PostgreSQL vs MySQL for Laravel — Which Database to Choose [2026]

PostgreSQL or MySQL — which database should you choose for a Laravel application in 2026?

We default to PostgreSQL for new projects: richer data types (JSONB), extensions, built-in full-text search and reliable concurrency handling. MySQL (and MariaDB) remains a great choice where simplicity, ubiquity at hosting providers or an existing ecosystem matters. Laravel supports both natively — the differences appear in the details below.

PostgreSQL vs MySQL — comparison

Najważniejsze: For new SaaS products, CRMs and data-heavy systems we choose PostgreSQL. We choose MySQL when the project must run on a specific host, integrates with an existing MySQL system, or the team knows it deeply. Both databases are fully supported by Laravel and Eloquent.

PostgreSQL — strengths in Laravel projects

• JSONB — efficient storage and indexing of semi-structured data, with native Laravel query support.
• Extensions — pg_trgm for fuzzy search, PostGIS for geodata, TimescaleDB for time series.
• Full-text search — language dictionaries, relevance ranking, GIN indexes.
• Data integrity — rich type system, CHECK constraints, triggers, transactional DDL.
• Concurrency — an isolation model that handles simultaneous writes well.
• Indexes — partial, expression and GIN/GiST indexes that can take enormous load off the database.

PostgreSQL 15/16 is our default — including in OneCRMApp. Eloquent works on it without workarounds.

MySQL and MariaDB — when they make sense

• Shared hosting — virtually every budget host offers MySQL; PostgreSQL is often a paid add-on or unavailable.
• Existing ecosystem — if your company already runs MySQL-based systems (shop, ERP, accounting), one database simplifies integrations.
• Simple read-heavy apps — classic CRUD applications with mostly reads perform very well.
• Team experience — a team fluent in MySQL will use it better than a theoretically superior alternative.
• Legacy — migrating a working system just because "PostgreSQL is newer" rarely pays off without a clear technical reason.

What is portable between the two?

Eloquent and the query builder hide most differences — migrations, relationships and basic queries work identically. Watch out for these areas:

• JSON columns — PostgreSQL uses indexable JSONB; MySQL JSON cannot be indexed directly. Laravel query syntax is shared, but performance differs.
• Full-text search — implementations differ enough that porting requires rewriting queries.
• Data types — ENUM, UUID, ranges and array types have different equivalents. Write migrations deliberately.
• Collation and case sensitivity — LIKE behaviour and default collations differ between engines.
• Raw SQL — DB::raw() and database views tie a project to a specific engine.

Practical conclusion — an app built on Eloquent moves between databases relatively easily, but a system heavy on raw SQL and engine-specific functions needs a careful migration with an audit.

Database performance — what matters most

Regardless of the engine, the same fundamentals drive performance

• Indexes on filtered and joined columns — the most common gap we find in audits.
• Eliminating N+1 queries — eager loading in Eloquent instead of queries in a loop.
• Query plan analysis — EXPLAIN shows whether the database uses indexes or scans whole tables.
• Caching — Redis removes repetitive queries and aggregations from the database.
• Pagination and limits — never pull entire tables into the application.

We cover the techniques in more depth in our Laravel performance optimization guide.

When is migrating from MySQL to PostgreSQL worth it?

A migration makes sense when you need specific PostgreSQL capabilities — JSONB and semi-structured queries, ranked full-text search, extensions (PostGIS, pg_trgm) or better write concurrency. "For modernity" is not a reason.

A typical migration takes 1–3 weeks — schema and data transfer, adapting MySQL-specific queries, regression tests and a reversible deployment. We describe how we run such projects in our code maintenance service.

What does it cost?

• Database selection and configuration is part of the project — included in our 90–160 PLN/h rate.
• A database performance audit (indexes, queries, configuration) — 2–5 days, roughly 2,000–8,000 PLN net + VAT.
• MySQL → PostgreSQL migration — 1–3 weeks, roughly 8,000–30,000 PLN net + VAT depending on system size.

Want to check whether your database is running optimally? Describe your project via the contact form — we start audits with specifics. Looking for a contractor?

See hire a Laravel developer.

FAQ

PostgreSQL or MySQL for Laravel — which to choose in 2026?

For new SaaS products, CRMs and data-heavy systems — PostgreSQL. For simple shared-hosting apps, integrations with an existing MySQL ecosystem, or when your team knows MySQL deeply — MySQL or MariaDB. Laravel fully supports both.

Does Laravel work with MySQL?

Yes, fully — MySQL is historically the most common database in Laravel projects, and Eloquent and migrations support it natively. It is also the default database at most shared hosting providers.

Is it worth migrating from MySQL to PostgreSQL?

Only when you need specific PostgreSQL capabilities — JSONB, advanced full-text search, extensions or better concurrency. Migrating "for modernity" without a real need is cost without return. A typical migration project takes 1–3 weeks.

JSON in MySQL or JSONB in PostgreSQL?

JSONB in PostgreSQL is more capable — it stores data in a binary format and can index its content (GIN), so key-based queries are fast. MySQL JSON cannot be indexed directly — you index generated columns instead. For JSON-heavy applications PostgreSQL has a clear edge.

Which database for a SaaS application?

PostgreSQL — for JSONB, write concurrency and extensions. In multi-tenant applications, PostgreSQL schemas or a tenant column with composite indexes both work well. It is the architecture behind our own SaaS products.

Is shared hosting enough for Laravel?

For simple, low-traffic applications — often yes, provided it offers PHP 8.2+, MySQL and cron for queues. Projects with queues, Redis and higher traffic need a VPS or container infrastructure.

👉 Need a database audit or architecture advice? Check our Laravel development services or hire a Laravel developer — estimates are free.

📖 Read more: Laravel performance optimization and Inertia.js with Laravel and React.