My rating
9/10
Pricing
Free & Paid plans
Category
Database
Last reviewed
9 Jun 2026
What it is
MySQL is the world's most popular open-source relational database, and the one I reach for in almost every Laravel project. It pairs perfectly with Eloquent, every managed host and panel supports it, and after years of production use I trust its behaviour completely. For typical web and SaaS apps it's fast, well-understood and battle-tested.
MySQL Relational Laravel SQL Open Source
Why I use it
As a Laravel engineer, MySQL is my go-to for most client projects — Eloquent migrations, cheap managed hosting and a huge community mean fewer surprises in production. I only move to Postgres-based options when a project genuinely needs their extras.
Best for
- Laravel and PHP web apps
- Typical SaaS and business systems
Alternatives I'd consider
Setting this up for your project?
I can integrate it properly or recommend a better fit for your case. Let's talk.
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