# What are the key differences in a MariaDB vs. MySQL comparison? MariaDB or MySQL – which database management system has the edge? Initially, MariaDB aimed to create a drop-in replacement with strong open-source community standards, but now both projects follow completely different development goals. Discover what sets them apart with us. ## An overview of the key features of MariaDB and MySQL MySQL is a proven [database management system](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/technical-matters/database-management-systems-dbms/) available as open-source software, complemented by numerous enterprise extensions. The MariaDB development team, led by Michael Widenius, has improved MySQL’s core software by incorporating a variety of new features. Who might consider switching from MySQL to MariaDB? The table below highlights the key differences between both DBMS.
Feature MySQL 8.0 MariaDB 11
Release Year 1995 2009
Developer Oracle MariaDB Corporation / Foundation
License GPL + proprietary GPL v2
OS Support Linux, Windows, macOS Broader Linux support
Replication GTID, Master/Slave GTID, Galera Cluster
Partitioning MySQL Cluster Spider, Galera
Role-Based Control Since 8.0 Since 10.0.5
Authentication SHA-256 ed25519
Encryption InnoDB InnoDB, Aria, Logs
Firewall & Masking Proprietary Via MaxScale (BSL)
Analytical Functions – ColumnStore
Backup Enterprise Backup MariaDB Backup (GPL)
Database Engines InnoDB, MyISAM … + ColumnStore, MyRocks, Aria …
SQL/NoSQL Interfaces Yes / Yes Yes / Yes
Connectors including C, Java, PHP + Excel, Swift, R
## The development of MySQL and MariaDB A key figure behind [MariaDB](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/what-is-mariadb/) and [MySQL](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/what-is-mysql/) is Finnish software developer **Michael “Monty” Widenius**. Together with the Swedes David Axmark and Alan Larsson, Widenius founded the joint-stock company **MySQL AB**, which released the first version of the open-source database management system (DBMS) MySQL in 1995. This culminated in the sale of the software project to **Sun Microsystems** in 2008. In 2009, Widenius left the software project along with other MySQL core developers and focused on developing the **MySQL fork MariaDB**. The development team feared that Oracle would face a conflict of interest if the company developed the open-source software MySQL alongside proprietary database software. The development of the MySQL fork initially took place through Monty Program AB, founded in 2009. This merged with SkySQL in 2014 to form the **MariaDB Corporation**. The **Community Project MariaDB Server** is developed by the MariaDB Foundation. MariaDB strongly focuses on **open development**. Two principles are at the forefront: - The source code of program parts under development is available through public repositories. - All development steps are publicly documented. Tip Create a secure ‘home’ for your web projects with [SQL server hosting](https://www.ionos.com/cloud/sql-server-hosting "SQL Server Hosting from IONOS") from IONOS. ## Comparison of MariaDB vs. MySQL The database management systems MySQL and MariaDB are based on the same software core. MariaDB is a fork (a split) from MySQL 5.1, but over time, it has developed into an independent database management system. We compare the differences between the current MariaDB and MySQL GA versions (General Availability) **MySQL 8.0.43** and **MariaDB 11.8.2**. ### Database structure The development of MariaDB aims to maintain full compatibility with MySQL’s database structure, APIs, and configuration files, offering users a **seamless drop-in replacement**. An upgrade from MySQL to MariaDB or vice versa should be just as easy as an upgrade between two different [MySQL versions](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/technical-matters/mysql-version/). In principle, both database management systems are based on the same database structure. Both systems adhere to the [relational database model](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/technical-matters/relational-databases/). However, for administrative tasks and backups, starting with MariaDB version 10.5, `mariadb-dump` and `mariadb-admin` are used instead of `mysqldump` or `mysqladmin` as in MySQL. Note MariaDB has established itself as a binary-compatible 1:1 replacement for MySQL. However, starting with MySQL version 8.0, this compatibility is no longer present. ### Database engines MariaDB aims to differentiate itself from MySQL in the future primarily through flexibility. Users have access to a consistently **growing number of alternative database engines** for special use cases, in addition to the standard engines supported by MySQL. A **database engine** is a storage subsystem that enables the database management system to create, read, update, and delete data in database tables – see [CRUD](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/websites/web-development/crud-the-most-important-database-operations/). The following table shows the available database engines for MySQL 8.0.43 and MariaDB 11.8.2 (according to the documentation).
