n8n is an open-source automation tool that allows you to execute complex workflows. It requires a database to store configurations, execution history, and other metadata. Two popular options are SQLite and PostgreSQL. This article provides a detailed technical comparison to help you choose the best solution.
1. Database Overview Link to heading
SQLite: Simplicity and Lightness Link to heading
SQLite is an embedded database that operates without a server. It stores all its data in a single file and relies on an ACID-compliant transactional engine.
Advantages of SQLite with n8n: Link to heading
- Low latency: Direct file access, reducing network overhead.
- Quick installation: No service to configure.
- Minimal resource usage: Ideal for lightweight deployments.
- ACID-compliant: Security and reliability of transactions.
Disadvantages: Link to heading
- Concurrency issues: File-level locking, impacting simultaneous access.
- Limited scalability: Not designed for large databases (>GB).
- Lack of advanced features: No full-power indexing or distributed queries.
Reference: SQLite Documentation
PostgreSQL: Robustness and Scalability Link to heading
PostgreSQL is an advanced relational DBMS offering high performance and efficient management of concurrent transactions through MVCC (Multiversion Concurrency Control).
Advantages of PostgreSQL with n8n: Link to heading
- Query optimization: B-tree, Hash, GIN, and BRIN indexing.
- Scalability: Management of several TB of data with partitioning.
- Efficient concurrent transactions: MVCC avoiding locks.
- Advanced security: Encryption, strong authentication (MD5, SCRAM, Kerberos).
- Extensibility: JSONB, Foreign Data Wrappers (FDW), PL/pgSQL.
Disadvantages: Link to heading
- Higher memory consumption: Greater server load.
- Configuration and maintenance: Requires a DBA for optimization.
- Network latency: Uncontrolled network latency can add processing delays.
Reference: PostgreSQL Documentation
2. Performance Comparison Link to heading
Execution Speed Link to heading
- SQLite excels in simple read-only queries.
- PostgreSQL is superior in writing and concurrent loads thanks to its optimized engine.
Benchmarks : Link to heading
Anton Putra proposes a benchmark between PostgreSQL and SQLite in a YouTube video
Summary:
PostgreSQL:
- Optimized for concurrency and multi-threading.
- Higher latency due to the network.
- Ideal for large data volumes and high scalability.
- More demanding in CPU and disk I/O.
SQLite:
- Very fast for inserts and reads as there is no network passage.
- Low CPU consumption.
- Limited by the absence of concurrent write management.
- Effective solution for embedded applications and small websites.
Concurrent Access Management Link to heading
PostgreSQL supports thousands of simultaneous connections while SQLite locks the file for each write, impacting performance under load.
| Database | Max simultaneous connections |
|---|---|
| SQLite | ~100 (with contention) |
| PostgreSQL | >10,000 (via pooling) |
Source: PostgreSQL Connection Handling
3. n8n use cases Link to heading
When to choose SQLite? Link to heading
- Tests and local environments.
- Standalone deployment on a low-load server.
- Single-user application with simple workflows.
When to choose PostgreSQL? Link to heading
- Production use with multiple users.
- Workflows executing many simultaneous queries.
- Need for a scalable and secure database.
4. Conclusion Link to heading
SQLite is a simple and effective solution for lightweight environments, but it quickly shows its limits as the scale increases. PostgreSQL offers superior performance, better concurrency management, and advanced features suitable for heavy loads.
If you need to migrate from SQLite to PostgreSQL, check out our dedicated guide on Migrating from SQLite to PostgreSQL for n8n for a detailed procedure.