Yes, PostgreSQL is completely free, including for commercial use. It's released under the PostgreSQL License, a liberal open source licence similar to BSD or MIT, which lets you use, copy, modify and distribute it for any purpose without fee and without a written agreement.
PostgreSQL, often just called Postgres, is the database behind a huge number of websites and apps, and it's one of the few big pieces of business software where "free" really has no catch in the licence. Here's what the official licence says, as of October 2026, and the places where a bill can still turn up.
What the PostgreSQL License allows
The licence text on postgresql.org grants permission to use, copy, modify and distribute the software and its documentation for any purpose, without fee, as long as the copyright notice and the licence paragraphs appear in all copies. That's it. There's no user limit, no server limit, no revenue threshold and no separate commercial edition.
| Question | Answer under the PostgreSQL License |
|---|---|
| Can a business use it? | Yes, for any purpose |
| Can I build a paid product on it? | Yes |
| Can I modify the code? | Yes |
| Must I publish my changes? | No, unlike some copyleft licences |
| Is there anything to sign? | No written agreement is needed |
| What must I keep? | The copyright notice and licence text in copies you distribute |
The licence also carries the usual disclaimer: the software is provided "as is", with no warranty and no obligation to provide maintenance, support or updates. That's standard for open source, and it's the one thing you do take on yourself.
Will PostgreSQL stay free?
This is the question I'd ask before building a business on any free tool, because we've all seen products change their terms. The PostgreSQL project answers it directly on its licence page: the PostgreSQL Global Development Group says it remains committed to making PostgreSQL available as free and open source software in perpetuity, and there are no plans to change the licence.
There's history behind that confidence too. The project's about page says PostgreSQL's origins go back to 1986 at the University of California at Berkeley, with nearly 40 years of active development on the core platform. It isn't owned by one company that could sell it, which is a big part of why the licence has stayed put.
Where PostgreSQL can cost you
The software is free; running it isn't always. These are the costs small businesses tend to meet:
- Hosting: a server or cloud database service to run it on. Managed Postgres services charge for the convenience of someone else running backups and updates.
- Support: because the licence comes with no support obligation, companies that need guaranteed help buy it from third-party consultancies.
- Your own time: installing, securing, backing up and upgrading a database is real work if you do it yourself.
- Extensions and tools: Postgres itself is free, but some add-ons and admin tools built by other companies have their own terms.
If you want someone else to run it, my guide to free database software covers hosted options with free tiers.
PostgreSQL vs other free databases
If you're choosing between databases, licence terms are one of the deciding factors. MySQL is free too, but its licensing has an extra wrinkle that I've explained in whether MySQL is free. For a straight feature comparison, see MySQL vs PostgreSQL.
Who PostgreSQL suits, and who should think twice
I'd point most small businesses and developers at PostgreSQL without hesitation if they're building something that stores customer records, orders or content. It handles structured data well, it's widely supported by hosting companies and app frameworks, and the free licence means you'll never be forced into an upgrade to keep using it.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
Where I'd think twice is if nobody on your team is comfortable with servers. A free database that nobody backs up is a liability, not a saving. In that case the free software is still the right choice, but pay for a managed service so the boring, important jobs happen without you.
| You are | My suggestion |
|---|---|
| A developer starting a side project | Install PostgreSQL locally for free and move to a host when you launch |
| A small business with an in-house developer | Self-host for free, with automated backups from day one |
| A small business with no technical staff | Use the free software through a managed host so updates and backups are handled |
| A company that needs guaranteed response times | Keep the free licence and buy support from a specialist |
How to get PostgreSQL for free
- Go to the official postgresql.org download page and choose your operating system.
- Install the server and, if you want a visual tool, an admin interface of your choice.
- Set a strong password for the default database user straight away.
- Create a database for your project and connect your app to it.
- Set up automatic backups before you put anything important in it.
My verdict
PostgreSQL is free with no asterisk. You can run it, build a paid product on it and change it without asking anyone, and the project has said publicly that it'll stay that way. The only costs are the ones you choose: hosting, support and the time to look after it. For a small business or a developer starting a new project, it's one of the safest free foundations you can pick.
Frequently asked questions
Is PostgreSQL free for commercial use?
Yes. The PostgreSQL License permits use, copying, modification and distribution for any purpose, without fee and without a written agreement, so businesses can use it freely.
Is Postgres the same as PostgreSQL?
Yes. The licence text itself notes PostgreSQL is also known as Postgres, and it was formerly called Postgres95.
Must I share my changes to PostgreSQL?
No. The PostgreSQL License is similar to BSD or MIT, so you only need to keep the copyright notice and licence text in copies; you don't have to publish your modifications.
Will PostgreSQL always be free?
The PostgreSQL Global Development Group says it's committed to keeping PostgreSQL free and open source in perpetuity and has no plans to change the licence.
Does PostgreSQL come with support?
Not from the licence. The software is provided as is with no obligation to provide maintenance or support, so businesses that need guaranteed help buy it from third parties.
