An honest, experience-based comparison of MySQL and SQLite for databases projects. We have shipped production systems with both — here is what we learned.
MySQL vs SQLite — quick verdict: MySQL is a full-featured client-server database for multi-user applications. SQLite is a lightweight embedded database perfect for single-user, local, or edge applications. MySQL scales for production; SQLite excels at simplicity. ZTABS has shipped production systems with both MySQL and SQLite. Below is our honest, experience-based comparison. Need help choosing? Get a free consultation →
3
MySQL Wins
0
Ties
3
SQLite Wins
MySQL
10/10
SQLite
4/10
MySQL handles thousands of concurrent connections with row-level locking. SQLite uses file-level locking — only one writer at a time (reads can be concurrent with WAL mode).
MySQL
5/10
SQLite
10/10
SQLite requires zero configuration — it's just a file. MySQL requires server installation, user management, and network configuration.
MySQL
9/10
SQLite
4/10
MySQL supports replication, clustering (NDB), and handles terabytes of data. SQLite is limited to a single file and doesn't support distributed setups natively.
MySQL
5/10
SQLite
10/10
SQLite is a single file you can copy anywhere. MySQL requires a running server and export/import for data migration.
MySQL
9/10
SQLite
6/10
MySQL has stored procedures, triggers, user management, full-text search, and JSON support. SQLite has basic SQL support with fewer advanced features.
MySQL
3/10
SQLite
10/10
SQLite runs everywhere — mobile devices, browsers (via WASM), IoT devices, and serverless edge functions. MySQL requires a server.
MySQL handles concurrent users, replication, and the scale that production web applications demand.
SQLite is the standard for local data storage on iOS and Android — lightweight and zero-config.
SQLite requires no setup — perfect for rapid prototyping and local development.
MySQL's concurrent access, user management, and replication support multi-tenant architectures.
The best technology choice depends on your specific context: team skills, project timeline, scaling requirements, and budget. We have built production systems with both MySQL and SQLite — talk to us before committing to a stack.
We do not believe in one-size-fits-all technology recommendations. Every project we take on starts with understanding the client's constraints and goals, then recommending the technology that minimizes risk and maximizes delivery speed.
Our senior architects have shipped 500+ projects with both technologies. Get a free consultation — we will recommend the best fit for your specific project.