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MongoDB vs PostgreSQL: Key Differences, Similarities, and More

By Mukesh Kumar

Updated on Apr 17, 2025 | 18 min read | 1.3k views

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Did You Know? PostgreSQL was named DBMS of the Year by DB-Engines for its growing use. MongoDB, on the other hand, saw a 20% rise in revenue, hitting $548.4 million in January 2025. Both databases continue to gain strong traction across industries.

MongoDB's flexible document model is ideal for unstructured or evolving data, making it perfect for real-time analytics, IoT, and content management. In contrast, PostgreSQL’s relational model ensures data integrity, complex queries, and transactional consistency, making it essential for financial, logistics, and enterprise systems. 

The key difference is MongoDB's scalability versus PostgreSQL's consistency. But it doesn’t stop there! This article breaks down their core differences and similarities to help you select the right database architecture.

Difference Between MongoDB and PostgreSQL: mongodb vs postgresql

MongoDB is a NoSQL database that stores data in flexible, JSON-like documents, ideal for unstructured data. In contrast, PostgreSQL is a relational database that uses structured tables and SQL for managing data with complex relationships and transactions.

Below is a detailed comparison of MongoDB and PostgreSQL, highlighting key differences across various aspects:

Aspect

MongoDB

PostgreSQL

Data Model Document-based NoSQL using BSON (binary JSON), allowing nested and flexible structures. Relational, using tables, rows, and fixed schemas to enforce structure and relationships.
Schema Schema-less. Documents in collections can have different fields. Schema-bound. Requires predefined table structures and data types.
ACID Compliance ACID-compliant for single-document writes, with multi-document support from version 4.0. Fully ACID-compliant by default, ideal for transactional systems where consistency is critical.
Query Language Custom query language based on JSON syntax. Supports filters and aggregations. SQL-compliant. Supports complex queries, joins, subqueries, and window functions for advanced analytics.
Joins & Relationships No native joins. Requires manual joins or embedded documents for handling relationships. Supports foreign keys, multi-table joins, and relational integrity checks, ensuring strong data relations.
Scalability Horizontally scalable via sharding. Ideal for distributed systems handling large amounts of data. Primarily scales vertically but supports replication and partitioning for scalability.
Indexing Supports compound, geospatial, and full-text indexes for flexible and efficient indexing. Offers a wide variety of indexes (B-tree, GIN, GiST, BRIN) and advanced indexing for complex queries.
Performance Use Case Best for unstructured or semi-structured data, high-write environments like logs and IoT. Best for structured queries, transactional systems, and analytics that require high consistency.
Use Case Fit Ideal for content platforms, mobile apps, product catalogs, and agile MVPs. Best for finance apps, analytics dashboards, ERP systems, and regulated applications.
Tooling & Ecosystem Includes MongoDB Atlas (cloud), Compass GUI, and a growing developer community. Rich ecosystem with tools like pgAdmin, PostGIS, and strong community and enterprise support.

Coverage of AWS, Microsoft Azure and GCP services

Certification8 Months

Job-Linked Program

Bootcamp36 Weeks

Interested in pursuing a career in software and DBMS? upGrad’s software engineering courses provide hands-on experience in building applications and managing databases. Learn how to work with both MongoDB and PostgreSQL to handle diverse data needs and optimize system performance. 

Now let us have a detailed look at both these DBMS, starting with MongoDB. 

What is MongoDB? Core Features and Practical Applications

MongoDB is a document-oriented NoSQL database built to store and manage semi-structured or unstructured data. It uses collections and documents instead of tables and rows, making it easier to work with hierarchical or nested data. This structure is ideal for projects where data formats change frequently or don’t fit neatly into fixed schemas.

Here is a list of the core features of MongoDB: 

  • Document-Based Storage

MongoDB uses BSON format, which supports nested fields and arrays. This structure allows complex data like user profiles, logs, or configuration settings to be stored in one document for easier access and faster retrieval.

Example: A fitness app stores workout history, device logs, and preferences within a single user document.

  • Schema Flexibility

Documents within the same collection can have different fields, making MongoDB suitable for applications with varied or unpredictable inputs. It supports agile development by eliminating the need for fixed schemas.

Example: A content platform where users submit blogs, polls, or image posts, each with unique data formats.

  • Horizontal Scalability

Through sharding, MongoDB distributes data across servers to support large-scale systems with growing workloads. It helps maintain performance under traffic spikes or data-heavy operations.

