SQLite vs PostgreSQL

by Gralio Feb 27, 2025

SQLite and PostgreSQL cater to distinct database needs. SQLite prioritizes ease of use and portability, while PostgreSQL offers power and scalability. Choose SQLite for simplicity and local applications; choose PostgreSQL for robust, enterprise-level applications.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 1365 reviews and 60 websites, saving 8 hours, 5 minutes of reading.

SQLite

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PostgreSQL

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About

SQLite is a self-contained database system that requires no setup or server management. SQLite Cloud builds upon this by offering a way to synchronize and scale your SQLite databases across multiple devices and servers. This allows you to build applications that work reliably even when offline, while still being able to handle large amounts of data and users.

PostgreSQL is a reliable, open-source database system businesses use to store and manage their data. Known for its reliability and performance, it's suitable for a wide range of needs, from single computers to large-scale data storage for multiple users. PostgreSQL is free to use and is backed by a large community of developers.

Summary

Main difference

SQLite excels for its lightweight, serverless architecture, making it ideal for local applications and devices. PostgreSQL, conversely, is better suited for larger, multi-user environments requiring robust features and scalability.

Relative strengths of SQLite (compared to PostgreSQL)

Simple setup and portability ideal for individual developers or small teams.
Serverless architecture reduces operational overhead and simplifies deployment.
Cost-effective for smaller projects, with a free tier and competitive pricing for cloud synchronization.

Relative weaknesses of SQLite (compared to PostgreSQL)

Limited scalability compared to PostgreSQL, making it less suitable for large datasets or high-traffic applications.
Fewer advanced features and administrative tools than PostgreSQL.
Simpler security features may require additional measures for sensitive data.

Who should use SQLite VS. PostgreSQL

SQLite and SQLite Cloud offer a lightweight, serverless database solution ideal for developers building scalable, synchronizable applications. Users praise its ease of use and portability but note limitations in size and complex applications. Consider SQLite if you need a portable, easy-to-use database and can manage potential size limitations.

PostgreSQL is a powerful, open-source database solution known for its reliability and performance. Users appreciate its ability to handle large datasets efficiently and its strong community support. However, some find the initial setup complex and the CPU usage somewhat high. It's ideal for businesses of all sizes needing a robust and cost-effective database.

Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, especially software companies.
Best fit for IT and software development companies building scalable applications.

Excellent fit for small, medium, and large businesses.
An ideal fit for businesses in IT and suitable for those in finance, e-commerce, retail, education, and government.

SQLite and PostgreSQL features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Data encryption

Partially supported

Data at rest can be encrypted using external tools. Data in transit is not supported.

Supported

PostgreSQL supports encryption in transit via SSL/TLS and at rest via extensions or external tools.
Object-relational database

Partially supported

SQLite is not an ORDBMS, but can be used with ORM tools.

Supported

PostgreSQL is an object-relational database management system (ORDBMS).
Cloud Data Backup

Supported

SQLite Cloud offers automated backups to secure cloud storage for Pro and Scale projects.

Partially supported

PostgreSQL supports cloud backups via third-party integrations.
SQL support

Supported

SQLite supports SQL for querying data, including SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE.

Supported

PostgreSQL, as offered via EDB on AWS Marketplace, fully supports SQL querying.
PL/SQL support

Not supported

PL/SQL is not supported.

Not supported

PostgreSQL does not support PL/SQL for querying Oracle databases. It uses its own procedural language, PL/pgSQL.
Standard SQL support

Supported

SQLite supports most standard SQL syntax, but lacks some advanced features.

Supported

PostgreSQL supports standard SQL syntax and implements many of the features required by the SQL standard.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

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No data
Customer Service

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Ease of Use

No data

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Reliability and Performance

No data

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Ease of Implementation

No data

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Scalability

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SQLite and PostgreSQL Pricing

SQLite Cloud is currently in beta and offers a free Sandbox plan with limited resources for prototypes and hobby apps. Paid plans are not yet available, but the Pro plan is expected to be priced at $29 per project per month, while the Scale plan will offer custom pricing. Please note that pricing may change during the beta phase.

Plans

See full Pricing page

No data

We couldn't find a pricing page for PostgreSQL.

