MariaDB vs MySQL: Differences, Compatibility, Performance, and Migration Guide

1. Introduction

What Are MariaDB and MySQL? (Basics)

MariaDB and MySQL are both widely used as Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). They are systems for managing and manipulating data using SQL (Structured Query Language) and are essential for data management in web applications and enterprise systems.

MySQL was released in 1995 and was later acquired by Oracle in 2008. MariaDB, on the other hand, was created in 2010 as a fork (derived project) of MySQL. Led by MySQL’s original founder Michael Widenius (Monty), it has been developed with the goal of a more open development model.

Why MariaDB Is Seen as an Alternative to MySQL

MariaDB is attracting attention mainly for these three reasons:

1. Open-source transparency

• MySQL is managed by Oracle, which carries the risk of future license changes or shifts in development direction.
• MariaDB is maintained as fully open source, offering higher transparency in development.

1. High compatibility with MySQL

• In early versions (5.5 and earlier), MySQL and MariaDB are almost fully compatible.
• Even in later versions, compatibility is largely maintained while adding new features and improving performance.

1. Enhanced performance and features

• MariaDB includes optimizations aimed at faster query processing than MySQL.
• It provides unique storage engines (such as Aria and TokuDB) that can deliver excellent performance for specific use cases.

What You’ll Learn in This Article (How to Choose, Differences, and Migration)

This article explains the differences and compatibility details between MariaDB and MySQL, and provides key points to help you decide which one to choose. It also introduces concrete steps for migrating from MySQL to MariaDB and explains what to watch out for during migration.

2. The Current State of Compatibility Between MariaDB and MySQL

Compatibility by Version

Because MariaDB and MySQL originated from the same codebase, they have high compatibility. However, as versions have evolved, differences have emerged, and full compatibility is not always maintained. Here, we整理 compatibility by version.

MySQL 5.7 vs MariaDB 10.3

• MariaDB 10.3 is largely compatible with MySQL 5.7.
• Some storage engines (for example, TokuDB) are MariaDB-specific and cannot be used in MySQL.
• MariaDB plugins and extensions include features not available in MySQL 5.7, and using them may cause compatibility issues.

MySQL 8.0 vs MariaDB 10.6 / 10.11

• MySQL 8.0 introduced new data types, performance improvements, and expanded JSON-related features.
• MariaDB 10.6 / 10.11 also includes its own improvements, so full compatibility is not guaranteed.
• Some features introduced in MySQL 8.0—such as “utf8mb4 as the default” and “window functions”—have different implementations in MariaDB.

Binary Compatibility and Replication Compatibility

Binary Compatibility

• Up to MariaDB 5.5, it was binary-compatible with MySQL 5.5 and could be replaced directly.
• From MariaDB 10.0 onward, compatibility with MySQL binary logs (binlog) is no longer complete, making direct replacement difficult in some environments.
• When migrating MySQL 8.0 data to MariaDB, you may need to modify table structures, so be cautious.

Replication Compatibility

• Replication between MariaDB and MySQL is generally compatible, but differences in versions can cause certain issues.
• MySQL 8.0 GTID (Global Transaction Identifier) is not fully compatible with MariaDB, so caution is required.
• MariaDB-specific replication features (for example, Galera Cluster) are not available in MySQL.

Which Version Should You Choose?

When choosing between MariaDB and MySQL, it’s important to consider your current system requirements and future operations.

As you can see, the selection criteria vary depending on your use case and existing system environment. In particular, MySQL 8.0 includes further proprietary optimizations, so if you want to use the latest features, MySQL is often the better choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize open-source transparency, MariaDB is a strong option.

In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at the major differences between MariaDB and MySQL.

3. Key Differences Between MariaDB and MySQL

MariaDB and MySQL originally came from the same database management system (RDBMS), but today each has evolved in its own direction. Here, we compare the main differences from the perspectives of data types, storage engines, and licensing and development governance.

Differences in Data Types

Differences in data types are especially noticeable in how each handles the JSON type.

