Link copied to clipboard # Google Cloud Spanner vs PostgreSQL Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/google-cloud-spanner/postgresql/export.csv) Google Cloud SpannerPostgreSQL[+ Add Product](#) Reviews **Google Cloud Spanner** [ 4.2/5(36) ](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-spanner/reviews#reviews) **PostgreSQL** [ 4.4/5(683) ](https://www.g2.com/products/postgresql/reviews#reviews) Pricing **Google Cloud Spanner** No pricing available **PostgreSQL** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **Google Cloud Spanner** Not enough reviews yet **PostgreSQL** 2 months Based on 73 responses Return on Investment **Google Cloud Spanner** Not enough reviews yet **PostgreSQL** 8 months Based on 47 responses Perceived Cost **Google Cloud Spanner** $$$$$ **PostgreSQL** $$$$$ Average Discount **Google Cloud Spanner** Not enough reviews yet **PostgreSQL** 11% Pros & Cons **Google Cloud Spanner** Not enough data **PostgreSQL** [ Features (16) ](https://www.g2.com/products/postgresql/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1373123&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Ease of Use (13) ](https://www.g2.com/products/postgresql/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1373593&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Beginner Unfriendliness (7) ](https://www.g2.com/products/postgresql/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1374094&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Complexity (6) ](https://www.g2.com/products/postgresql/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1373765&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **Google Cloud Spanner** Not enough data **PostgreSQL** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_4c82924bf37fb0c0c2cf8d7f5cc68986/angular-dev-angular.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Angular ](https://www.g2.com/products/angular-dev-angular/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_d99c715051d74e27de9fd48624b6561e/apache-tomcat.png "Product Avatar Image") Tomcat ](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-tomcat/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_bde6cd3bdabd1f16c41327bd71f4dee5/cpanel.png "Product Avatar Image") cPanel ](https://www.g2.com/products/cpanel/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_a6c205d533dba77b318af96d91beb2ac/databricks.jpeg "Product Avatar Image") Databricks ](https://www.g2.com/products/databricks/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/postgresql/integrations) Screenshots **Google Cloud Spanner** No screenshot available **PostgreSQL** ![PostgreSQL screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/20331/uploads_2Fab7b5997-a58a-4539-8306-c978c4e82158_2FPostgreSQL-9-0-3_3.png) Ratings Meets Requirements **Google Cloud Spanner** 8.7 8.724 **PostgreSQL** 9.1 9.1558 Ease of Use **Google Cloud Spanner** 7.8 7.824 **PostgreSQL** 8.5 8.5564 Ease of Setup **Google Cloud Spanner** 8.2 8.210 **PostgreSQL** 8.4 8.4293 Ease of Admin **Google Cloud Spanner** 8.7 8.79 **PostgreSQL** 8.2 8.2251 Quality of Support **Google Cloud Spanner** 8.6 8.620 **PostgreSQL** 7.9 7.9451 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Google Cloud Spanner** 8.3 8.310 **PostgreSQL** 8.5 8.5199 Product Direction (% positive) **Google Cloud Spanner** 8.4 8.422 **PostgreSQL** 8.5 8.5543 Features Relational Databases[Hide 24 FeaturesShow 24 Features](javascript:void(0);) 8.7 16 8.9 521 Management Data Schema 8.1 6 9.1(won by 1.0) 129 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Query Language 8.9 6 9.2(won by 0.3) 125 ACID - Complaint 9.2(tied score) 6 9.2(tied score) 115 Data Replication 9.2(won by 0.3) 6 8.9 115 Support Text Search 8.7(tied score) 5 8.7(tied score) 117 Data Types 8.3 6 9.1(won by 0.8) 134 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Operating Systems 8.6 6 9.1(won by 0.5) 119 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Languages Not enough data 9.1(won by default) 114 Security Database Locking 8.7(tied score) 5 8.7(tied score) 120 Access Control 8.7 5 9.0(won by 0.3) 122 Encryption 9.4(won by 0.7) 6 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) 8.7 113 Authentication 9.2(won by 0.3) 6 8.9 115 Performance Disaster Recovery 7.8 6 8.6(won by 0.8) 110 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Data Concurrency 9.2(won by 0.4) 6 8.8 120 Workload Management 8.9(won by 0.2) 6 8.7 112 Advanced Indexing 7.5 6 8.7(won by 1.2) 121 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Query Optimizer 8.7(won by 0.1) 5 8.6 117 Database Features Storage 9.5(won by 0.5) 13 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) 9.0 467 Availability 8.6 13 9.0(won by 0.4) 473 Stability 9.0(tied score) 13 9.0(tied score) 481 Scalability 9.2(won by 0.6) 13 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) 8.6 464 Security 8.9(won by 0.2) 12 8.7 447 Data Manipulation 8.3 13 8.8(won by 0.5) 463 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Query Language 8.6 13 9.0(won by 0.4) 471 Database as a Service (DBaaS)[Hide 17 FeaturesShow 17 Features](javascript:void(0);) 7.6 12 Not enough data Configuration Application Performance 8.2(won by default) 10 Not enough data Orchestration 7.6(won by default) 9 Not enough data Database Monitoring 7.3(won by default) 10 Not enough data Anomaly Detection 8.1(won by default) 8 Not enough data Network Security 8.1(won by default) 8 Not enough data Database