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
MariaDB
GPL license with a more open-source and community-driven development model, managed by an independent non-profit organization (MariaDB Foundation).
MySQL Server
MySQL Server
GPL license with Oracle Corporation development, active community.
MySQL Community Edition
MySQL Community Edition
GPL license, free and open-source version maintained by Oracle Corporation with community forums.
Firebird
Firebird
Open-source under Initial Developer's Public License and Mozilla Public License, community driven.
PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL
Open source under PostgreSQL License, developed by PostgreSQL Global Development Group with strong community support.
psqlODBC
psqlODBC
Open source ODBC driver under PostgreSQL License, maintained by PostgreSQL Global Development Group.
PremiumSoft Navicat Premium
PremiumSoft Navicat Premium
Commercial product with perpetual and subscription licenses, dedicated support center.
MySQL Workbench CE
MySQL Workbench CE
GPL license, free and open-source edition by Oracle Corporation.
DBeaver Enterprise Edition
DBeaver Enterprise Edition
Commercial product by DBeaver Corp, paid version with free trial and enterprise features.
LibreOffice
LibreOffice
Free and open-source office suite including database management (LibreOffice Base) with large community.

Supported Platforms and Systems

MariaDB
MariaDB
Supports Linux (various distros including Debian, Fedora, Ubuntu), Windows, macOS, Unix-like systems.
MySQL Server
MySQL Server
Supports Windows, Linux, macOS, Solaris, FreeBSD.
MySQL Community Edition
MySQL Community Edition
Supports Windows, Linux, macOS.
Firebird
Firebird
Supports Windows, Linux, macOS.
PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL
Supports all major operating systems including Windows, Linux, macOS, Unix-like systems.
psqlODBC
psqlODBC
Supports Windows, Linux, macOS.
PremiumSoft Navicat Premium
PremiumSoft Navicat Premium
Supports Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS (mobile app available).
MySQL Workbench CE
MySQL Workbench CE
Supports Windows, Linux platforms, macOS.
DBeaver Enterprise Edition
DBeaver Enterprise Edition
Supports multiple platforms including Windows and Linux.
LibreOffice
LibreOffice
Supports Windows, Linux operating systems, macOS.

Key Features and Capabilities

MariaDB
MariaDB
High availability features, clustering support, multiple storage engines (InnoDB, Aria), enhanced security including encryption and role-based access control.
MySQL Server
MySQL Server
Scalable and efficient database system with strong performance for high-volume transactional processing; provides GUI tools (MySQL Workbench).
MySQL Community Edition
MySQL Community Edition
Reliable and scalable database solution with ACID compliance; free to use for commercial purposes but limited features compared to Enterprise Edition.
Firebird
Firebird
Highly scalable relational database system with BLOB support; features triggers, stored procedures; strong database-level security and encryption.
PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL
Powerful object-relational database system supporting JSON/XML data types; robust replication and streaming replication; advanced access controls and encryption.
psqlODBC
psqlODBC
ODBC driver for PostgreSQL databases; supports all versions; facilitates connectivity for any ODBC-compliant front-end application.
PremiumSoft Navicat Premium
PremiumSoft Navicat Premium
Database development tool supporting multiple database systems; features advanced querying capabilities; supports SSH tunneling and two-factor authentication for security.
MySQL Workbench CE
MySQL Workbench CE
Unified visual SQL editor with advanced data modeling; features autocomplete, code formatting; intended for MySQL databases; no feature limitations in CE edition.
DBeaver Enterprise Edition
DBeaver Enterprise Edition
Enterprise-grade database administration tool; supports multiple DBMS like MySQL, PostgreSQL; advanced database scripts management; collaboration tools for teams.
LibreOffice
LibreOffice
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.