Example: An e-commerce site stores product data across regions, ensuring fast access for users worldwide.

  • High Availability

Replica sets keep multiple copies of data across servers. If one fails, another steps in automatically without disruption. This setup is essential for apps requiring continuous availability.

Example: Online ticketing systems that must stay live during high-demand periods or maintenance.

  • Advanced Querying

MongoDB supports queries using operators like $gt$in, and $regex, with support for compound, text, and geospatial indexes. These features enable efficient search and filtering. 

Example: A job portal that lets users filter roles by skill, location, and experience.

  • Optimized for Writes

The database handles frequent inserts and updates efficiently due to its asynchronous write model and lack of joins. It’s suitable for applications with constant data generation.

Example: A social media app processing thousands of comments, likes, and shares every second.

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Thanks to these critical features of MongoDB, it has a variety of practical applications in real life.

Practical Use Cases of MongoDB in Modern Applications

MongoDB is widely used in applications that handle flexible, fast-changing, or large-scale data. Here are some of the most common and practical use cases across industries.

Use Case

Application Summary

Example

Content Manage485ment Stores mixed-format content (text, images, metadata) in flexible documents, simplifying how varied data types are managed. Used in news sites, digital magazines, and headless CMSs. Medium uses MongoDB to store articles, tags, authors, and reader data.
E-commerce Platforms Handles diverse product attributes (like size, color, material) in one collection, avoiding the need for rigid schemas or frequent migrations. eBay uses MongoDB for dynamic product catalog management.
IoT Data Collection Efficiently stores high-frequency sensor data thanks to sharding and high write throughput. Bosch uses MongoDB to collect and analyze data from millions of IoT sensors.
Analytics & Event Tracking Fast writes and indexing allow large-scale event logging and user behavior tracking in real time. Amplitude-style analytics dashboards use MongoDB for real-time event logs.
Mobile & Web Apps Supports features like chats, notifications, and user preferences with flexible schemas that adapt to rapid development cycles. Snapchat uses MongoDB to handle messaging and user interaction data.

Also Read: MongoDB Use Cases: Real-World Applications & Features

Having looked at the basics and applications of MongoDB, let us now have a look at the major advantages and disadvantages of the same. 

Key Advantages and Disadvantages of MongoDB

MongoDB offers several advantages, such as scalability, flexibility, and ease of use, making it a popular choice for modern applications. However, it also comes with certain disadvantages, including challenges with data consistency, performance, and complex configurations. 

In this section, we will evaluate both the advantages and disadvantages to help you determine if MongoDB is the right fit for your needs.

Let's take a closer look at the key advantages MongoDB offers for modern applications. 

Advantage

Description

Example

Flexible Data Model Stores data in BSON format with nested fields and arrays, supporting complex data structures. A social platform stores a user’s profile, settings, and post history in one document.
Horizontal Scalability Uses sharding to split data across servers, improving speed and capacity. A global e-commerce app uses sharding to store regional product data separately for fast local access.
High Write Performance Asynchronous writes and no enforced joins allow for quick inserts and updates. A messaging app handles thousands of messages per second without latency spikes.
Rich Queries & Indexes Supports advanced queries using operators like $in, $regex, and geospatial filters. Indexing options include compound, text, and 2dsphere indexes. A job portal filters listings by location, keyword, and industry.
High Availability Replica sets automatically maintain multiple copies of data, ensuring availability during server outages. A flight booking system ensures 24/7 access even during server outages.
Schema Flexibility Documents in a collection can vary in structure, enabling quick updates and iterative development. A content platform accepts articles, videos, or polls—each with its own format.
Developer Tools MongoDB Compass and Atlas simplify deployment, monitoring, and query optimization. Developers can visualize query performance in real-time and adjust indexes accordingly.

While MongoDB offers significant advantages, it's important to address the challenges it presents and explore effective solutions. 

