Is PostgreSQL faster than MySQL?

It depends on the workload. MySQL is often faster for simple single-table queries and high-concurrency reads. PostgreSQL is faster for complex multi-table joins, aggregations, and analytical queries. For most OLTP web apps, the difference is negligible — indexing strategy matters far more.

Which is better for JSON data?

PostgreSQL JSONB is significantly better. It stores JSON in binary format, supports GIN indexing on JSON fields, and has a rich operator set for querying nested data. MySQL's JSON type is functional but less feature-complete.

Which database does Supabase use?

Supabase is built on PostgreSQL. It adds a REST API (PostgREST), real-time subscriptions, and auth on top. If you are using Supabase, you are using PostgreSQL.

Can I switch from MySQL to PostgreSQL?

Yes, but it requires migration work. The SQL dialects differ in subtle ways. Tools like pgloader can automate MySQL-to-PostgreSQL migration. Budget time for testing and any application-level SQL adjustments.

Last updated: April 11, 2026

MySQL vs PostgreSQL — Which Database Should You Use in 2026?

Quick Answer

PostgreSQL is the stronger database for most new projects in 2026 — it has superior JSON support, more advanced query planner, better full-text search, and supports pgvector for AI workloads. MySQL is faster for simple read-heavy workloads and has simpler replication for sharded architectures. Both are battle-tested at massive scale.

MySQL vs PostgreSQL — Side by Side

Feature	MySQL	PostgreSQL
ACID compliance	Yes (InnoDB)	Yes (native)
JSON support	JSON column type, basic operators	JSONB — indexed, full operator set, superior
Full-text search	Built-in, basic	More powerful — tsvector, ranking, dictionaries
Read performance	Excellent — often faster for simple reads	Excellent — better for complex queries
Extensions	Limited	Extensive — PostGIS, pgvector, TimescaleDB
Window functions	Yes (MySQL 8+)	Yes — more complete implementation
Managed cloud	RDS, Aurora, PlanetScale	RDS, Aurora, Supabase, Neon, Render
License	GPL / commercial (Oracle)	PostgreSQL License (permissive, BSD-like)
Default port	3306	5432
AI/vector workloads	Limited (no native vector type)	pgvector — native vector similarity search

Verdict

For new projects in 2026, PostgreSQL is the default recommendation — its richer type system, superior JSON handling, and pgvector extension for AI workloads give it a clear edge. MySQL remains solid for teams who already know it, high-volume simple CRUD apps, or when using PlanetScale for horizontal scaling.

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