Database Engine MySQL 8.0.43 MariaDB 11.8.2 Description
InnoDB / XtraDB InnoDB is standard in both systems. XtraDB was used in MariaDB up to version 10.1
MyISAM Outdated storage system without transaction support
MEMORY For temporary in-memory tables with fast access
CSV Stores tables in CSV format
Archive Compresses data for long-term storage
BLACKHOLE Accepts data but doesn’t store it – used for logging/testing
Merge Merges multiple MyISAM tables with the same structure
Federated / FederatedX Access to remote tables via network (MariaDB: FederatedX)
ColumnStore Column-oriented engine for big data analytics
Aria Transaction-safe MyISAM alternative for temporary tables
CONNECT Access to external data sources like CSV, XML, ODBC
Sequence Generates number sequences (e.g., 1, 2, 3 …)
Spider Sharding engine with support for XA transactions
### Database queries In practice, MySQL and MariaDB are virtually identical. Both DBMS strive for **full compatibility with the SQL database language**, allowing users to use the same SQL statements to create, update, retrieve, or delete database entries. Tip An introduction to basic SQL statements is offered in our [MySQL tutorial for beginners](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/learn-mysql-in-simple-steps/). ### Performance **Does MariaDB offer better performance compared to MySQL?** Benchmark tests like the [DBT-3](https://www.github.com/muehlbau/dbt3 "github.com: DBT 3") suggest it might. An important factor is the database engine being used. Both developer communities provide benchmark tests for setups with different database engines on their respective project websites. MariaDB scores here not only with a wide selection of alternative database engines, but it also offers an efficient **optimizer for SQL queries**. Starting with version 10.0.1, MariaDB no longer relies on internal statistics of the respective database engine for query optimization, but on [engine-independent table statistics](https://mariadb.com/docs/server/ha-and-performance/optimization-and-tuning/query-optimizations/statistics-for-optimizing-queries/engine-independent-table-statistics "MariaDB Documentation: Engine-independent Table Statistics"). These are stored as conventional tables in the database and allow for gathering and evaluating significantly more data to determine an optimal plan for executing SQL statements. Note In MariaDB documentation, interested individuals can find various [guides for optimizing database performance](https://mariadb.com/docs/server/ha-and-performance/optimization-and-tuning "Documentation for optimizing MariaDB performance"). MySQL also offers extensive [informational material for database tuning](https://www.mysql.com/why-mysql/performance/index.html "Database tuning") (Oracle web account required). ### High availability Both MySQL and MariaDB are suitable for scenarios with distributed databases. To offer users highly available systems with linear scalability, both software projects provide **cluster solutions**: - MySQL Cluster - [MariaDB Galera Cluster](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/technical-matters/mariadb-galera-clusters/) MySQL Cluster is an ACID-compliant real-time database with a multi-master architecture and no single point of failure. It offers up to 99.9999% availability, horizontal scaling on standard hardware, auto-sharding, as well as SQL and NoSQL interfaces. MariaDB Galera Cluster has been directly integrated since version 10.1. It also features a multi-master architecture and exclusively uses InnoDB (or XtraDB). MaxScale is also employed for distributed databases. The configurable proxy for load balancing provides features like failover, caching, read/write splitting, and DoS protection. [Plugins](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/what-is-a-plug-in/) provide the ability to customize and filter database access. Note Since version 2, MaxScale is under the Business Source License (BSL). The source code is freely available, but usage is restricted. After three years, the license automatically converts to a GPL-like open-source license. ### Security Both MySQL and MariaDB offer **encryption features for data at rest**. MySQL implements encryption of data stored in the database using the database engine [InnoDB](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/technical-matters/what-is-innodb/) at the tablespace level. Encryption of individual database tables is not possible. **Tablespaces** are logical storage units of relational database engines like InnoDB, which contain all data of the database system. Each tablespace includes at least one datafile—a physical file of the underlying operating system where both database tables and indexes are stored. Since version 10.1, MariaDB offers significantly more differentiated encryption features. These include data-at-rest encryption at the following database levels: - InnoDB tablespaces - InnoDB tables - InnoDB log files - Aria tables - Temporary files - Binary log data MariaDB also offers a feature with rolling encryption keys that allows you to set an expiration date for encryption keys. Both database management systems support the **Key Management Service (KMS) from Amazon Web Services (AWS)** via plugin, as well as **SSL-encrypted connections**. For **user authentication**, MySQL and MariaDB also rely on a plugin system. The MySQL development team provides users with two authentication plugins, `sha256_password` and `caching_sha2_password`. The latter offers server-side caching in addition to standard authentication via Secure Hash Algorithm, enabling faster re-authentication. MariaDB also used SHA-1 with the **Secure Hash Algorithm** up to version 10.1.21. Since version 10.1.22, the ed25519 plugin has been employed. Ed25519 is an EdDSA signature scheme that combines SHA-2 with Curve25519. A unique feature of MariaDB in the field of database security is the **role-based access control** [Role Based Access Control, RBAC](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/security/what-is-role-based-access-control-rbac/), which has been natively implemented in the DBMS since version 10.0.5. It significantly simplifies the management of access rights and reduces errors in manual rights assignment. However, MySQL has caught up with this feature: Since MySQL 8.0.0 (2018), MySQL also supports roles as part of its user and rights management functions. ### Ecosystem With the dual licensing system, Oracle pursues an open-core strategy with MySQL. While the core program MySQL is available free of charge as a community edition with public source code, various extensions for the database management system are offered only in combination with one of the commercial editions. However, thanks to a strong connection with the open-source community, the MariaDB development team is able to implement interfaces to open-source **alternatives to most proprietary MySQL products** in MariaDB.