Challenge

Description

Solution

Data Consistency Lacks a fixed schema, which increases the risk of inconsistent data entries. Use schema validation (JSON Schema) and enforce structure in the application layer.
Multi-document Transactions While supported since v4.0, multi-document transactions are still less efficient than in relational databases. Design data models to minimize the need for cross-document operations.
Performance Bottlenecks Without proper indexing, queries can become slow as data grows. Use explain() to analyze queries and apply relevant indexes.
Sharding Setup Complexity Requires careful design of shard keys and system configuration. Use MongoDB Atlas for managed sharding and automatic scaling.
Lack of Native Joins Does not support SQL-style joins across tables. Embed related data in the same document or use manual joins in application code.
Memory Overhead Large datasets with frequent updates can consume significant RAM. Monitor memory usage and optimize with storage engine tuning and index management.
Not Ideal for Relational Models Complex inter-table relationships are hard to manage without native joins. For hybrid apps, combine MongoDB with a relational DB for relational-heavy components.

Also Read: MongoDB Trends 2025: Advantages, Improvements & Challenges

While MongoDB offers flexibility through its document-based approach, many applications still rely on structured, relational databases. That’s where PostgreSQL comes in, with its strong data integrity and support for complex relationships.

What is PostgreSQL? Features and Use Cases

PostgreSQL is an open-source relational database known for its ACID compliance, strong performance, and reliable handling of structured data. It uses tables, rows, and predefined schemas, which are ideal for applications requiring consistent transactions and complex data relationships. PostgreSQL also supports SQL standards, custom types, and procedural languages.

Major features of PostgreSQL include: 

  • ACID Compliance: Ensures secure, consistent transactions with rollback support.
  • Complex Query Support: Handles joins, subqueries, and window functions for analytics.
  • Foreign Keys & Constraints: Maintains strict relationships and data integrity.
  • Extensibility: Allows custom types, operators, and support for PL/pgSQL or Python.
  • Indexing Options: Includes B-tree, GIN, GiST, BRIN, and full-text indexes.
  • Concurrency Control: Uses MVCC for efficient multi-user access.
  • JSON Support: Handles semi-structured data within a relational model.

Also Read: How to Use B-Trees in Big Data Systems?

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Let us now have a look at the practical applications of PostgreSQL. 

Practical Use Cases of PostgreSQL in Data Management

PostgreSQL is widely used in applications that demand structured data, transactional consistency, and complex queries. From financial systems to analytics dashboards, its strong relational features make it suitable for enterprise and regulatory environments. 

Here are the practical use cases of PostgreSQL:

Use Case

Application Summary

ERP and Financial Systems Maintains structured financial data with ACID compliance and referential integrity. Used in platforms like SAP, Xero, and QuickBooks for invoicing, payroll, and ledger tracking.
Healthcare Applications Handles medical records, prescriptions, and diagnostics with access control and audit logging. Used in EMR systems like Epic and lab platforms that require HIPAA-compliant storage.
Analytics Dashboards Supports complex aggregations, window functions, and joins for real-time insights. Commonly integrated with tools like Tableau, Apache Superset, and Metabase for reporting and KPIs.
E-commerce Platforms Manages structured records for product listings, customer profiles, transactions, and shipping. Powers large-scale platforms such as WooCommerce and custom Magento backends.
Government/Regulated Systems Ensures strict data accuracy, traceability, and audit readiness. Used in public services like tax filing systems (e.g., India’s GSTN), electoral rolls, and licensing databases.
Hybrid JSON Workflows Combines structured tables with flexible JSON fields. Suitable for applications like CMS platforms or product configuration databases, allowing dynamic attribute storage with relational consistency.

Also Read: How to Open a JSON File? A Complete Guide on Creating and Reading JSON

Having looked at the basics and applications of PostgreSQL, let us now have a look at the major advantages and disadvantages of the same. 

 PostgreSQL Pros and Cons: Key Considerations for Developers

PostgreSQL is a powerful, open-source relational database known for its robustness and versatility. While it offers a wide range of features suited for complex data management, it also has its own set of limitations to consider. 

In this section, we'll explore the key advantages and cons of PostgreSQL, followed by its potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.

Let’s start with the pros! 

Advantage

Description

Example

Strong Data Integrity Enforces rules with constraints, triggers, and foreign keys. Essential for industries like banking where accuracy is critical. Financial institutions rely on PostgreSQL to ensure transaction data integrity.
Advanced Query Capabilities Supports complex joins, CTEs, subqueries, and aggregations. Perfect for BI dashboards and analytical tasks. Used in reporting tools like Tableau for real-time business intelligence.
Extensible Architecture Allows custom data types, operators, and functions, supporting domain-specific use cases. PostgreSQL is used in GIS applications like PostGIS for geospatial data.
MVCC for Concurrency Ensures consistent views during concurrent transactions, preventing data locking in multi-user environments. Used by high-traffic platforms like e-commerce sites where many users access the system simultaneously.
Standards Compliance Adheres to ANSI SQL, making it easier for developers familiar with SQL-based tools. Widely adopted by enterprise systems for structured data management.
JSON Support Handles flexible schemas within a structured setup. Ideal for dealing with custom configurations. Used by social media platforms to store user preferences alongside relational data.
Community and Tooling Offers a large ecosystem with tools like PgAdmin and PostGIS for development and monitoring. Popular in academic research and geospatial applications.

