PostgreSQL vs MongoDB: Which is better for web apps?
Choosing a database shouldn't be based on vibes. We compare speed and JSONB flexibility to help you pick the right engine for your next application.
Best quote from PostgreSQL vs MongoDB: Which is better for web apps?
The 2026 verdict is that Postgres has essentially consumed the document-store use case for 90% of web apps. It is the boring, reliable, and shockingly fast choice that survives every trend.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
How Postgres and Mongo DB differ and how they are the same. What solution is better for web apps?
Frequently Asked Questions
In tests involving one million rows, PostgreSQL 17 handled complex analytical aggregations nearly three times faster than MongoDB 8.0. This performance gap is largely due to PostgreSQL’s sophisticated cost-based query planner, which is designed to manage complex relationships and joins with high efficiency. While MongoDB’s aggregation pipelines have improved, they often struggle with operations that span multiple entities because the engine was originally optimized for single-record isolation rather than complex relational stitching.
The two systems use different storage mechanics that impact performance during write-heavy workloads. PostgreSQL uses Multi-Version Concurrency Control (MVCC), which creates a new version of an entire row even when only a small field within a JSONB document is updated, leading to "write amplification" and increased CPU usage. In contrast, MongoDB’s WiredTiger engine can often modify specific fields within a BSON document without rewriting the entire record, resulting in steadier throughput and more predictable latency during sustained update stress tests.
The hybrid model involves using PostgreSQL to store core entities in strict relational columns while using the JSONB data type for flexible metadata or variable attributes. This approach allows developers to benefit from relational integrity and ACID transactions for critical data, like user IDs and emails, while maintaining the "escape hatch" of document flexibility for parts of the data that may change frequently. This strategy was highlighted as a way to avoid "schema regret," where a purely flexible database becomes a disorganized collection of inconsistent records.
MongoDB is considered a "horizontal scaling specialist" because it was built with native sharding as a core feature, making it easier to distribute data across multiple machines or geographic regions. This makes it a superior choice for apps dealing with hundreds of terabytes of data or high-volume IoT telemetry. While PostgreSQL can scale vertically with more RAM and faster drives, or horizontally through specific extensions and managed services, MongoDB’s built-in ability to handle massive write-heavy volumes across clusters remains its primary architectural advantage.
Discover more
Deep dive into Postgres database.
Deep dive into Postgres database.
This comprehensive plan bridges the gap between basic SQL and professional database administration. It is essential for developers and data engineers looking to build, optimize, and maintain resilient PostgreSQL systems in production.
我想学习nosql
我想学习nosql
随着互联网数据量的爆炸式增长，传统的数据库已难以满足高并发和灵活扩展的需求。本路径专为希望从传统关系型数据库转型、掌握分布式系统设计及大数据处理能力的开发者和架构师设计。
Data base
Data base
Database expertise is essential for anyone building data-driven applications, from backend developers to data engineers and architects. This comprehensive learning path takes you from foundational SQL skills through advanced performance optimization to modern distributed systems, equipping you with the full spectrum of database knowledge needed in today's technology landscape. Whether you're starting your career or expanding into data-intensive systems, mastering databases unlocks the ability to build scalable, efficient applications that power modern software.
AI/LLM Analysis: Azure & Snowflake
AI/LLM Analysis: Azure & Snowflake
As organizations transition to AI-driven decision-making, the intersection of cloud architecture and large language models becomes critical. This path is ideal for data architects and analysts looking to master Azure and Snowflake to deploy scalable, intelligent enterprise solutions.
Website development
Website development
This comprehensive roadmap bridges the gap between basic coding and professional full-stack engineering. It is ideal for aspiring developers who want to master both the visual frontend and the complex backend systems powering modern web applications.
Build dog grooming & yoga web/app guide
Build dog grooming & yoga web/app guide
This comprehensive guide is designed for aspiring developers and entrepreneurs looking to merge wellness and pet care into a digital platform. It bridges the gap between technical execution and niche industry expertise, making it ideal for those wanting to build a specialized, professional-grade application.
Expert Data Analyst: SQL, BI & Python Skills
Expert Data Analyst: SQL, BI & Python Skills
In today's data-driven economy, the ability to translate raw information into strategic insights is a critical competitive advantage. This comprehensive plan is designed for aspiring analysts and professionals looking to bridge the gap between technical database management and advanced predictive modeling.
Hi load systems in rust
Hi load systems in rust
As modern infrastructure demands extreme efficiency and safety, Rust has become the premier choice for high-load environments. This plan is ideal for backend engineers and system architects looking to transition from traditional languages to building scalable, distributed Rust applications.
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
![[PDF] PostgreSQL 16.13 Documentation](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fd1y2du6z1jfm9e.cloudfront.net%2Fassets%2Fpodcast%2Fpurple.png&w=1024&q=50)