How the JSON Data Type Is Handled

• In MySQL 5.7 and later, a native JSON data type was introduced, enabling JSON query optimization.
• In MariaDB 10.2, the JSON data type is supported, but it is stored internally as a TEXT type, which can lead to performance differences compared to MySQL’s native JSON type.
• Differences in JSON functions
• MySQL’s JSON_TABLE() function is not available in MariaDB.
• MariaDB adds its own functions such as JSON_QUERY().

Other Data Type Differences

• In MySQL 8.0, optimizations for window functions and Common Table Expressions (CTEs) have advanced, but MariaDB uses different implementations.
• To maintain compatibility with older MySQL versions, MariaDB applies different optimizations for some data types.

Differences in Storage Engines

A storage engine is the mechanism used to store and manage data, and it is one of the most important differences between MariaDB and MySQL.

Shared Storage Engines

• InnoDB (supported by both)
• MyISAM (supported by both)

MariaDB-Specific Storage Engines

MariaDB provides the following unique storage engines:

1. Aria

• A storage engine similar to MyISAM, but with improved crash recovery features.

1. TokuDB

• Offers strong compression and can efficiently manage large amounts of data.

1. ColumnStore

• Supports a column-oriented database model and is well-suited for analytics workloads.

1. MyRocks

• An engine based on RocksDB, designed for high write performance.

MySQL-Specific Storage Engines

MySQL includes the following engines that are not available in MariaDB:

1. NDB (Cluster)

• A storage engine designed for high-availability clustering.

1. MEMORY

• Stores data in memory to enable faster data access.

One of MariaDB’s strengths is the ability to choose from a variety of storage engines optimized for specific use cases. In particular, TokuDB and ColumnStore can provide significant advantages for large-scale analytics and transaction processing.

Differences in Licensing and Development Governance

MariaDB and MySQL also differ in licensing and how development is managed.

Licensing Differences

• MySQL is managed by Oracle and is available in both an open-source (GPL) edition and a commercial (Enterprise) edition.
• MariaDB is operated by the MariaDB Foundation and is provided under a fully GPL license.

Because of this, MySQL can include certain commercial features (e.g., MySQL Enterprise Monitor, MySQL HeatWave), while MariaDB can be used as fully open source.

Differences in Development Governance

• MySQL
• Development is led by Oracle, and the roadmap depends on Oracle’s business strategy.
• Community contributions are limited; bug fixes and new features ultimately depend on Oracle.
• MariaDB
• Managed by the MariaDB Foundation with an open development model.
• Users and companies can participate more easily, enabling faster feature delivery.

As a result, MySQL offers strong long-term support and enterprise features, while MariaDB follows a more open development approach and tends to be more flexible and extensible.

Summary

MariaDB and MySQL differ mainly in the following areas:

Key selection points vary by environment—such as “open-source transparency,” “performance,” and “support model.”

4. Performance Comparison: MariaDB vs MySQL

Performance can differ between MariaDB and MySQL depending on your specific use case. In this section, we compare them from the perspectives of query execution speed, storage-engine optimizations, parallel processing capacity, and transaction processing, and clarify where each one tends to shine.

Query Execution Speed (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE)

MariaDB and MySQL can show different execution speeds depending on the query pattern.
Based on several benchmark results, the following table summarizes typical strengths.

Conclusion

• MariaDB is strong in parallel processing (environments running multiple queries concurrently) and can be fast for INSERT and JOIN
• MySQL is strong in single-query optimization and tends to be well-optimized for SELECT queries over large datasets

Storage Engine Optimizations

MariaDB includes unique storage engines not available in MySQL, and they can deliver strong performance in certain scenarios.

MariaDB Storage Engines

1. Aria

• Compatible with MyISAM and enables fast reads.
• Provides better crash recovery than MyISAM.

1. TokuDB

• Strong compression features, suitable for storing large datasets.
• Also offers excellent write performance.

1. ColumnStore

• A column-oriented engine ideal for analytics workloads.
• Supports distributed processing.