While PostgreSQL offers numerous advantages, it also comes with certain limitations that need to be considered.

Con

Description

Example

Performance Tuning Complexity Heavy queries need tuning to avoid performance issues. Companies like Spotify optimize PostgreSQL by using read replicas to handle large datasets efficiently.
Vertical Scaling Limits Primarily relies on scaling up rather than horizontal sharding. Large enterprises with massive datasets may face bottlenecks without optimizing vertical scaling.
Learning Curve for Advanced Features Advanced functions, like window queries and stored procedures, require time to learn. New developers might struggle with advanced SQL features used for complex data analytics.
Less Native Support for High-Writes Requires tuning for write-heavy applications. E-commerce platforms with high-frequency transactions may need special configuration to handle write loads efficiently.
Not Designed for Schema-Less Use Struggles with dynamic data models, which require rigid schemas. Applications like content management systems may require additional workarounds or hybrid architectures.
Replication Setup Complexity Setting up replication and failover can be complex for beginners. Small startups might face challenges in setting up a robust replication strategy without additional help.

MongoDB and PostgreSQL share common ground and similarities. Looking at these similarities helps in identifying cases where either can work, depending on how the project is structured.

MongoDB vs PostgreSQL: Key Similarities Explained

MongoDB and PostgreSQL, while different in structure, share several key similarities that make them both powerful database solutions. Here's a detailed comparison of their shared features:

  • Indexing Support: Both offer advanced indexing, with MongoDB using compound, text, and geospatial indexes, while PostgreSQL supports B-tree, GIN, GiST, and BRIN indexes. MongoDB is faster for full-text and geospatial searches, whereas PostgreSQL handles complex queries and large data sets more efficiently due to its indexing system.
  • ACID Compliance: PostgreSQL is fully ACID-compliant by default, ensuring reliable transactions. MongoDB supports ACID for single and multi-document operations since version 4.0, making it suitable for transactional applications but with more flexibility than relational systems.
  • Data Consistency: MongoDB uses write and read concern settings for consistency, allowing for tunable consistency levels. PostgreSQL enforces strict data consistency via schemas and transactions, ensuring data integrity across complex systems. 
  • Scalability: MongoDB supports horizontal scalability through sharding, which makes it well-suited for large, distributed systems. PostgreSQL scales vertically through partitioning and replication, but requires more careful configuration for high scalability.
  • Cross-Platform and Open Source: Both databases are open-source and cross-platform. They have managed cloud solutions like MongoDB Atlas and PostgreSQL on AWS, Azure, or GCP, making deployment and maintenance easier.
  • Language and Tooling Support: MongoDB and PostgreSQL support popular programming languages (Python, Java, Node.js) and integrate well with data tools and ORMs. MongoDB has a wider variety of drivers, while PostgreSQL offers more comprehensive support for advanced data analytics.

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  • Analytical Workloads: MongoDB is ideal for high-speed inserts and handling event-driven data, such as log collection. PostgreSQL excels in analytics, offering robust tools for joins, views, and materialized views, which makes it the go-to for in-depth analysis.
  • Hybrid Application Use: Companies often use MongoDB to handle unstructured data (such as logs or user activity) and PostgreSQL for structured data (like customer orders and payments). This hybrid approach ensures efficiency and scalability.
  • APIs and Microservices: MongoDB works well for APIs handling dynamic, unstructured data, whereas PostgreSQL is ideal for structured APIs with defined relationships and constraints, particularly in microservices that rely on strong data consistency.
  • Cloud-Native Deployments: Both MongoDB and PostgreSQL offer managed services for production-ready applications. They support monitoring, scaling, and backup, making them suitable for cloud-based, high-availability deployments.

Also Read: AWS Vs Azure: Which Cloud Computing Platform is Right For You?

