
MySQL
100% freePopular open-source relational database
4.5 /5 across SourceForge and G2 · 1,688 ratings, Sep 2026
MySQL is the relational database that powered the web. Open source, reliable, and understood-the database behind countless applications. The ecosystem is vast. The knowledge is widespread. The reliability is proven. Web applications often use MySQL because it works and everyone knows it.
- Pro: Simple and easy to get started
- Pro: Excellent read performance
- Pro: Massive community and hosting options
- Con: Less feature-rich than PostgreSQL
- Con: Oracle ownership concerns
MySQL's pricing is incredibly generous with its Community Edition, offering full features for free.





