Best MariaDB Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to MariaDB? In this comparison, we take a closer look at MariaDB alongside similar software solutions including MariaDB, MySQL Server, MySQL Community Edition, Firebird, PostgreSQL, psqlODBC, PremiumSoft Navicat Premium, MySQL Workbench CE, DBeaver Enterprise Edition and LibreOffice.
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 MariaDB, MySQL Server, MySQL Community Edition, Firebird, PostgreSQL, psqlODBC, PremiumSoft Navicat Premium, MySQL Workbench CE, DBeaver Enterprise Edition and LibreOffice stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
License and Development Model
 MariaDB
|
GPL license with a more open-source and community-driven development model, managed by an independent non-profit organization (MariaDB Foundation). |
 MySQL Server
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GPL license with Oracle Corporation development, active community. |
 MySQL Community Edition
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GPL license, free and open-source version maintained by Oracle Corporation with community forums. |
 Firebird
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Open-source under Initial Developer's Public License and Mozilla Public License, community driven. |
 PostgreSQL
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Open source under PostgreSQL License, developed by PostgreSQL Global Development Group with strong community support. |
 psqlODBC
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Open source ODBC driver under PostgreSQL License, maintained by PostgreSQL Global Development Group. |
 PremiumSoft Navicat Premium
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Commercial product with perpetual and subscription licenses, dedicated support center. |
 MySQL Workbench CE
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GPL license, free and open-source edition by Oracle Corporation. |
 DBeaver Enterprise Edition
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Commercial product by DBeaver Corp, paid version with free trial and enterprise features. |
 LibreOffice
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Free and open-source office suite including database management (LibreOffice Base) with large community. |
Supported Platforms and Systems
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MariaDB
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Supports Linux (various distros including Debian, Fedora, Ubuntu), Windows, macOS, Unix-like systems. |
|
MySQL Server
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Supports Windows, Linux, macOS, Solaris, FreeBSD. |
|
MySQL Community Edition
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Supports Windows, Linux, macOS. |
|
Firebird
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Supports Windows, Linux, macOS. |
|
PostgreSQL
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Supports all major operating systems including Windows, Linux, macOS, Unix-like systems. |
|
psqlODBC
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Supports Windows, Linux, macOS. |
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PremiumSoft Navicat Premium
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Supports Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS (mobile app available). |
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MySQL Workbench CE
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Supports Windows, Linux platforms, macOS. |
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DBeaver Enterprise Edition
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Supports multiple platforms including Windows and Linux. |
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LibreOffice
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Supports Windows, Linux operating systems, macOS. |
Key Features and Capabilities
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MariaDB
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High availability features, clustering support, multiple storage engines (InnoDB, Aria), enhanced security including encryption and role-based access control. |
|
MySQL Server
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Scalable and efficient database system with strong performance for high-volume transactional processing; provides GUI tools (MySQL Workbench). |
|
MySQL Community Edition
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Reliable and scalable database solution with ACID compliance; free to use for commercial purposes but limited features compared to Enterprise Edition. |
|
Firebird
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Highly scalable relational database system with BLOB support; features triggers, stored procedures; strong database-level security and encryption. |
|
PostgreSQL
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Powerful object-relational database system supporting JSON/XML data types; robust replication and streaming replication; advanced access controls and encryption. |
|
psqlODBC
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ODBC driver for PostgreSQL databases; supports all versions; facilitates connectivity for any ODBC-compliant front-end application. |
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PremiumSoft Navicat Premium
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Database development tool supporting multiple database systems; features advanced querying capabilities; supports SSH tunneling and two-factor authentication for security. |
|
MySQL Workbench CE
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Unified visual SQL editor with advanced data modeling; features autocomplete, code formatting; intended for MySQL databases; no feature limitations in CE edition. |
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DBeaver Enterprise Edition
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Enterprise-grade database administration tool; supports multiple DBMS like MySQL, PostgreSQL; advanced database scripts management; collaboration tools for teams. |
|
LibreOffice
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Office suite including Base for database management; supports various file formats (OpenDocument, MS Office); includes assistive technologies and encryption features. |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how MariaDB stacks up against MariaDB, MySQL Server, MySQL Community Edition, Firebird, PostgreSQL, psqlODBC, PremiumSoft Navicat Premium, MySQL Workbench CE, DBeaver Enterprise Edition and LibreOffice in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
|
MariaDB
|
|
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MySQL Server
|
|
|
MySQL Community Edition
|
|
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Firebird
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14.5MB |
|
PostgreSQL
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289.2MB |
|
psqlODBC
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9.1MB |
|
PremiumSoft Navicat Premium
|
|
|
MySQL Workbench CE
|
|
|
DBeaver Enterprise Edition
|
|
|
LibreOffice
|
License
|
MariaDB
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Open Source |
|
MySQL Server
|
Open Source |
|
MySQL Community Edition
|
Open Source |
|
Firebird
|
Open Source |
|
PostgreSQL
|
Open Source |
|
psqlODBC
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Commercial |
|
PremiumSoft Navicat Premium
|
Commercial |
|
MySQL Workbench CE
|
Open Source |
|
DBeaver Enterprise Edition
|
Freeware |
|
LibreOffice
|
Open Source |