Once the overlaps are clear, the final step is deciding which database fits your needs better. The next section breaks down when to choose MongoDB or PostgreSQL based on project goals, data types, and technical requirements.

Which Is Best: MongoDB vs PostgreSQL?

Choosing between MongoDB vs PostgreSQL depends on your application’s data needs, development pace, and performance expectations. Below are clear situations where one may be better than the other.

When to Choose MongoDB? 

MongoDB is ideal for projects requiring flexibility, rapid iteration, and handling semi-structured or dynamic data. It supports fast development and distributed architectures.

  • Flexible Schema Requirements

Ideal for projects with unpredictable or dynamic data formats. MongoDB’s schema-less nature allows easy handling of variable data types.

Example: A blogging platform where each article can have different metadata like author, tags, or categories.

  • High Write Throughput

It performs well under heavy write loads due to its support for asynchronous writes.

Example: An activity tracking app that logs thousands of user actions per second, such as fitness data or social media interactions.

  • Horizontal Scalability

Sharding enables MongoDB to distribute data across multiple servers, making it suitable for applications that require horizontal scaling.

Example: An e-commerce platform that stores product data across different geographical regions to serve users globally with low latency.

  • Document-Oriented Data

Its document model allows storing data in JSON-like documents, which is perfect for hierarchical or nested structures.

Example: A content management system (CMS) storing articles, media, and comments in a single document, ensuring seamless content retrieval.

  • Fast Iteration and Prototyping

MongoDB’s schema flexibility accelerates the development cycle, making it ideal for rapid prototyping and MVPs.

Example: A startup testing an MVP where features change frequently, such as an app for event planning with dynamic input fields.

Let us now have a look at situations where PostgreSQL is more suitable. 

When to Choose PostgreSQL?

PostgreSQL is preferred for applications requiring structured data, strong data integrity, and advanced query capabilities. It excels in transactional systems and analytics.

  • Structured and Relational Data

Ensures consistent relationships between tables using foreign keys.

Example: A student management system linking students, courses, and grades.

  • Complex Queries and Transactions

Supports multi-step queries, ACID compliance, and rollback.

Example: A banking app managing user balances and transaction history.

  • Analytics and Reporting

Efficient with aggregate functions, joins, and materialized views.

Example: A dashboard that pulls financial summaries across departments.

  • Strict Data Consistency

Guarantees accurate updates and prevents data anomalies.

Example: A hospital records system where patient data must remain intact.

  • Strong SQL Support

Ideal for teams familiar with standard SQL workflows.

Example: A retail chain generating detailed inventory and sales reports.

Both these databases have their own pros and use cases. Thus, deciding which is best, MongoDB vs PostgreSQ,L is completely up to you and your requirements. If you’d like to learn more about these databases, consider checking out upGrad. 

How Can upGrad Help You Build Expertise in MongoDB vs PostgreSQL?

Choosing between MongoDB and PostgreSQL depends on your project's specific needs. Opt for MongoDB if you require flexibility and scalability for handling large, unstructured data sets. On the other hand, PostgreSQL is ideal for projects requiring strong data integrity, complex queries, and relational data management.

 upGrad’s courses can guide you in mastering both databases, helping you make the right choice for your career.

Here are some of the top courses to help you out! 

If you're uncertain about how to start your career in software development, upGrad offers personalized counseling to guide you in the right direction. You can also visit your nearest upGrad center for in-person support!

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Reference Links:
https://www.webcreek.com/en/blog/software-development/the-most-popular-databases-used-in-2025/
https://www.bytebase.com/blog/postgres-vs-mongodb/
https://www.morningstar.com/news/globe-newswire/9360601/edb-postgres-ai-significantly-outperforms-oracle-sql-server-mongodb-and-mysql-in-new-benchmark-study
https://www.astera.com/knowledge-center/mongodb-vs-postgresql/
https://www.yugabyte.com/blog/postgresql-top-choice-in-2025/

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main difference between MongoDB and PostgreSQL?

2.Which one is better for large-scale applications?

3.Is MongoDB ACID-compliant like PostgreSQL?

4. Which is easier to learn for beginners?

5. Can MongoDB handle structured data like PostgreSQL?

6. Which one performs better for analytics and reporting?

7. Is one more secure than the other?

8.Can I use both MongoDB and PostgreSQL in the same project?

9. How do their query languages differ?

10. Which is better for cloud deployment?

11. When should I switch from one to the other?

Mukesh Kumar

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