Function MySQL MariaDB Server
Monitoring MySQL Enterprise Monitor (proprietary) Webyog Monyog (proprietary)
Backup MySQL Enterprise Backup (proprietary) MariaDB Backup (Fork of Percona XtraBackup, GPL)
SQL Management MySQL Workbench (GPL/proprietary) Webyog SQLyog (GPL/proprietary)
Load Balancing & Routing MySQL Router (GPL/proprietary) MariaDB MaxScale (BSL)
Firewall MySQL Enterprise Firewall (proprietary) MariaDB MaxScale (BSL)
### Support Professional support is available for both MySQL and MariaDB only for paying customers. MySQL provides 24/7 support, patches, updates, technical advice, and remote troubleshooting through the paid Oracle Premier Support license. The MariaDB Corporation also provides 24/7 support, security updates, performance consulting, and migration assistance under a subscription - even for MySQL. Since many original MySQL developers now work at MariaDB, the company boasts deep expertise in both systems. ### Documentation and community MySQL is owned by the Oracle Corporation, which publishes extensive [documentation of all open-source MySQL projects](https://dev.mysql.com/doc/ "MySQL Documentation") on the official MySQL website. Additionally, the user community has the following options to learn about MySQL: - [MySQL Events](https://www.mysql.com/news-and-events/events/ "MySQL Events") - [MySQL User Groups](https://community.oracle.com/docs/DOC-917215 "MySQL User Groups") Responsibility for the [documentation of MariaDB](https://mariadb.org/documentation/ "MariaDB documentation") lies with the MariaDB Foundation, which relies on the user community. Those who wish to contribute to the development and documentation of MariaDB servers or open-source applications in the MariaDB ecosystem can find relevant information on the [MariaDB Foundation website](https://mariadb.org/get-involved/ "MariaDB website"). ## What use cases are suitable for MariaDB or MySQL? MariaDB is well-suited for internal business applications that you want to operate without license costs. Many companies use MariaDB in web platforms, content management systems, or as a database for reporting and analysis. In distributed systems with many simultaneous read and write accesses, MariaDB also shows strengths. If you are working on Linux servers or want to replace a MySQL installation, you benefit from compatibility and extensibility. MySQL showcases its strengths in large, stable production systems. Typical use cases include online shops, booking systems, SaaS platforms, or financial applications with high requirements for availability and transaction security. If you’re operating applications in the cloud—such as on AWS, Google Cloud, or Oracle Cloud—you often directly resort to MySQL. MySQL is also the right choice for highly structured [JSON](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/what-is-json/) processing or when you need SLA-backed support. ## Conclusion to the MariaDB vs. MySQL comparison MySQL is a mature database system with widespread use. However, many enterprise features like monitoring, backup, and security are only included in paid editions. MariaDB was developed as a fork of MySQL and has established itself as a fully-fledged open-source alternative. Many Linux distributions use it by default. Exclusive features like MaxScale and ColumnStore demonstrate its growing independence. The decision between MySQL and MariaDB ultimately depends less on the name and more on which system better fits your application scenario. Tip In other guides, we have also compared [MariaDB vs. PostgreSQL](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/technical-matters/mariadb-vs-postgresql/) and [MariaDB vs. MongoDB](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/technical-matters/mariadb-vs-mongodb/) for you. This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/technical-matters/mariadb-vs-mysql/](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/technical-matters/mariadb-vs-mysql/) for AI/LLM consumption.