MySQL Storage Engines

1. InnoDB

• The standard engine applicable to most use cases.
• Also used by MariaDB, but InnoDB in MySQL 8.0 is more heavily optimized.

1. NDB Cluster

• An engine for high-availability clustering.
• Not available in MariaDB.

Conclusion

• MariaDB can select storage engines by use case, making it strong for large-scale processing and analytics
• MySQL has a highly optimized InnoDB, making it well-suited for web apps and enterprise systems

Parallel Processing Capacity (Using a Thread Pool)

MariaDB provides a built-in thread pool feature that MySQL does not include by default, improving performance when handling many concurrent queries.

What Is a Thread Pool?

• In typical MySQL setups, a thread is created per connection, which can create overhead when connection counts grow.
• MariaDB’s thread pool shares a fixed set of threads, helping performance remain more stable even with many concurrent connections.

Conclusion

• MariaDB is well-suited for high-load environments (busy web apps, SaaS, etc.) where many queries run at once
• MySQL is strongly optimized for efficient single-query execution, making it a good fit for simpler operations

Differences in Transaction Processing

Transaction processing is critical for maintaining data consistency.

MariaDB Transaction Characteristics

• Uses InnoDB like MySQL and ensures ACID properties (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability).
• Includes a Flashback feature (data rollback), making recovery from mistakes easier.

MySQL Transaction Characteristics

• Optimized for read/write load balancing and provides strong stability for large-scale systems.
• MySQL 8.0 includes lock optimizations that speed up write-heavy workloads.

Conclusion

• MariaDB offers strong recovery capabilities and is resilient to operational mistakes
• MySQL provides highly stable transaction processing and is well-suited for large-scale operations

Summary

When comparing performance between MariaDB and MySQL, the following characteristics are often observed:

As a rule of thumb, if you handle large datasets and prioritize scalability, MariaDB is a good fit; if you want operational stability and to leverage the latest MySQL 8.0 features, MySQL is often the better choice.

In the next section, we’ll explain how to migrate from MySQL to MariaDB in detail.

5. How to Migrate from MySQL to MariaDB (With Practical Examples)

If you are considering migrating from MySQL to MariaDB, it is important to understand data compatibility, migration procedures, and potential issues in advance. This section explains preparation steps, detailed migration procedures, and common problems along with their solutions.

Preparation Before Migration

Although MariaDB has high compatibility with MySQL, they are not completely identical. Before migrating, complete the following preparations.

Check the Version

Depending on the target MariaDB version, some MySQL features may not be available. Therefore, confirm both the MySQL version and the MariaDB version, and choose the appropriate MariaDB version.

Version Compatibility Guidelines

In particular, when migrating from MySQL 8.0 to MariaDB 10.6 or later, some new features (such as the native JSON type and window functions) are not fully compatible, so proceed with caution.

Create a Backup

The most important step in migration is backing up your data. If data becomes corrupted during migration, recovery may be difficult. Always create a backup before proceeding.

How to Create a Backup

mysqldump -u root -p --all-databases > mysql_backup.sql

If you want to back up a specific database only, use the following command:

mysqldump -u root -p database_name > database_backup.sql

Migration Steps from MySQL to MariaDB

1. Uninstall MySQL

Since MariaDB conflicts with MySQL, you must remove MySQL before installing MariaDB.

For Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

sudo systemctl stop mysql
sudo apt-get remove --purge mysql-server mysql-client mysql-common
sudo apt-get autoremove
sudo apt-get autoclean

For CentOS/RHEL

sudo systemctl stop mysqld
sudo yum remove mysql-server mysql mysql-libs

2. Install MariaDB

For Ubuntu/Debian

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install mariadb-server

For CentOS/RHEL

sudo yum install mariadb-server

After installation, start the MariaDB service

sudo systemctl start mariadb
sudo systemctl enable mariadb

3. Import the Data

Restore the MySQL backup data into MariaDB.

mysql -u root -p < mysql_backup.sql

Proceed while checking for any errors.

4. Compatibility Check

After importing data into MariaDB, it is important to verify data integrity.

