MySQL vs MariaDB for web hosting comes down to licensing, features, and your application needs. MySQL 8.0/8.4 LTS offers mature tooling and native JSON; MariaDB 10.11/11.4 LTS delivers open-source freedom, built‑in thread pooling, and Galera clustering. For WordPress and typical LAMP stacks, both are stable and fast—choose based on compatibility and management preferences.
Selecting the right database engine can make or break your web hosting stack’s performance, stability, and upgrade path. In this guide, I compare MySQL vs MariaDB for web hosting—covering speed, compatibility, high availability, security, tuning, and migration—so you can choose confidently for WordPress, WooCommerce, Magento, Laravel, and custom apps.
What Are MySQL and MariaDB?
MySQL is a widely adopted relational database originally developed by MySQL AB and now owned by Oracle. The current mainstream releases are MySQL 8.0 and the long-term support track MySQL 8.4 LTS. MariaDB is a community-driven fork created by the original MySQL authors; its LTS lines include 10.11 and 11.4. Both aim to be drop‑in compatible for common workloads and power millions of websites.
For web hosting, both engines use InnoDB as the default storage engine, support standard SQL, and integrate with PHP, Apache/Nginx, cPanel, and Plesk. The differences show up in licensing, some features, replication options, and how each performs under specific workloads.
Key Differences That Matter for Web Hosting
1) Licensing and Cost
MySQL has a dual-license model (GPL for Community, commercial for Enterprise). Some advanced features—like Enterprise Backup, Firewall, and Thread Pool—are available only in paid editions. MariaDB Server is GPLv2 and ships many enterprise-grade capabilities (e.g., thread pool, audit plugin, Galera) in the open-source build. For hosting providers and agencies standardizing on open source, this is a strong MariaDB advantage.
2) Compatibility and Ecosystem
MariaDB began as a drop-in MySQL replacement, but the projects have diverged. Many apps run unmodified on either engine, yet some features differ:
- JSON: MySQL 8 has a native binary JSON type with efficient indexing; MariaDB treats JSON as an alias over LONGTEXT with JSON functions and virtual columns.
- Optimizer and SQL: Both add new syntax at different cadences; check for compatibility if your app uses window functions, CTEs, or special index types.
- Replication/HA: MySQL Group Replication/InnoDB Cluster vs MariaDB Galera Cluster (integrated).
- Versioning: Cross-upgrading major versions (e.g., MySQL 5.7 to MariaDB 10.11) requires testing—reverse migrations (MariaDB back to MySQL) are typically harder.
3) Performance and Scalability
Both engines deliver excellent performance for typical CMS workloads. MariaDB includes a community thread pool and can show gains on highly concurrent read-heavy sites. MySQL 8’s optimizer and native JSON often win on complex JSON queries and heavy write consistency. Real-world results depend on schema design, indexes, and workload concurrency—benchmark your application.
4) Replication and High Availability
MySQL offers asynchronous replication and Group Replication (forming InnoDB Cluster with Router and Shell). MariaDB offers asynchronous replication and integrates Galera for true multi-primary clustering. For web hosting, asynchronous replication is often enough; e-commerce and SaaS sometimes need cluster-level HA.
5) Security and Compliance
MySQL 8 defaults to strong authentication (caching_sha2_password). Older clients may need updates. MariaDB supports ed25519 and other plugins with sensible defaults. Both engines support TLS, data-at-rest encryption, and auditing. MySQL’s Enterprise edition adds commercial security features; MariaDB provides an open-source audit plugin and robust encryption options suitable for most compliance needs when configured correctly.
6) Features Developers Care About
- CTEs and window functions: Present in both (syntax and performance may vary).
- Roles and privilege management: Supported by both; details differ across versions.
- Backup tooling: mysqldump for logical backups in both; MySQL Enterprise Backup (commercial), Percona XtraBackup (for MySQL), and MariaDB Backup (open-source) for hot backups.
- GIS and full-text search: Available in both with slight implementation differences.
Performance in Common Web Apps
WordPress (and Typical Blogs/Corporate Sites)
WordPress runs great on both MySQL and MariaDB. For most sites, tuning PHP and caching (OPcache, page/object caching) overshadow database differences. With proper indexing and a modest buffer pool, you’ll see near-identical performance. If you expect high read concurrency, MariaDB’s thread pool can help. If your stack or plugins rely heavily on JSON, MySQL 8 may edge out.
WooCommerce and Magento (Transactional E‑commerce)
These apps stress transactional integrity and indexing. Both engines handle them well when tuned. MySQL 8 tends to be predictable under sustained writes; MariaDB can offer concurrency gains with the thread pool and Galera for HA. Focus on schema, proper indexes, and isolation levels long before swapping engines.
Laravel, Custom APIs, and JSON‑Heavy Workloads
APIs that store/query JSON at scale often benefit from MySQL’s native JSON type and functional indexes. If you need multi-primary clustering with minimal external tooling, MariaDB with Galera is attractive—just validate your ORM and migrations against MariaDB’s SQL dialect.
Migration and Compatibility Checklist
Switching engines is feasible, but plan it like any major upgrade. Use this checklist to reduce risk:
- Inventory versions and features: Note whether you use JSON functions, generated columns, spatial indexes, or engine-specific syntax.
- Check client libraries: Update PHP MySQLnd and extensions for MySQL 8 authentication or MariaDB connectors, as needed.
- Stage and test: Restore a copy to staging, run application and integration tests, and replay traffic with tools like pt-query-digest or application-level load tests.
