Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
For local development on macOS, use the same database engine—and preferably the same major version—that your application and deployment environment require. If either engine is genuinely an option, decide based on your app’s compatibility, the features it uses, and the local installation and service workflow that suits your team. Neither MySQL nor PostgreSQL is a universal winner, and the available documentation does not establish a general performance advantage.
Start with the application’s production target
A local database is part of your development environment, not a generic substitute for the one your app will use in production. If deployment specifies MySQL or PostgreSQL, use that engine locally. Match the required major version where practical, then check the app’s drivers, framework behavior, migrations, and any engine-specific SQL or schema features.
When a project has not settled on an engine, compare the actual features and workflows it needs rather than choosing by reputation. The official documentation cited here describes particular capabilities and installation options; it does not provide a benchmark or an overall ranking for every application.
How the macOS installation workflows differ
PostgreSQL: several supported routes
The PostgreSQL macOS packages page lists an EDB interactive installer, Postgres.app, Homebrew, MacPorts, and Fink. The EDB installer includes the server, pgAdmin, and StackBuilder. Postgres.app is a native menu-bar app: opening it makes a server available for connections, and closing it shuts the server down. Homebrew and the other package-manager routes may fit better if you prefer to manage development tools through an existing package workflow.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The PostgreSQL page shows brew install postgresql@15 as a versioned example. Treat it as an illustration, not a recommendation to install PostgreSQL 15: check the application’s required version and current release and macOS support before selecting a package.
MySQL: native package or archive
Oracle’s MySQL native macOS package instructions describe a DMG/package flow that configures a root password and lets you choose whether the server starts after setup. The documented package layout uses a version- and platform-specific directory under /usr/local and a /usr/local/mysql symlink; check the instructions for the version you intend to install rather than assuming every release uses an identical layout.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
MySQL also documents installation from a compressed TAR archive, which can place the server in a chosen location without administrator privileges. That flexibility comes with more manual setup. Confirm that the archive’s current-version instructions support your macOS version before using this route.
Choose a service workflow you can reproduce
Postgres.app’s open-to-start and close-to-stop behavior is convenient when you want a visible, app-managed server lifecycle. An installer or package-manager workflow may suit developers who want setup and service management integrated with their other development tools. MySQL’s package installer offers a startup choice during configuration. For a team, standardize the engine, version, setup instructions, and service behavior so a new developer can recreate the environment reliably.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Avoid conflicting MySQL installations
Do not casually install MySQL once through Homebrew and again through Oracle’s native package. The MySQL macOS installation notes say the package installer does not recognize Homebrew installations as upgrade targets. Separate installations can run from different locations and try to bind the same ports. If you are switching to the native installer, follow Oracle’s guidance to stop the Homebrew service first. Keep multiple installations only when you intentionally manage their data directories, service lifecycles, and port configuration.
Compare the database features your application actually uses
Transactions and InnoDB
Do not treat MySQL as lacking transactional features. The MySQL 8.4 InnoDB documentation lists transactions, foreign-key support, row-level locking, multiversion concurrency control (MVCC), and B-tree indexes among InnoDB’s capabilities. This is specifically about MySQL using InnoDB; it is not a performance comparison with PostgreSQL.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
JSON query and indexing patterns
If your application stores queryable JSON, compare how it needs to filter and index that data. MySQL supports a JSON data type, but its CREATE TABLE documentation says JSON columns cannot be indexed directly. One documented approach is to create an indexed generated column that extracts a scalar value from JSON; using that index depends on the query expression matching appropriately.
PostgreSQL 18 documents GIN indexes for JSONB, including an indexing example in its JSON data documentation. These are different documented approaches, not proof that one is faster or better for every JSON workload. Check the operators, queries, and indexes your application actually uses.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Make the choice with a short project checklist
- Engine and version: What does production use, and what versions do the application and deployment support?
- Compatibility: Do the project’s drivers, framework, migrations, schema, and SQL rely on engine-specific behavior?
- Data features: Does the app depend on particular JSON query or indexing patterns, or other engine-specific features?
- Installation: Do you want a graphical installer or app, or a package-managed setup? For MySQL, avoid overlapping native and Homebrew installations unless you manage the conflict deliberately.
- Team reproducibility: Can teammates follow the same documented setup, start and stop the service consistently, and use the intended version?
If both engines satisfy the project’s requirements, choose the one that makes the required setup and development workflow easiest for your team to reproduce. Revisit the decision if the app’s production target or feature requirements change.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