Points to Verify

✅ Table integrity

CHECK TABLE table_name;

✅ Data type compatibility

SHOW CREATE TABLE table_name;

✅ User privileges

SELECT user, host FROM mysql.user;

Common Migration Issues and Solutions

1. MySQL 8.0 JSON Type Does Not Work Properly in MariaDB

Problem:
The native JSON type in MySQL 8.0 is treated as a TEXT type in MariaDB, which may reduce performance.

Solution:

• In MariaDB, modify the JSON column to LONGTEXT for compatibility.
• Use ALTER TABLE beforehand to change the data type.

ALTER TABLE table_name MODIFY column_name LONGTEXT;

2. Differences in Authentication Plugins in MySQL 8.0

Problem:
In MySQL 8.0, the default authentication plugin was changed to caching_sha2_password, while MariaDB uses mysql_native_password.

Solution:

• Change the authentication method on the MySQL side to ensure compatibility with MariaDB.

ALTER USER 'root'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED WITH mysql_native_password BY 'password';

3. Preventing Data Corruption

To prevent transaction inconsistencies during migration, it is effective to apply transactions in bulk.

Solution:
Specify autocommit=0 during data import and apply the transaction in one batch.

SET autocommit = 0;
SOURCE mysql_backup.sql;
COMMIT;

Summary

• As part of pre-migration preparation, always perform compatibility checks and create backups.
• The migration process should follow this order: “Uninstall MySQL → Install MariaDB → Import data → Run compatibility checks.”
• Understand common migration issues in advance (JSON compatibility, authentication plugin differences, data corruption) and apply appropriate countermeasures.

By migrating smoothly to MariaDB, you can maximize performance improvements and open-source benefits.

In the next section, we will explain how to choose between MariaDB and MySQL based on use cases.

6. Choosing Between MariaDB and MySQL by Use Case

Both MariaDB and MySQL are powerful database management systems, but the best choice depends on your use case. This section explains which database to choose for scenarios such as web applications, e-commerce sites, large-scale analytics, and enterprise core systems.

Web Applications (WordPress, CMS, SaaS, etc.)

✅ Recommended: MariaDB

Reasons

• High compatibility with WordPress
• MariaDB is one of the recommended databases for WordPress and runs smoothly.
• Built-in thread pool
• MariaDB supports a thread pool by default, which is beneficial for web applications handling many concurrent requests.
• Almost fully compatible with MySQL
• Most web applications are developed for MySQL, and MariaDB’s high compatibility makes migration easy.

📌 Conclusion: MariaDB is ideal for running CMS and web applications (WordPress, Joomla, Drupal).

E-Commerce Sites (WooCommerce, Magento, Shopify, etc.)

✅ Recommended: MariaDB

Reasons

• Optimized read performance
• MariaDB’s query optimizer can execute queries faster than MySQL in certain workloads.
• Support for TokuDB
• MariaDB supports TokuDB, making it suitable for high-volume transaction processing common in e-commerce.
• Strong compatibility with WordPress + WooCommerce
• WooCommerce (a WordPress e-commerce plugin) works very well with MariaDB.

📌 Conclusion: MariaDB is advantageous for e-commerce operations (especially for WooCommerce users).

Large-Scale Analytics and Big Data Processing

✅ Recommended: MariaDB

Reasons

• Use of the ColumnStore engine
• MariaDB’s ColumnStore is ideal for large-scale analytics and supports data warehouse workloads.
• Enhanced partitioning features
• MariaDB offers stronger partitioning capabilities than MySQL, enabling better query optimization.
• Support for MyRocks
• MariaDB supports MyRocks (a RocksDB-based engine), optimized for SSD storage.

📌 Conclusion: MariaDB is well-suited for big data and analytics workloads.

Enterprise Core Systems (Banking, ERP, CRM, etc.)

