Updated for 2026

RedisvsMySQL

Not sure which fits your workflow in 2026? Compare pricing, features, and trade-offs — then switch tools below to explore more options in this category.

Category
Tool A
Tool B

dev-database

Redis

Redis is the default in-memory data platform for caching, sessions, pub/sub, and low-latency application state.

Visit Redis

dev-database

MySQL

MySQL is the classic open-source relational database — a default choice for SQL apps, CMS stacks, and managed cloud offerings.

Visit MySQL

Basics

FeatureRedisMySQL
Released20091995
CompanyRedis Ltd.Oracle
CountryUnited StatesUnited States
Region / AvailabilitySelf-host / multi-cloudSelf-host / multi-cloud

Pricing comparison

PlanRedisMySQL
Modelopen-sourceopen-source
Free tierYesYes
Starts at$0/mo$0/mo
Plan 1Open Source / CE: FreeCommunity: Free
Plan 2Redis Cloud: Usage-basedEnterprise: Commercial support

Feature checklist

FeatureRedisMySQL
Open Source✓https://github.com/redis/redis✓https://github.com/mysql
Self-host Option✓✓
ACIDAtomic commands; MULTI/EXEC is not full RDBMS ACIDFull ACID with InnoDB
Index SupportSecondary indexes via Redis Query / RediSearch; sorted setsB-tree, full-text, spatial; covering indexes
ConcurrencyVery high ops/sec; single-threaded command execution per shardStrong row-level locking / MVCC-style reads
ScalabilityCluster mode sharding + replicasVertical + replicas; clustering / Group Replication
SQL Support✗✓
Postgres Compatible✗✗
Serverless Database✗✗
Vector Search✓✗
Realtime✓✗
Built-in Auth✗✗
Blob / File Storage✗✗
Edge Compatible✓✗
AI SQL / NL Query✗✗
AI Schema Assist✗✗
AI Agent / MCP✗✗
Team Collaboration✓✓
Use CaseIn-memory cache, sessions, queues, pub/sub, and real-time structuresClassic OLTP relational database for web apps and CMS backends

Pros & cons

Redis

  • Extremely fast in-memory performance
  • Versatile data structures for caching and queues
  • Wide client and cloud hosting ecosystem
  • Not a primary relational system of record
  • Memory cost and persistence trade-offs
  • Licensing / product naming has evolved

MySQL

  • Ubiquitous skills and tooling ecosystem
  • Battle-tested for OLTP web workloads
  • Easy to self-host or buy managed MySQL
  • Not Postgres-compatible
  • Fewer modern branching/serverless DX features than Neon-class hosts
  • Advanced features often need careful ops

Dimension scores

Editorial 0–10 scores across shared dimensions — higher is better for that axis.

DimensionRedisMySQL
Capability
8.8
8.5
Privacy
8.5
9.0
Value
9.0
9.5
Depth
8.0
8.5
Ecosystem
9.5
9.5
DX
8.5
8.0
CapabilityPrivacyValueDepthEcosystemDX
  • Redis
  • MySQL

FAQ

Is Redis better than MySQL? (2026)

It depends on workflow. Redis emphasizes in-memory data store used for caching, queues, sessions, and real-time structures. MySQL emphasizes the world’s most popular open-source relational database for web and app backends. Use the feature checklist above for your stack.

Which use cases fit Redis vs MySQL?
  • Redis: In-memory cache, sessions, queues, pub/sub, and real-time structures
  • MySQL: Classic OLTP relational database for web apps and CMS backends
What are the main differences between Redis and MySQL?
  • ACID: Redis (Atomic commands; MULTI/EXEC is not full RDBMS ACID) vs MySQL (Full ACID with InnoDB)
  • Index Support: Redis (Secondary indexes via Redis Query / RediSearch; sorted sets) vs MySQL (B-tree, full-text, spatial; covering indexes)
  • Concurrency: Redis (Very high ops/sec; single-threaded command execution per shard) vs MySQL (Strong row-level locking / MVCC-style reads)
  • Scalability: Redis (Cluster mode sharding + replicas) vs MySQL (Vertical + replicas; clustering / Group Replication)
  • SQL Support: Redis (no) vs MySQL (yes)
How do Redis and MySQL compare on pricing?

Redis pricing overview:

  • Has a free tier
  • Pricing model: open source
  • Starting from ~$0/mo
  • Plan Open Source / CE: Free
  • Plan Redis Cloud: Usage-based

MySQL pricing overview:

  • Has a free tier
  • Pricing model: open source
  • Starting from ~$0/mo
  • Plan Community: Free
  • Plan Enterprise: Commercial support

Always verify current prices on the vendor site before buying.

Do Redis and MySQL offer a free tier?
  • Redis: Has a free tier
  • MySQL: Has a free tier
Are Redis and MySQL open source?
  • Redis: yes
  • MySQL: yes
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Related alternatives

Redis alternatives

MySQL alternatives

Disclaimer:Not Financial or Investment Advice, Educational/Dev Tool Comparison Only. Information may change; always verify pricing on the vendor site before purchasing.