A comparison of the two most popular database management systems
MariaDB vs MySQL
MariaDB or MySQL? Compare the two relational databases on performance, compatibility, features, licensing and WordPress support. Find out which database BeoHosting uses and why.
MariaDB or MySQL?
MariaDB is the better choice in 95% of cases: a 100% drop-in replacement for MySQL (all tools, drivers and ORMs work), 3-5% faster for queries, more storage engines (Aria, ColumnStore, S3), thread pooling and encryption built in for free (on MySQL only Enterprise $$$), more frequent releases, more open development. MySQL is better for: advanced JSON functions, GIS spatial, Oracle compliance. WordPress recommends both. BeoHosting uses MariaDB 10.6+ across all hosting plans.
- MariaDB = drop-in replacement for MySQL
- MariaDB 3-5% faster for queries
- Thread pooling free (vs $$ MySQL Enterprise)
- More storage engines (Aria, ColumnStore)
- BeoHosting: MariaDB 10.6+
Tým BeoHosting
10+ let zkušeností — Specialisté na webhosting a infrastrukturu
- MariaDB
- MySQL
- InnoDB
- Aria
- ColumnStore
- Galera Cluster
- Database optimization
- WordPress database
Naposledy aktualizováno:
MariaDB vs MySQL - The same family, a different approach
MySQL is the most widely used open-source relational database management system (RDBMS), created in 1995. After Oracle acquired MySQL in 2010, its original creator Michael “Monty” Widenius built a fork - MariaDB.
MariaDB is designed as a drop-in replacement for MySQL with a focus on a fully open-source philosophy, better performance and more frequent innovation. Today MariaDB is the default database on most Linux distributions (RHEL, Debian, Ubuntu).
BeoHosting uses MariaDB on shared hosting plans for its better performance and fully open-source licensing, while on VPS and dedicated servers we offer a choice between both databases.
Srovnání table: MariaDB vs MySQL
A direct comparison of 13 key technical characteristics of both databases.
* Srovnání based on MariaDB 11.x and MySQL 8.4 LTS (March 2026).
Výkon for WordPress and web applications
For WordPress, both databases work excellently. However, MariaDB has the edge thanks to a better query optimiser that executes complex WP_Query queries faster - especially on sites with thousands of posts or WooCommerce stores.
The Aria storage engine in MariaDB is a crash-safe replacement for MyISAM with better performance for read-heavy operations. This is useful for WordPress because many tables (wp_options, wp_posts) have intensive read operations.
Thread pooling is available for free in MariaDB, while MySQL offers this functionality only in its expensive Enterprise edition. Thread pooling dramatically improves performance on servers with many simultaneous connections - typical for a shared hosting environment.
MariaDB (BeoHosting) - Advantages
- Fully open-source (GPLv2)
- 3-5% better query performance
- Aria storage engine (crash-safe)
- Thread pooling (free)
- Data encryption (free)
- ColumnStore for analytics
- More frequent innovation and updates
- The default on Linux distributions
MySQL - Advantages
- Native JSON data type
- Advanced GIS functionality
- Extensive documentation (25+ years)
- Oracle Enterprise support
- MySQL Shell advanced tool
- Wider compatibility with older applications
WordPress compatibility and recommendations
WordPress.org officially supports and recommends both databases: MariaDB 10.6+ or MySQL 8.0+. In practice, most large hosting providers use MariaDB because it offers better performance for WordPress workloads.
The most popular WordPress plugins (WooCommerce, Yoast SEO, Elementor, Contact Form 7) are fully compatible with both databases. There is no need for any modifications or code adjustments.
With BeoHosting WordPress hosting, you get MariaDB optimised for WordPress with NVMe drives for maximum database performance.
Conclusion: MariaDB for hosting, MySQL for specialised needs
For web hosting and WordPress, MariaDB is the better choice - it is fast, fully open-source and offers advanced features for free (thread pooling, encryption) that MySQL reserves for its Enterprise edition.
MySQL remains the better choice for applications that make heavy use of the JSON data type or advanced GIS functionality. In addition, some legacy systems may specifically require MySQL.
BeoHosting uses MariaDB on all shared hosting plans for optimal performance. For VPS and dedicated servers we offer a free choice of database. Kontaktujte nás for a consultation.
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FAQ: MariaDB vs MySQL
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