✅ Recommended: MySQL

Reasons

• Support for MySQL Enterprise Edition
• MySQL offers a paid Enterprise Edition with enhanced security, audit logging, and clustering features.
• Stable transaction processing
• MySQL 8.0 includes optimized InnoDB performance suitable for high-availability environments such as financial systems.
• Official Oracle support
• MySQL is provided by Oracle, offering strong enterprise-level support.

📌 Conclusion: For financial institutions and large enterprises, MySQL is better suited due to its enterprise-grade support.

High Availability (HA) and Clustering Environments

✅ Recommended: MariaDB

Reasons

• Built-in support for Galera Cluster
• MariaDB includes Galera Cluster by default, enabling multi-master configurations.
• Enhanced replication
• Compared to MySQL’s GTID-based replication, MariaDB replication offers greater flexibility in some scenarios.
• Automatic failover support
• Using Galera Cluster allows automatic failover and improved availability.

📌 Conclusion: MariaDB is well-suited for clustered HA environments (especially when leveraging Galera Cluster).

New Development Projects

✅ Recommended: MySQL (for latest features) / MariaDB (for open-source focus)

Reasons

• New features in MySQL 8.0
• If you want to use advanced SQL features such as CTEs, window functions, and optimized native JSON support, MySQL 8.0 is advantageous.
• MariaDB’s open development model
• Fully GPL-licensed, with no risk of future commercial license changes.

📌 Conclusion: For development leveraging the latest SQL features, choose MySQL 8.0; for open-source freedom, choose MariaDB.

Summary: Use Case Selection Guide

MariaDB and MySQL each have distinct strengths.
If you prioritize open-source transparency and flexibility, choose MariaDB; if you prioritize enterprise stability and the latest features, choose MySQL.

7. Conclusion

Let’s review the differences, compatibility, selection criteria, and migration methods between MariaDB and MySQL discussed so far, and summarize the final decision points. We will also revisit migration checkpoints to help you start operations smoothly.

Final Selection Criteria: MariaDB vs MySQL

MariaDB and MySQL share the same roots as database management systems, but they have evolved in different directions. It is important to choose the optimal solution based on your use case and requirements.

📌 When You Should Choose MariaDB

✅ If you want a fully open-source environment (avoid the risk of commercial license changes)
✅ If you use CMS platforms such as WordPress or WooCommerce
✅ If you are migrating from MySQL 5.7 (high compatibility)
✅ If you want to build a high-availability (HA) environment (leverage Galera Cluster)
✅ If you need large-scale analytics or BI integration (ColumnStore and TokuDB support)

📌 When You Should Choose MySQL

✅ If you require stable enterprise operations (e.g., financial institutions) with official Oracle support
✅ If you want to use the latest SQL features (window functions, native JSON type, CTEs)
✅ If you plan to continue operating an existing MySQL 8.0 environment
✅ If you need enterprise-level tools (e.g., MySQL Enterprise Monitor)
✅ If you prioritize long-term support and operational stability

Migration Considerations and Final Checklist

If you are currently using MySQL and considering migrating to MariaDB, confirm the following points:

✅ 1. Verify Version Compatibility

• Migration from MySQL 5.7 → MariaDB 10.3 is relatively smooth.
• Migration from MySQL 8.0 → MariaDB 10.6 or later may involve partial incompatibilities.

✅ 2. Create a Data Backup

mysqldump -u root -p --all-databases > mysql_backup.sql

✅ 3. Check Compatibility

• Use SHOW CREATE TABLE to verify data type differences.
• If using the JSON type in MySQL 8.0, conversion to MariaDB TEXT type may be required.

✅ 4. Verify Authentication Plugins

• The caching_sha2_password plugin in MySQL 8.0 is not supported in MariaDB; change it to mysql_native_password.

ALTER USER 'root'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED WITH mysql_native_password BY 'password';

✅ 5. Test Critical Features

• Before going live, test your existing applications thoroughly in a staging environment.

Future Outlook: Evolution of MariaDB and MySQL

MariaDB and MySQL are expected to continue evolving in different directions.

