MySQL — Relational Databases (Open Source)

MySQL is an open-source Relational Databases solution from Oracle. Compare it against 6 other Relational Databases tools on FreeSoftwareX — by features, licensing and price — and request a quote or demo free in 2026.

What is MySQL?

MySQL is open source — its source code is publicly available and free to use, modify and self-host, usually with an active community and no licensing fees. It is categorised under Relational Databases and published by Oracle. Buyers typically evaluate MySQL when they need a dependable Relational Databases option and want to weigh the trade-offs between free, open-source and paid tools before committing.

MySQL alternatives

If MySQL isn't the right fit, compare these Relational Databases alternatives side by side:

IBM Db2MariaDBMicrosoft SQL ServerOracle DatabasePostgreSQLSQLite

Frequently asked questions

Is MySQL free?
Yes. MySQL is open source and free to use, with no purchase cost for the core product.
What are the best MySQL alternatives?
Popular Relational Databases alternatives to MySQL include IBM Db2, MariaDB, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database. See the full list of Relational Databases on FreeSoftwareX.
What type of software is MySQL?
MySQL is an open-source Relational Databases tool developed by Oracle.

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