Administration Provisioning 8.2(won by default) 10 Not enough data Governance 6.3(won by default) 10 Not enough data Auditing 7.0(won by default) 10 Not enough data Availability Scalability 8.8(won by default) 10 Not enough data Backup 6.7(won by default) 9 Not enough data Archiving 7.0(won by default) 10 Not enough data Indexing 8.1(won by default) 9 Not enough data Security Data Masking Not enough data Not enough data Authentication And Single Sign-On Not enough data Not enough data Data Anonymization Not enough data Not enough data Data Management Data Replication Not enough data Not enough data Advanced Data Analytics Not enough data Not enough data User Insights Reviewers' Company Size [![Google Cloud Spanner](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_6d40699dd3d72645c5cef15b5c6e92e7/google-cloud-spanner.png "Google Cloud Spanner")](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-spanner/reviews) Google Cloud Spanner Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 32.3% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 25.8% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 41.9% [![PostgreSQL](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_251be2af3ae607c45c14e816eaa1cf41/postgresql.png "PostgreSQL")](https://www.g2.com/products/postgresql/reviews) PostgreSQL Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 36.0% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 34.3% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 29.7% Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 32.3% 36.0% Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 25.8% 34.3% Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 41.9% 29.7% Reviewers' Industry [![Google Cloud Spanner](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_6d40699dd3d72645c5cef15b5c6e92e7/google-cloud-spanner.png "Google Cloud Spanner")](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-spanner/reviews) Google Cloud Spanner Information Technology and Services 20.0% Computer Software 16.7% Transportation/Trucking/Railroad 6.7% Biotechnology 6.7% Airlines/Aviation 3.3% Other 46.7% [![PostgreSQL](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_251be2af3ae607c45c14e816eaa1cf41/postgresql.png "PostgreSQL")](https://www.g2.com/products/postgresql/reviews) PostgreSQL Information Technology and Services 27.4% Computer Software 22.9% Financial Services 4.2% Internet 4.2% Telecommunications 2.8% Other 38.6% FAQs ## Google Cloud Spanner vs PostgreSQL FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between PostgreSQL vs Google Cloud Spanner? PostgreSQL is favored for its open-source flexibility and reliability, while Google Cloud Spanner stands out for managed scalability and high availability. | [PostgreSQL](https://www.g2.com/products/postgresql/reviews) | [Google Cloud Spanner](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-spanner/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.4/5 (684 reviews) | 4.2/5 (36 reviews) | | Enterprise | Small-Business | | 8.4 | 8.2 | | 7.9 | 8.6 | | Reliability (10 all-time mentions) | Managed scalability and high availability | ### How do the pricing models of PostgreSQL and Google Cloud Spanner compare? PostgreSQL is rated higher for price satisfaction, making it the stronger value compared to Google Cloud Spanner. - **PostgreSQL:** Reviewers consistently highlight the absence of licensing costs and strong ROI, with open-source flexibility reducing operational expenses. - **Google Cloud Spanner:** Recent reviews cite high pricing as a trade-off, though some note improvements in cost compared to alternatives and value in scalability for large workloads. - **Switching reasons:** Reviewers mention moving to PostgreSQL to avoid licensing fees and to Google Cloud Spanner for managed scalability despite higher costs. ### What are the best alternatives to PostgreSQL and Google Cloud Spanner? The best alternatives to PostgreSQL and Google Cloud Spanner are Amazon Aurora, MS SQL, and MySQL. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [PostgreSQL](https://www.g2.com/products/postgresql/reviews) | 4.4/5 (684) | Enterprise | Open-source, no licensing costs | Reliability (10 all-time mentions) | | [Google Cloud Spanner](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-spanner/reviews) | 4.2/5 (36) | Small-Business | High pricing, improved value for scalability | Managed scalability and high availability | | [Amazon Aurora](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-aurora/reviews) | 4.5/5 (458) | Small-Business | — | Performance and scalability | | [MS SQL](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews) | 4.4/5 (2287) | Enterprise | — | Enterprise-grade features | | [MySQL](https://www.g2.com/products/mysql/reviews) | 4.4/5 (1682) | Small-Business | — | Speed for simple workloads | ### Which Relational Databases features should I prioritize when comparing PostgreSQL and Google Cloud Spanner? Buyers should prioritize scalability, reliability, integration capabilities, data security, and ease of setup when comparing PostgreSQL and Google Cloud Spanner. - **Scalability:** Scalability is cited as a strength for both products, with 10 all-time mentions for PostgreSQL and frequent praise for Google Cloud Spanner's managed horizontal scaling. - **Reliability:** Reliability is a top strength for PostgreSQL (10 all-time mentions) and is highlighted for Google Cloud Spanner in recent reviews. - **Integration