PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL is an open-source object-relational database, not a leftover slogan page. Rechecked 2026-08-18: postgresql.org still calls it the world's most advanced open source relational database, with over 35 years of development. Latest posted releases that day: 18.6, 17.11, 16.15, 15.19, 14.24, plus 19 Beta 3. postgresql.org/about/licence is the PostgreSQL License (BSD/MIT-like), not a generic "BSD product" claim we left unaudited. github.com/postgres/postgres had 21,814 stars. There is no first-party dollar seat. Drop leftover copy that never printed a current release or the actual license page.

Compare pgvector if you wanted vectors inside Postgres, Supabase if you wanted a hosted Postgres with Auth/Storage, and MySQL if you wanted Oracle's GPLv2 community server instead.

Key Features

• Current line is 18.x: Homepage listed 18.6 on 2026-08-13. PostgreSQL 14 stops receiving fixes on November 12, 2026. Do not freeze an undated "most advanced" essay.
• License is PostgreSQL License: Similar to BSD/MIT, no fee, no written agreement required on the official licence page. Do not invent a paid core SKU.
• Vectors are an extension: pgvector is separate. Core Postgres is still SQL, MVCC, and extensions.
• Hosts are other products: Supabase, Neon, and cloud vendors sell seats. Those dollars are not PostgreSQL.org prices.

Use Cases

• People who will self-host packages from postgresql.org/download.
• Teams that will add pgvector later instead of starting on a dedicated vector DB.
• People comparing Postgres vs MySQL after they see 21,814 mirror stars vs 12,382.

Limitation: Community support is docs, lists, and commercial firms listed on postgresql.org/support. We did not invent a Foundation SaaS seat.

Pricing

postgresql.org and GitHub on 2026-08-18.

If a leftover blog still calls it an unaudited BSD slogan, treat this table as the source.

Getting Started

1. Open postgresql.org and note 18.6 / 14 EOL.
2. Recheck pgvector only if you need embeddings in SQL.
3. Recheck Supabase if you wanted a hosted seat.
4. Do not paste "world's most advanced" as a benchmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it free?

Yes. PostgreSQL License. You pay machines or a host.

Is the license BSD?

The official page says PostgreSQL License, similar to BSD or MIT. Quote that page.

Same as Supabase?

No. Supabase is a hosted Postgres platform. This page is the database.

Alternatives

• MySQL: Oracle-sponsored GPLv2 community server plus HeatWave cloud.
• Supabase: Hosted Postgres BaaS.
• pgvector: Vector extension, not a replacement database.
• Neon: Serverless Postgres host.

Tips

1. Quote 18.6 and the PostgreSQL License from the 2026-08-18 check.
2. Split core Postgres from pgvector and from hosted seats.
3. Recheck 14's November 12, 2026 EOL before you leave a cluster there.

Conclusion

PostgreSQL is a PostgreSQL-licensed relational database with a live 18.6 line, not a leftover BSD slogan page. Start at postgresql.org, then decide whether pgvector or Supabase already covers the product shape you need.