaptability and dependability as a database management system were its strongest points.

product management 

Additionally, the security features of PostgreSQL make it an attractive option for companies dealing with sensitive data.

The ability to import and export data has also made it simple to move data between platforms.

My least favorite aspect about PostgreSQL was the steep learning curve and complexity involved in setting it up and configuring it.

Challenges with screen navigation, JSON handling, and data comparison can make it less user-friendly

Founder

Its robustness and stability have been flawless in my experience. If I had to point a finger, it would be at the vendors (like Heroku) who occasionally restrict certain plugins. But hey, that's not Postgres's fault—it's still a champ in its own right.

PostgreSQL is a powerful database that can handle complex IoT applications.

Owner

Fast, flexible and with great support of programming languages, with API compatibility helped us to run a full scale retail chain (16 offline stores) with real time stock management in our online store.

Web Developer

PostgreSQL is a powerful and reliable relational database management system, however, its setup and configuration can be complex, and it may not perform optimally in certain high-speed or large-scale data processing scenarios. Despite this, it offers advanced data management and security features, and it supports data replication and backup/recovery

Prominent and self-proving features,* Supports any OS independent environment* Support for software languages from many different languages* Active use in many relational or non-relational databases,* Supports many data types and types,* Redesignable code structure

Its robust SQL engine and built-in support for advanced data types make it a great choice for a wide range of applications. While the software can be a bit complex to set up and manage for beginners, the comprehensive documentation and active community make it easy to get started.

Senior Consultant Development

Easy deployment and faster write operation with massive dataset really makes it best choice among the open source RDBMS.

Développeur Full Stack

It has a wide array of features such as advanced indexing, support for stored procedures and triggers, as well as a wide array of data types, making it ideal for creating complex applications.

PostgreSQL is one of the most popular choice for Database now and it becomes more popular as many people and companies starting to use it.

One thing that i dislike from PostgreSQL is it's hard to setup and install PostgreSQL at the beginning.

CRM & Digital Campaign manager

Good management of data tables & possibility to have service of multiple Servers

Founder and Consultant

I needed a very efficient database that could handle a huge amount of records, views and access for a data-scraping and analysis project.

Solution Architect

It supports advanced database features like partiotions, scalability, optimized concurrency management, security.

It covers all the bases with its reliability and performance, and its flexibility is unmatched.

Software Development Engineer

Also support to multiple languages like JAVA, Python means it has lesser start up time for all kinds of developers like Backend, Frontend, Machine Learning etc.

Information System Administrator 

Best part is that this can cover by their own  triggers , functions datatypes that can be very easy to managed dbs specially like open sources  that can be use without any  cost effective

Software Engineer

I can use database indexing, different data types.

Technical Consultant

First, it is open source and wildly used database, it is customizable and scalable

I was able to very easily do this with a combination of python for data processing, tableau for visualization and postgre-sql for the database.

CISO

Free for commercial use, Highly expandable, Largely compliant with SQL standard, Flexible full text search,Possible to process complex data types

Security Architecture Discipline leader

I think the popularity of MySQL as an RDBMS is split in two, but PostgreSQL does not have the following MySQL keylogging problem, so it can be said that it is an RDBMS with little custom.

I like PostgreSQL's broad range of features and capabilities as a data specialist.

Senior Consultant

Since it is OLTP and thus row-optimized, Postgres is not suitable for analytical workloads, which are becoming increasingly common with the advent of AI and machine learning applications.

Overall, PostgreSQL is an excellent choice for businesses looking for a powerful and flexible relational database management system, it offers great features that make it a great tool for most of use cases.

we can use Change Data Capture feature to track the changes on data on tables.

Postgres has your back with plugins that can handle it all.

The community is one of the main aspects that make postgreSQL so attractive, with its open source DBMS and the ability to participate.

User management is very flexible and the query language support many things that MySQL does not out-of-the-box, more inline with oracle database.

Business Analyst 

Provides several types of schemas and user controls that can be used to share data with different types of users.

Senior Devops Engineer

One of the feature which i feel is missing in postgres is while we take the dump of database we dont get the user details in the dump.

Infosystem Engineer

I did nt find any cons in postgre as compared to other rdbms,i find it the best in market. If i need to tell a con then i want it to become as fast as SAP-HANA-DB.

Database Management

Data Storage

Ease of Use

Language Support

Integrations

Features

Training and Learning Curve

Reliability and Scalability

Customer Support

RDBMS

Complex performance optimization

54% of reviewers feel negative about PostgreSQL’s performance tuning. Some users say optimizing performance requires significant expertise and regular maintenance, such as managing vacuum processes and tuning configurations. Reviewers indicate that resource consumption can be high, especially in large-scale deployments, and that poor tuning may lead to slow operations. They find documentation and guidance on optimization lacking compared to other platforms, making it challenging to achieve peak performance without deep technical knowledge.

Challenging installation process

40% of reviewers feel negative about PostgreSQL’s setup experience. Users find the installation and initial configuration process to be more complicated than with other databases, especially for beginners. They say documentation is not always clear, and setting up on different operating systems can be confusing. Some reviewers report issues with default settings, credentials, and enabling necessary drivers. They indicate that the setup process can be time-consuming and sometimes requires troubleshooting, making it less accessible for those new to database management.

