Both are SQL databases. Postgres is the better choice for modern applications.
PostgreSQL and MySQL are both battle-tested relational databases. For new applications in 2024, Postgres is the default choice — better JSON support, better extension ecosystem (pgvector, PostGIS), and the hosted options (Neon, Supabase) that integrate with the modern stack.
Database decision for a new application, or an existing MySQL application considering migration to Postgres
MySQL's dominance came from LAMP stack era — the default database for PHP applications, WordPress, and shared hosting. PostgreSQL has been growing its share of new applications for the last decade, and for modern web development, Postgres is now the clear default.
Why Postgres wins for new applications:
JSON/JSONB. Postgres's JSONB type stores JSON with full indexing and query capabilities. Schema-less storage within a relational database — useful for configuration data, event logs, and flexible content types. MySQL's JSON support is less capable.
Extensions. pgvector for vector similarity search, PostGIS for geographic queries, pg_trgm for fuzzy text matching — extensions that add powerful capabilities to Postgres. The extension ecosystem is richer than MySQL's plugin ecosystem.
Hosted options. Neon (serverless Postgres), Supabase (Postgres + auth + storage), and Railway Postgres all offer managed Postgres with modern developer experiences. The hosted MySQL ecosystem is less modern.
Full-text search. Both have full-text search capabilities. Postgres's is more powerful and better integrated with its query planner.
Standards compliance. Postgres is more standards-compliant with SQL. MySQL has quirks and historical non-standard behaviors.
When MySQL makes sense: Existing MySQL infrastructure that doesn't justify migration. WordPress hosting (WordPress's ecosystem is built on MySQL). Organizations with MySQL DBA expertise and no Postgres.
Database selection with clear understanding of when Postgres vs. MySQL is the right choice for the application's requirements
Postgres databases via Neon, Supabase, or Railway. Drizzle ORM or Prisma for the application layer. Standard for every new application.
One honest number to start.
Fixed-scope, fixed-price. The number below is the starting point — final scope is built from your brief.
Database selection with clear understanding of when Postgres vs. MySQL is the right choice for the application's requirements
Three steps, every time.
The same repeatable engagement on every project. No surprises, no mystery, no billable ambiguity.
Brief & discovery.
We send you questions, then get on a call. Output: a written scope with every step, feature, and integration listed.
Build & ship.
Fixed schedule, weekly reviews. No scope creep unless you change the scope — and if you do, we reprice it transparently.
Warranty & retainer.
30-day warranty on every launch. Most clients stay on a monthly retainer for ongoing features and maintenance.
Why Fixed-Price Matters Here
Database selection is made at the start of the project and doesn't change the price.
Related engagements.
Questions, answered.
If the application is running and stable: migration adds risk and cost without clear user-facing benefit. Fix it when you're rebuilding the application. If building new or already rebuilding: use Postgres.
Hosted pricing is similar. Neon's generous free tier makes Postgres very accessible for new applications.
Tell Ryel about your project.
Describe what you’re building and what outcome you need. You’ll have a written, fixed-price scope within the week.