SQLite and PostgreSQL review insights

Users love

Lightweight and portable.
Easy to setup and use.
Serverless.
Free and open-source.
Cross-platform compatibility.

Open-source database
Easy to install and configure
Handles large datasets efficiently
Fast querying time
Strong community support

Users dislike

Limited database size.
Not suitable for large or complex applications.
Single-process writes can cause performance bottlenecks.
Security features are limited.
Some SQL features are not fully implemented.

Consumes somewhat higher CPU usage so that efficiency is a bit low
Initial setup is not straightforward.
Limited GUI tools.
PostgreSQL may have slower performance than other RDBMS like SQL Server and MySQL.

SQLite and PostgreSQL Ratings

G2

4.3/5

(256)
Capterra

4.4/5

(117)

G2

4.4/5

(635)
Capterra

4.6/5

(360)

Company health

Employee growth

No data

1% increase in the last year

Web traffic

188% increase in the last quarter

2% decrease in the last quarter

Financing

April 2023 - $5M

No data

How important is offline data synchronization capability?

Offline data synchronization is a critical differentiator for SQLite, making it suitable for applications requiring offline functionality. PostgreSQL, a traditional server-based database, does not inherently offer this capability. Therefore, if offline data access and synchronization are essential requirements, SQLite's cloud synchronization features become a significant advantage.

Which database is better for large-scale, high-performance needs?

PostgreSQL is better suited for large-scale, high-performance needs. While SQLite with SQLite Cloud offers synchronization and scaling, its architecture and user feedback suggest limitations in handling large or complex applications. PostgreSQL is known for its robust architecture, ability to handle large datasets and complex queries efficiently, and strong community support. User reviews highlight its performance capabilities, making it a more suitable choice for demanding applications.

What are the advantages of SQLite?

SQLite's advantages are its lightweight and portable nature, ease of setup and use, serverless architecture, and being free and open-source. It also offers cross-platform compatibility, making it suitable for a variety of applications, especially those requiring offline functionality coupled with cloud synchronization via SQLite Cloud.

What are the disadvantages of SQLite?

SQLite's disadvantages include limited database size, making it unsuitable for large or complex applications. Its single-process writes can create performance bottlenecks. Security features are limited compared to other database systems, and some SQL features are not fully implemented.

Alternatives to SQLite and PostgreSQL

Microsoft SQL Server

Microsoft SQL Server is a database management system for businesses of all sizes. It helps you analyze various types of data and can be used in multiple environments, including on your servers and in the cloud. SQL Server offers high performance and strong security features. It allows developers to build applications using different programming languages and provides mobile business intelligence tools.

MariaDB

MariaDB is a popular, free alternative to traditional database software. Developed by the creators of MySQL, it's known for its strong performance, reliability, and open-source nature. MariaDB is highly adaptable, working well for both transaction-heavy tasks (like processing orders) and analyzing large datasets. It's commonly used by companies of all sizes and is a key part of many cloud computing services. Notably, MariaDB offers similar features as more expensive database products but without the high cost.

MySQL

MySQL is the world's most popular open-source relational database. It's a reliable and robust system used by companies of all sizes to store and manage data. MySQL offers a range of solutions from free downloads to enterprise-level packages with advanced features and support. Known for its flexibility and performance, MySQL is a popular choice for web applications, data analysis, and more.

CouchDB

CouchDB is a database designed to be reliable and easy to use with web and mobile applications. It stores data in a way that makes it accessible even offline, syncing back up when a connection is available. CouchDB can be used on anything from a single server to large clusters for demanding projects, making it suitable for different scales of data storage. It is a particularly good choice for applications where offline access and data synchronization are important.

MongoDB

MongoDB is a popular database that stores information in flexible documents instead of rigid tables. This makes it easy for developers to work with and allows for changes as your needs evolve. It's designed for modern applications and scales easily to handle large amounts of data. MongoDB is used by companies of all sizes and industries, particularly for managing customer data, online content, and real-time analytics.

MongoDB Atlas

MongoDB Atlas is a cloud-based database service that's easy for developers to use. It allows you to store information in flexible formats that are like digital filing cabinets. It's designed for businesses of all sizes and can handle various data needs. MongoDB Atlas is reliable, adapts to changes easily, and can grow with your company's needs by spreading information across multiple servers.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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