PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL is an open-source object-relational database, not a leftover slogan page. 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 unverified. github.com/postgres/postgres had 21,814 stars. There is no first-party dollar seat.
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.
- 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.
Pricing
postgresql.org and GitHub on 2026-08-18.
| Piece | Price | Notes from first-party pages |
|---|---|---|
| PostgreSQL | $0 | PostgreSQL License. Download packages or source. |
| GitHub mirror | 21,814 stars | github.com/postgres/postgres. Not the only source tree. |
| Hosted Postgres | Confirm the host | Supabase / Neon / cloud vendor seats are other products. |
If a leftover blog still calls it an unverified BSD slogan, treat this table as the source.
Getting Started
- Open postgresql.org and note 18.6 / 14 EOL.
- Confirm pgvector only if you need embeddings in SQL.
- Confirm Supabase if you wanted a hosted seat.
- 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
- Quote 18.6 and the PostgreSQL License from the 2026-08-18 check.
- Split core Postgres from pgvector and from hosted seats.
- Confirm 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.
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