Vitess vs MariaDB: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Vitess and MariaDB comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Vitess
Scalable MySQL clustering system
Best for you if:
- • Vitess is a database clustering system for horizontal scaling of MySQL
- • It shards MySQL for high availability and scalability
MariaDB
Open-source relational database from MySQL creators
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • MariaDB is an open-source relational database forked from MySQL
- • It provides enhanced performance and features while maintaining MySQL compatibility
| At a Glance |  Vitess |  MariaDB |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | 82/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Vitess | MariaDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentDatabase Builders | Hosting & DeploymentDatabase Builders |
How Vitess and MariaDB Compare
Vitess
Scalable MySQL clustering system
Free · 82/100 score
MariaDB
Open-source relational database from MySQL creators
Free · 86/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Vitess
Want the highest-rated option?
Vitess: 82/100. MariaDB: 86/100.
Go with: MariaDB
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: MariaDB
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are hosting & deployment tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
MariaDB scores higher: 86/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
MariaDB
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 82
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Vitess
The Bottom Line
MariaDB (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vitess or MariaDB better?
MariaDB scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Vitess and MariaDB used for?
Vitess: Scalable MySQL clustering system. MariaDB: Open-source relational database from MySQL creators.
What does Vitess cost vs MariaDB?
Vitess is completely free. MariaDB is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.