Best PostgreSQL Alternatives in 2025

Looking for alternatives to PostgreSQL? In this comparison, we take a closer look at PostgreSQL alongside similar software solutions including PostgreSQL, psqlODBC, Firebird, MySQL Community Edition, MariaDB and DDBAC.

Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how PostgreSQL, psqlODBC, Firebird, MySQL Community Edition, MariaDB and DDBAC stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.

	License and Development Model	Platform Compatibility	Security Features	Community and Support
PostgreSQL	Open source license, developed by the PostgreSQL Global Development Group, active development.	Supports all major operating systems including Linux, macOS, Windows, Unix-like systems.	Robust security features including authentication mechanisms, SSL support, user-level permissions.	Strong community support with mailing lists and user forums; many companies contribute.
psqlODBC	Open source under PostgreSQL License, maintained by the PostgreSQL Global Development Group.	Compatible with all versions of Windows, Linux, macOS.	Depends on database; provides secure ODBC connectivity.	Open source with support from PostgreSQL community mailing lists and GitHub repository.
Firebird	Open-source software under Initial Developer's Public License (MPL variant).	Cross-platform support including Windows, Linux, macOS.	Strong security features with access control mechanisms and user-level security.	Active community support with forums and support channels.
MySQL Community Edition	Free and open-source under GNU General Public License (GPL).	Runs on various operating systems including Linux, macOS, Windows.	Offers encryption and supports ACID compliance for reliability and security.	Large community forums; commercial support options available from Oracle Corporation.
MariaDB	GPL licensed, community-driven development by MariaDB Foundation.	Compatible with Linux distributions, Windows, macOS, and Unix-like systems.	Includes enhanced security measures and auditing capabilities.	Robust community support through MariaDB Foundation; contributions from various companies.
DDBAC	Proprietary with free trial, complex licensing structure.	Supports industry-standard operating systems like Windows or Linux servers.	Advanced and fine-grained access control including attribute-based and role-based access control for regulatory compliance (GDPR, PCI-DSS).	Limited support focused on technical support and maintenance services for enterprises.

License and Development Model

PostgreSQL	Open source license, developed by the PostgreSQL Global Development Group, active development.
psqlODBC	Open source under PostgreSQL License, maintained by the PostgreSQL Global Development Group.
Firebird	Open-source software under Initial Developer's Public License (MPL variant).
MySQL Community Edition	Free and open-source under GNU General Public License (GPL).
MariaDB	GPL licensed, community-driven development by MariaDB Foundation.
DDBAC	Proprietary with free trial, complex licensing structure.

Platform Compatibility

PostgreSQL	Supports all major operating systems including Linux, macOS, Windows, Unix-like systems.
psqlODBC	Compatible with all versions of Windows, Linux, macOS.
Firebird	Cross-platform support including Windows, Linux, macOS.
MySQL Community Edition	Runs on various operating systems including Linux, macOS, Windows.
MariaDB	Compatible with Linux distributions, Windows, macOS, and Unix-like systems.
DDBAC	Supports industry-standard operating systems like Windows or Linux servers.

Security Features

PostgreSQL	Robust security features including authentication mechanisms, SSL support, user-level permissions.
psqlODBC	Depends on database; provides secure ODBC connectivity.
Firebird	Strong security features with access control mechanisms and user-level security.
MySQL Community Edition	Offers encryption and supports ACID compliance for reliability and security.
MariaDB	Includes enhanced security measures and auditing capabilities.
DDBAC	Advanced and fine-grained access control including attribute-based and role-based access control for regulatory compliance (GDPR, PCI-DSS).

Community and Support

PostgreSQL	Strong community support with mailing lists and user forums; many companies contribute.
psqlODBC	Open source with support from PostgreSQL community mailing lists and GitHub repository.
Firebird	Active community support with forums and support channels.
MySQL Community Edition	Large community forums; commercial support options available from Oracle Corporation.
MariaDB	Robust community support through MariaDB Foundation; contributions from various companies.
DDBAC	Limited support focused on technical support and maintenance services for enterprises.

Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.

This quick comparison shows how PostgreSQL stacks up against PostgreSQL, psqlODBC, Firebird, MySQL Community Edition, MariaDB and DDBAC in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.

	Size	License
PostgreSQL	289.2MB	Open Source
psqlODBC	9.1MB	Commercial
Firebird	14.5MB	Open Source
MySQL Community Edition		Open Source
MariaDB		Open Source
DDBAC	23.9MB	Freeware

Size

PostgreSQL	289.2MB
psqlODBC	9.1MB
Firebird	14.5MB
MySQL Community Edition
MariaDB
DDBAC	23.9MB

License

PostgreSQL	Open Source
psqlODBC	Commercial
Firebird	Open Source
MySQL Community Edition	Open Source
MariaDB	Open Source
DDBAC	Freeware

Rating

PostgreSQL
psqlODBC
Firebird
MySQL Community Edition
MariaDB
DDBAC

Popularity

PostgreSQL
psqlODBC
Firebird
MySQL Community Edition
MariaDB
DDBAC