capabilities:** PostgreSQL has 6 all-time mentions for easy integrations, with specific tools like Python (27 all-time mentions), Tableau, and Ruby on Rails. - **Data security:** PostgreSQL is noted for strong data security (4 all-time mentions), while Google Cloud Spanner is praised for secure infrastructure in recent reviews. - **Ease of setup:** Both products have high Ease of Setup scores (PostgreSQL 8.4, Google Cloud Spanner 8.2), with reviewers noting straightforward implementation for Google Cloud Spanner and flexibility for PostgreSQL. ### What are the pros and cons of PostgreSQL vs Google Cloud Spanner? PostgreSQL's headline strength is reliability and open-source flexibility, while Google Cloud Spanner excels in managed scalability and high availability. - **PostgreSQL strengths:** Reliability (10 all-time mentions), open-source (10), advanced features (16), flexibility (8), strong data analytics (6), easy integrations (6), and performance (6). - **PostgreSQL trade-offs:** Steep learning curve for beginners (7), complexity (6), slow performance for large or complex queries (5), and higher hardware requirements (4). - **Google Cloud Spanner strengths:** Managed scalability and high availability, ease of integration, strong global transactions, and reduced management overhead are highlighted in recent reviews. - **Google Cloud Spanner trade-offs:** High pricing, vendor lock-in, limited use cases for some workloads, and a steeper learning curve for new users are noted in recent reviews. ### Is PostgreSQL or Google Cloud Spanner better for small businesses? PostgreSQL is the better fit for small businesses, supported by its strong open-source value and broad adoption. - **PostgreSQL:** Largest segment is Enterprise, but recent reviews highlight its cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and ease of use for small businesses, especially due to no licensing fees. - **Google Cloud Spanner:** Largest segment is Small-Business, with reviewers noting its value for high-growth or globally distributed small businesses, but higher pricing and complexity may limit its appeal for typical small business needs. ### Which Relational Databases platform has better integrations? PostgreSQL is favored for integrations, with more reviewer-cited integrations and higher all-time mention counts. - **PostgreSQL:** Python (27 all-time mentions), Tableau (4), and Ruby on Rails (3) are frequently cited as integration partners. - **Google Cloud Spanner:** Reviewers mention integration with BigQuery and Google Cloud services in recent reviews, but no all-time mention counts are supplied. ### How do PostgreSQL and Google Cloud Spanner compare on customer support? Google Cloud Spanner scores higher on Quality of Support by 0.7 points, a material difference over PostgreSQL. - **PostgreSQL:** Reviewers note strong community support and abundant documentation, but official vendor support is limited unless using a managed provider. - **Google Cloud Spanner:** Reviewers consistently praise responsive support, managed service reliability, and helpful documentation, with a Quality of Support score of 8.6. ### Which is easier to implement, PostgreSQL or Google Cloud Spanner? PostgreSQL and Google Cloud Spanner score within 0.2 points on Ease of Setup, indicating near parity in implementation experience. - **PostgreSQL:** Reviewers highlight straightforward setup, especially with managed services, but note that advanced configuration and tuning can be complex for beginners. - **Google Cloud Spanner:** Reviewers describe easy implementation, rapid deployment, and minimal infrastructure management, with a managed service model reducing setup overhead. Alternatives **Google Cloud Spanner Alternatives** ![Amazon Aurora](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1528476463/amazon-aurora.svg "Amazon Aurora") [ Amazon Aurora ](/products/amazon-aurora/reviews) ![Oracle Database](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_82f55e945509bff7b8009e8024cfe73c/oracle-database.jpg "Oracle Database") [ Oracle Database ](/products/oracle-database/reviews) ![Amazon DynamoDB](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/5383be31b099738701f86724a8b5cf9a/amazon-web-services-aws-amazon-dynamodb.svg "Amazon DynamoDB") [ Amazon DynamoDB ](/products/amazon-web-services-aws-amazon-dynamodb/reviews) ![Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1533130188/amazon-relational-database-service-rds.svg "Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)") [ Amazon Relational Database... ](/products/amazon-relational-database-service-rds/reviews) **PostgreSQL Alternatives** ![Microsoft SQL Server](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a8a99a96fda235658139f710592f8a53/microsoft-sql-server.svg "Microsoft SQL Server") [ MS SQL ](/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews) ![MySQL](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_240340edca859994ec71e4490aa20022/mysql.png "MySQL") [ MySQL ](/products/mysql/reviews) ![Oracle Database](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_82f55e945509bff7b8009e8024cfe73c/oracle-database.jpg "Oracle Database") [ Oracle Database ](/products/oracle-database/reviews) ![Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1533130188/amazon-relational-database-service-rds.svg "Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)") [ Amazon Relational Database... ](/products/amazon-relational-database-service-rds/reviews)