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MariaDB

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Open-source relational database from MySQL creators

Free, no paid tier
Free Data & Databases Managed Databases
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Reviews on G2
226 reviews tracked 4 press mentions

The Bottom Line

Price
Free, no paid tier. Compare plans

Key facts

  • MariaDB is an open-source relational database forked from MySQL
  • It provides enhanced performance and features while maintaining MySQL compatibility
  • Free and open-source, Enterprise plans available

Pros

  • MySQL fork, compatible
  • Open source
  • Active development
  • Good performance
  • Enterprise features free

Cons

  • Diverging from MySQL
  • Smaller ecosystem
  • Some tools MySQL-only
  • Documentation gaps
  • Less cloud support

What is MariaDB?

Editorial review
MariaDB provides MySQL compatibility with community-driven development. The fork that emerged when MySQL's future seemed uncertain-relational database with open governance. The compatibility is high. The features extend MySQL. The community is engaged. Teams wanting MySQL compatibility with open-source governance choose MariaDB.

Available on: Linux

how we evaluate Source mariadb.org ↗

Ratings Across the Web

4.4 (226 reviews)

MariaDB holds an aggregate rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 226 reviews across G2, last checked August 29, 2026.

G2 226 reviews
4.4/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

  • Relational database
  • MySQL fork
  • Enterprise features
  • Columnar engine
  • Galera clustering
  • Open source

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Sep 28, 2026

MariaDB plans and prices, checked September 2026
PlanPriceDetails
Community Popular

$0

Open source

  • MySQL compatible
  • Storage engines
  • Replication
SkySQL

$65/month

Managed

  • Cloud hosted
  • Auto-scaling
  • Support
Calculate your cost View full pricing

Is MariaDB worth the price?

Great value

MariaDB's pricing is very generous, offering a fully-featured Community edition for free.

SkySQL at $65/month is competitive for a managed cloud database, especially with auto-scaling and support included. This structure is best for both individual developers and businesses needing scalable managed solutions.

Full MariaDB pricing: every plan, hidden costs and alternatives

Reviews

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4.4/5

Across 226 verified user reviews on G2

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Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

MariaDB vs PostgreSQL Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins MariaDB vs MySQL Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins MariaDB vs CockroachDB Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

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MariaDB FAQ

How does MariaDB compare to MySQL for data management?

MariaDB offers MySQL compatibility while providing community-driven development and open-source governance. It extends MySQL's features and is often chosen by teams seeking an open-source alternative with similar functionality.

Which teams benefit most from using MariaDB?

Teams that require MySQL compatibility coupled with open-source governance find MariaDB to be a suitable choice. Its active development and enterprise features, available for free, appeal to organizations prioritizing flexibility and cost-efficiency.

What kind of use cases is MariaDB best suited for?

MariaDB is well-suited for various data and database management tasks, particularly those requiring a relational database with strong MySQL compatibility. It can serve as a robust backend for applications that need reliable data storage and retrieval.

How is MariaDB priced?

MariaDB is free to use, meaning there is no paid plan required to access its features and functionality. This open-source model allows users to deploy and utilize the database without licensing costs.

Can MariaDB integrate with existing MySQL tools and applications?

MariaDB maintains high compatibility with MySQL, allowing many existing MySQL tools and applications to function. However, some specialized tools might be exclusively designed for MySQL, which could limit their direct integration with MariaDB.

What are the main trade-offs when choosing MariaDB?

A primary trade-off with MariaDB is its gradual divergence from MySQL, which can lead to a smaller ecosystem and some tools remaining MySQL-only. Users might also encounter documentation gaps and less extensive cloud support compared to more established options.

Source: mariadb.org

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