SQLite
Embedded file-based SQL database
Postgres
The world's most advanced open-source relational DB
SQLite is an embedded, zero-config, single-file database — perfect for local apps, mobile, edge, and sites with modest write loads. Postgres is a full client/server database for multi-user, concurrent-write production systems. With LiteFS/Turso, SQLite scales further than most people realize.
Pick SQLite when it's embedded (mobile, desktop, edge), low-write, or you want zero ops.
Pick Postgres when you have concurrent writers, need network access, or heavy analytics.
| Feature | 📦SQLite | 🐘Postgres | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup | Zero config, single file | Server install required | A |
| Concurrent writers | One (WAL helps) | Thousands | B |
| Type system | Dynamic (STRICT tables 3.37+) | Strict | B |
| Network access | Local only (Turso/LiteFS for distr.) | Native client/server | B |
| Full-text search | FTS5 built-in | tsvector built-in | Tie |
| Extensions | Some (sqlite-vec, R-Tree) | Huge ecosystem | B |
| File size limit | 281 TB theoretical | Unlimited | Tie |
| Deployment complexity | None | Medium | A |
Setup
ASQLite
Zero config, single file
Postgres
Server install required
Concurrent writers
BSQLite
One (WAL helps)
Postgres
Thousands
Type system
BSQLite
Dynamic (STRICT tables 3.37+)
Postgres
Strict
Network access
BSQLite
Local only (Turso/LiteFS for distr.)
Postgres
Native client/server
Full-text search
TieSQLite
FTS5 built-in
Postgres
tsvector built-in
Extensions
BSQLite
Some (sqlite-vec, R-Tree)
Postgres
Huge ecosystem
File size limit
TieSQLite
281 TB theoretical
Postgres
Unlimited
Deployment complexity
ASQLite
None
Postgres
Medium
Best for
Best for
Use pgloader or sqlite3-to-postgres. Watch out for: INTEGER PRIMARY KEY → SERIAL/IDENTITY, TEXT vs VARCHAR nuances, date functions (strftime is SQLite-only), and boolean storage (SQLite uses 0/1). Expect minor rewrites in ORM-less codebases.
SQLite is an embedded, zero-config, single-file database — perfect for local apps, mobile, edge, and sites with modest write loads. Postgres is a full client/server database for multi-user, concurrent-write production systems. With LiteFS/Turso, SQLite scales further than most people realize. In short: SQLite — Embedded file-based SQL database. Postgres — The world's most advanced open-source relational DB.
Pick SQLite when it's embedded (mobile, desktop, edge), low-write, or you want zero ops.
Pick Postgres when you have concurrent writers, need network access, or heavy analytics.
Use pgloader or sqlite3-to-postgres. Watch out for: INTEGER PRIMARY KEY → SERIAL/IDENTITY, TEXT vs VARCHAR nuances, date functions (strftime is SQLite-only), and boolean storage (SQLite uses 0/1). Expect minor rewrites in ORM-less codebases.
Yes. Both have MCP servers installable via MCPizy (mcpizy install sqlite and mcpizy install postgres). They work identically across Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, and any other MCP-compatible client. You can install both side by side and route queries in your agent's prompt.
Supabase is managed Postgres plus auth, storage, edge functions, and realtime. Plain Postgres gives you the same battle-tested engine without the batteries — you run it yourself. Supabase wins for speed-to-product; Postgres wins for full control and cost at scale.
Both are BaaS offerings. Supabase is Postgres-based (relational, SQL, open-source), Firebase is Firestore-based (NoSQL, proprietary, Google Cloud). Supabase wins if you want SQL, lower lock-in, and predictable pricing. Firebase wins for mobile-first apps tied to Google's ecosystem.
Both are mature open-source relational databases. Postgres has richer SQL (CTEs, window functions, JSON, arrays, extensions), stricter standards compliance, and better for complex analytics. MySQL is simpler, often faster on basic read-heavy workloads, and dominates WordPress/PHP ecosystems.
Not sure? Run both side by side — swap between them in your AI agent with a single config line.