📌 The Future of MariaDB

• Continued open-source development model
• Enhanced analytics features (further optimization of ColumnStore)
• Increased differentiation from MySQL

📌 The Future of MySQL

• Expansion of enterprise features (MySQL Enterprise Edition enhancements)
• Cloud-focused optimization (e.g., MySQL HeatWave)
• Advanced SQL feature enhancements (further JSON improvements, etc.)

When choosing between the two databases, it is important to consider not only current system requirements but also future development and operational strategies.

Final Summary

📢 Which Should You Choose?

▶ MariaDB is suitable if:

• You operate web applications such as WordPress or WooCommerce
• You need high-availability clustering (Galera Cluster)
• You perform analytics or big data processing
• You prioritize a fully open-source environment

▶ MySQL is suitable if:

• You operate enterprise-scale systems or financial platforms
• You want to leverage the latest MySQL 8.0 SQL features
• You require Oracle enterprise support
• You want to continue running your existing MySQL environment

Both MariaDB and MySQL are powerful databases. Understanding their characteristics and choosing the one that best fits your system is the most important factor.

Next Steps
Based on this guide, evaluate your environment and select the most appropriate database. If migration is required, create a clear migration plan and thoroughly test in a staging environment before production deployment.

We hope this guide helps you make an informed decision between MariaDB and MySQL! 💡

8. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

You may have many questions about compatibility, differences, and migration between MariaDB and MySQL.
Here, we address some of the most common questions in detail.

Which Should I Choose: MariaDB or MySQL? (Quick Checklist)

If you’re unsure which to choose, use this checklist:

📌 Choose MariaDB If:

✅ You prioritize open-source transparency
✅ You use CMS platforms such as WordPress or WooCommerce
✅ You are migrating from MySQL 5.7
✅ You need high availability (HA)
✅ You want analytics or BI integration (ColumnStore, TokuDB)

📌 Choose MySQL If:

✅ You require stable enterprise operations
✅ You want the latest SQL features (window functions, native JSON, CTEs)
✅ You want to continue using MySQL 8.0
✅ You need enterprise tools (MySQL Enterprise Monitor, etc.)
✅ You prioritize long-term support

Performance Comparison: Which Is Actually Faster?

Performance depends on the workload.

📌 Conclusion:

• MariaDB is strong in parallel workloads (e-commerce and web apps)
• MySQL excels in single-query performance and advanced optimization

Is It Easy to Migrate from MySQL to MariaDB?

Migration from MySQL 5.7 or earlier is relatively straightforward.
However, migration from MySQL 8.0 requires caution.

Checklist Before Migration

✅ Create a backup
✅ Check compatibility using SHOW CREATE TABLE
✅ Change authentication plugin if needed (caching_sha2_password → mysql_native_password)

ALTER USER 'root'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED WITH mysql_native_password BY 'password';

✅ Be aware that JSON will be treated as TEXT in MariaDB

📌 Conclusion:
Migration from MySQL 5.7 or earlier is generally easy, but migration from MySQL 8.0 requires careful compatibility review.

Can I Use MySQL 8.0 Features in MariaDB?

MySQL 8.0 introduced many new features, but not all are fully compatible with MariaDB.

📌 Conclusion:

• Some MySQL 8.0 features are available in MariaDB, but not fully compatible
• Native JSON and certain optimizations differ in implementation

Are MariaDB and MySQL the Same?

Conclusion: They have evolved into different databases.

• MariaDB began as a fork of MySQL 5.5 but later added unique features, reducing full compatibility.
• MySQL 8.0 has introduced Oracle-specific enhancements, evolving in a different direction.

Today, they should be considered “compatible but distinct databases.”

What Is the Difference in Licensing?

📌 Conclusion:

• MariaDB is fully GPL and carries no commercial license change risk.
• MySQL provides an enterprise commercial edition with official support.
• If you prioritize open-source transparency, choose MariaDB; if you require enterprise support, choose MySQL.

FAQ Summary

Key takeaways from this FAQ section:

This completes the comprehensive guide to MariaDB vs MySQL. Choose the database that best fits your use case and operational strategy.