Slower operations for some tasks

40% of reviewers feel negative about PostgreSQL’s performance and speed. Some users report that insert, update, and read operations can be slower compared to other database systems, particularly with small databases or under heavy load. Reviewers indicate that the platform may not cache query execution plans efficiently, leading to delays in repeated queries. They also mention that performance issues can arise if the database is not properly configured or normalized, and that simultaneous user access may further impact speed.

Steep learning curve

40% of reviewers feel negative about PostgreSQL’s ease of use. Users think the platform can be difficult to learn, especially for beginners or those coming from other databases. They say the syntax for complex queries and administrative tasks is not always intuitive, and documentation can be hard to navigate. Some reviewers report that initial configuration and troubleshooting are cumbersome, and that the user interface is less friendly compared to competitors. They often turn to community blogs rather than official manuals for help.

Broad programming language support

93% of reviewers feel positive about PostgreSQL’s language support. Reviewers indicate that PostgreSQL is compatible with numerous programming languages and operating systems, making it easy to integrate into diverse tech stacks. Users appreciate the flexibility to define custom functions in multiple languages and value the wide range of APIs and connectors available. Some users say this versatility streamlines collaboration across teams and frameworks, while others highlight the platform’s ability to handle complex data types and advanced SQL features for specialized applications.

Vibrant open source ecosystem

Data Analytics Manager

It has a rich ecosystem of tools and a great open-source community behind it.

97% of reviewers feel positive about PostgreSQL being open source. Reviewers appreciate the active community support and frequent updates that come from its open-source nature. They say the ecosystem provides a wealth of tools, extensions, and documentation, making it easier to find solutions and resources. Users think the open-source model fosters innovation and flexibility, allowing them to customize and deploy PostgreSQL across various platforms. Some users value the transparency and security benefits that come with open-source software, as well as the lack of vendor lock-in.

Dependable and scalable platform

Software Developer

Free and open-source+ High availability and consistent performance.+ High scalability

100% of reviewers feel positive about PostgreSQL’s reliability and scalability. Reviewers indicate that PostgreSQL is robust, stable, and dependable for both small and large-scale applications. They say it consistently delivers high availability and data consistency, which is crucial for mission-critical systems. Users appreciate its flexibility and adaptability to growing data needs, noting that it performs reliably across different environments. Some users say its fault-tolerant design and strong security features give them confidence in data integrity and uptime, making it a preferred choice for organizations prioritizing stability.

Cost-effective database solution

PostgreSQL is completely free - there are no licencing fees of any kind, which makes it a great option for any project.

97% of reviewers feel positive about PostgreSQL’s pricing. Users think the absence of licensing fees is a major advantage, allowing businesses to save significantly on database costs. They appreciate that PostgreSQL is completely free and open source, which makes it accessible for startups and enterprises alike. Some reviewers find that the cost savings enable them to allocate resources elsewhere, and they value the legal security provided by its permissive license. They also highlight that the platform offers enterprise-level features without the financial burden of commercial alternatives.

Versatile for project development

93% of reviewers feel positive about PostgreSQL’s suitability for project development. Users report that it works well for a wide range of projects, from small prototypes to large-scale production systems. They say it is robust enough for professional use and flexible enough for rapid deployment in web and research applications. Reviewers appreciate the ease of integration with development frameworks and the availability of community resources. Some users find it developer-friendly, with strong support for various project types and environments, making it a reliable choice for ongoing development needs.

Self-Employed

501-1000

11-50

201-500

Most reviewers indicate that PostgreSQL offers excellent value for money due to its completely free and open-source nature, allowing users to avoid licensing fees and reduce overall project costs. They appreciate that it provides advanced features comparable to paid alternatives without additional charges and supports multiple platforms. Reviewers say the permissive license gives legal security and flexibility for various business needs. Some users report that the lack of licensing costs enables them to allocate resources elsewhere. A few reviewers mention concerns about support options and licensing enforcement, but these are rarely cited.

PostgreSQL Global Development Group

Airtable

Airtable is the AI-powered app platform that unifies data, maximizes collaboration, and powers smarter workflows — no code required.

Percona Server for MySQL open-source database solution that helps businesses streamline performance, manage storage, ensure data protection and improve transaction security to reduce downtime and data loss. 


Percona Server

Network and Systems Administrator

Additionally the integrations for additional monitoring with Percona Monitoring and Management (PMM) has been extremely useful when attempting to evaluate overall health of my MySQL cluster.

Percona has its own development team on MySQL, Percona Server is more flexible, secure and have very usefull community than MySQL.

In my opinion pricing can be the issue in percona server as it sounds lil bit expensive for me and will be getting charged if server is in use or not.

Software Developer 

In somewhat what i donot like is pricing I think its might be little bit expensive.

Principal Data Engineer

This is a huge advantage, a true 100% drop-in replacement that has enterprise grade capabilities for no cost. If you are not using it, you should!

Not the best thing if you need to comply with security patches.

It'd be the price for me, being a junior developer with most experience working on perosmal projects.

PostgreSQL vs Percona Server Comparison (2026)

PostgreSQL

Percona Server

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives