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Postgres vs Readyset

Postgres logo

Postgres

Technology

The world's most advanced open source database

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Readyset logo

Readyset

Databases

Database caching and optimization that reduces infrastructure costs 30-70%

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Postgres each major version is supported for only 5 years after its initial release, after which it is end-of-life; Readyset pricing requires contacting sales team, making cost planning difficult
  • They diverge on capability: Postgres covers ACID compliance, Readyset covers Automatic Query Optimization.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Postgres and Readyset actually diverge.

Attributes where Postgres and Readyset differ
AttributePostgresReadyset
Pricing modelopen-sourceMonthly or annual subscription based on cache size
PlatformsLinux, Windows, Macos, DockerCloud, Self-Hosted
CategoryTechnologyDatabases
Founded1996Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Postgres

  • ACID compliance
  • Complex queries
  • Foreign keys
  • Triggers
  • Views
  • Stored procedures
  • JSON/JSONB support
  • Full-text search

Only in Readyset

  • Automatic Query Optimization
  • SQL-Level Caching
  • Live Incremental Updates
  • Zero-Touch Integration
  • Query Interception
  • AI Query Protection

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Postgres

  • Running a general purpose relational database for applicationsnot Readyset
  • Self-hosting an open source SQL database with no licence feenot Readyset
  • Workloads needing extensions, JSON and full text search in one enginenot Readyset

Readyset

  • Reducing database costs for AI workloads with unpredictable query patternsnot Postgres
  • Improving read performance for frequently accessed data without hardware upgradesnot Postgres
  • Protecting databases from performance degradation caused by agentic queriesnot Postgres
  • Scaling read-heavy applications without database scaling costsnot Postgres

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Postgres

  • Each major version is supported for only 5 years after its initial release, after which it is end-of-life
  • Major version upgrades break on-disk compatibility and require a full dump and reload or the pg_upgrade tool
  • New major versions ship about once a year, so staying supported means a disruptive upgrade cycle
  • Minor releases contain only frequently-encountered bug fixes, low-risk fixes, security issues and data corruption fixes, so feature gaps are not addressed within a major version
  • There is no vendor SLA; commercial support must be bought separately from third party professional services listed by the project

Readyset

  • Pricing requires contacting sales team, making cost planning difficult
  • Specific pricing tiers not disclosed publicly
  • Requires cache size estimation for cost calculation
  • Limited to read query caching, does not address write performance

Pricing, plan by plan

Postgres

Free
  • Community EditionFree
    • Full database features
    • No limitations
    • Community support

Readyset

Free
  • CommunityFree
    • Free tier for evaluation
    • 7-day trial available
  • Readyset CloudFree
    • Fully-managed AWS deployment
    • High availability
    • VPC peering support
  • Readyset PrivateFree
    • Self-hosted on your servers
    • Complete control
    • Custom deployment

Which should you pick?

Choose Postgres if

  • You need acid compliance.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Windows, Macos, Docker.
  • You also want complex queries.
Postgres review

Choose Readyset if

  • You need automatic query optimization.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Cloud, Self-Hosted.
  • You also want sql-level caching.
Readyset review

Questions people ask

Is Postgres or Readyset better?
Neither clearly leads. Postgres starts at Free and Readyset at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Postgres or Readyset?
Postgres starts at Free and Readyset at Free.
Does Postgres or Readyset run on more platforms?
Postgres runs on Linux, Windows, Macos, Docker. Readyset runs on Cloud, Self-Hosted.
Can I use Postgres for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Postgres best used for?
Postgres is most often used for running a general purpose relational database for applications, self-hosting an open source sql database with no licence fee, workloads needing extensions, json and full text search in one engine. Of those, running a general purpose relational database for applications and self-hosting an open source sql database with no licence fee are not what Readyset is typically brought in for.
What can Postgres do that Readyset cannot?
Postgres covers ACID compliance, Complex queries, Foreign keys, Triggers. Readyset covers Automatic Query Optimization, SQL-Level Caching, Live Incremental Updates, Zero-Touch Integration.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Postgres: How much does PostgreSQL cost to use?

PostgreSQL is completely free to download, install, and use. No licensing fees, subscription costs, or per-seat charges apply. The database is open source under the PostgreSQL License. Source: https://www.postgresql.org

Source
Readyset: Do I need to change my application code?

No, Readyset integrates transparently through query interception with zero code changes or schema modifications required.

Source
Postgres: Are there commercial PostgreSQL support options available?

Official PostgreSQL (the project) is free. Commercial PostgreSQL services such as hosting, professional support, training, and managed database services are offered by third-party vendors, not the PostgreSQL project itself. Source: https://www.postgresql.org

Source
Readyset: Is there a free trial?

Yes, Readyset offers a free 7-day trial that lets you test different cache sizes before committing to a paid plan.

Source
Postgres: Do I need a license to use PostgreSQL commercially?

No. PostgreSQL is open source under the PostgreSQL License, which permits free commercial use without royalties, licensing fees, or support obligations. Source: https://www.postgresql.org

Source
Readyset: How does Readyset pricing work?

Readyset is available as a monthly or annual subscription charged based on the size of cache you need. Contact [email protected] for specific pricing.

Source
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