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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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.
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. |
Now let us have a detailed look at both these DBMS, starting with MongoDB.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thanks to these critical features of MongoDB, it has a variety of practical applications in real life.
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.
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.
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:
Also Read: How to Use B-Trees in Big Data Systems?
Let us now have a look at the practical applications of PostgreSQL.
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 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 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ensures consistent relationships between tables using foreign keys.
Example: A student management system linking students, courses, and grades.
Supports multi-step queries, ACID compliance, and rollback.
Example: A banking app managing user balances and transaction history.
Efficient with aggregate functions, joins, and materialized views.
Example: A dashboard that pulls financial summaries across departments.
Guarantees accurate updates and prevents data anomalies.
Example: A hospital records system where patient data must remain intact.
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.
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.
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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/
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