- Dump and restore: Use mysqldump for logical portability or hot backup tools where supported. Validate row counts and checksums.
- Review auth and users: Authentication plugins differ; recreate users with compatible plugins to avoid login failures.
- Roll back plan: Keep a tested rollback procedure and recent backups in case of regressions.
Managing MySQL and MariaDB in Hosting Panels
cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin support both MySQL and MariaDB, including version selection and upgrades. Use their built-in tools to back up before switching engines, and confirm PHP extensions are compatible with your database version. For shared hosting, your provider sets the engine; on VPS/dedicated, you can choose and tune.
Safe, Starter Tuning for Small VPS (2–8 GB RAM)
These starting values fit many small WordPress or CMS stacks. Adjust after monitoring with Performance Schema, slow query logs, and your APM.
# /etc/my.cnf or /etc/mysql/my.cnf
[mysqld]
# Memory
innodb_buffer_pool_size = 1G # ~50–60% of RAM for dedicated DB nodes; 25–35% if DB shares box
innodb_log_file_size = 256M
innodb_flush_log_at_trx_commit = 1 # durability; 2 for lower fsync cost
innodb_flush_method = O_DIRECT
# Connections
max_connections = 200
table_open_cache = 4000
thread_cache_size = 50
# Logging and diagnostics
slow_query_log = ON
long_query_time = 1
log_error_verbosity = 2
# Replication-safe defaults
binlog_format = ROW
server_id = 1
# MySQL 8 specific
# query_cache is removed; ensure old directives aren't present.
# MariaDB specific
# MariaDB still has query_cache, but keep it off for concurrency:
query_cache_type = 0
query_cache_size = 0
# Optional: enable thread pool (MariaDB)
# plugin_load_add = thread_poolAlways validate after changes with SHOW GLOBAL STATUS metrics, slow logs, and application latency. Right-sizing innodb_buffer_pool_size and adding proper indexes typically deliver the biggest wins.
Security Basics for Hosted Databases
- Use strong auth plugins supported by your client libraries (MySQL 8: caching_sha2_password; MariaDB: ed25519 or mysql_native_password).
- Enforce TLS for remote connections; disable remote root logins.
- Grant least privilege—separate users per app/site.
- Enable audit logging if you have compliance requirements.
- Automate nightly logical backups and regular encrypted offsite snapshots.
When to Choose MySQL vs MariaDB
- Choose MySQL 8.0/8.4 LTS if:
- Your app relies on native JSON performance and indexes.
- You want Oracle’s tooling ecosystem and stable LTS cadence.
- You need broad third-party vendor certification targeting MySQL 8.
- Choose MariaDB 10.11/11.4 LTS if:
- You prefer fully open-source features (thread pool, audit) without commercial licensing.
- You want integrated Galera multi-primary clustering.
- Your workload benefits from MariaDB’s concurrency model and optimizer.
- Either is fine for:
- WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and many PHP apps with standard schemas.
- Shared hosting or small VPS where application caching and PHP tuning dominate performance.
Bottom line: For typical web hosting, pick the engine your stack and team know best, stay on a supported LTS, and focus on schema/index quality, caching, and backups. The “database choice” rarely fixes unindexed queries or underpowered VPS tiers.
How YouStable Helps
At YouStable, we provision high‑performance hosting with your choice of MySQL 8 or MariaDB LTS, configure sane defaults, and assist with migrations and version upgrades. Our experts tune InnoDB, implement slow query analysis, set up automated backups, and help you plan HA (replication or Galera/Group Replication) when your traffic grows—so your sites stay fast and resilient.
FAQs: MySQL vs MariaDB for Web Hosting
Is MariaDB faster than MySQL for WordPress?
Often they perform similarly. On high‑concurrency read workloads, MariaDB’s thread pool can help. On JSON-heavy queries or complex optimizations, MySQL 8 may have an edge. Most WordPress speed gains come from caching, good indexes, and PHP/OPcache tuning rather than switching engines.
Is MariaDB fully compatible with MySQL?
For many CMS and LAMP apps, yes—MariaDB is largely drop‑in. However, the projects have diverged, especially around JSON, optimizer features, and certain system tables. Test complex migrations (particularly from newer MySQL 8 features) before switching. Moving from MariaDB back to MySQL can be harder.
Which is better for cPanel or Plesk hosting?
Both are supported. Choose the version your provider supports and that your applications expect. For general WordPress hosting, either works. If you need native JSON performance or specific MySQL 8 features, pick MySQL; if you want open‑source clustering and thread pooling, pick MariaDB.
Can I switch from MySQL to MariaDB without downtime?
Plan for at least a brief maintenance window. Use logical dumps or hot backups, restore to a staging server, test thoroughly, then cut over during low traffic. With replication or dual‑write strategies you can minimize downtime, but that increases complexity—coordinate with your host.
What versions should I run in production?
Use supported LTS lines: MySQL 8.0/8.4 LTS or MariaDB 10.11/11.4 LTS. Avoid end‑of‑life versions (e.g., MySQL 5.7 is EOL). Staying on LTS ensures security fixes, predictable behavior, and compatibility with modern client libraries.
So Which Database Should You Use For Web Hosting?
If you want maximum openness, better default performance on shared/VPS hosting, and modern clustering options without extra licensing, MariaDB is usually the better default choice.
If you’re in a large enterprise, depend heavily on Oracle’s ecosystem, or require specific MySQL Enterprise features or tooling, MySQL might still be the right call – especially when your provider offers a fully managed MySQL service with SLAs.
