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Percona XtraDB Cluster
What it is
Percona XtraDB Cluster is free, open-source software for clustering MySQL databases. It is designed for high availability, reduced downtime and data loss, and linear scalability. Synchronous replication writes data to all nodes together; if a node fails, the write does not commit. Any node can start an update, and newly added nodes synchronize automatically. The included proxysql-admin tool configures cluster nodes through ProxySQL, while a setting can automatically enable SSL encryption for cluster traffic. PXC 8.4 is compatible with MySQL Server Community Edition 8.4 and Percona Server for MySQL 8.4. Documentation says applications need no changes or only minimal changes. Installation instructions cover Debian, Ubuntu, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, binary tarballs, source, Docker, and Docker Compose. A Kubernetes Operator automates deployment and management of highly available clusters. Strict Mode avoids tech-preview and unsupported features. The software costs nothing; support and consulting are separate.
For and against
For
- Synchronous replication across nodes
- Automatic synchronization for new nodes
- ProxySQL configuration tool included
- Compatible with MySQL 8.4 editions
- Free open-source software
Against
- Paid support and services are separate
- Linux and self-hosted platforms only
- Requires cluster deployment and administration
The verdict
Percona XtraDB Cluster provides synchronous MySQL clustering with automated node joining and several deployment paths. Its free license leaves support, operations, and consulting as separate offerings.
Who it suits
It suits teams running MySQL or Percona Server on Linux or self-hosted infrastructure that need multi-way, cross-region clustering. Kubernetes users can use the available Operator.
Plans and prices
Percona XtraDB Cluster
Open-source database clustering software; paid support and services are offered separately
Read 4 Oct 2026 · percona.com
On the record
- Application changes
- Applications using the cluster require no changes or minimal changes, according to the product documentation.docs.percona.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- PXC 8.4 is fully compatible with MySQL Server Community Edition 8.4 and Percona Server for MySQL 8.4.docs.percona.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Deployment options
- The documentation provides installation instructions for Debian or Ubuntu, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, binary tarballs, source, Docker, and Docker Compose.docs.percona.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- The pxc-encrypt-cluster-traffic variable enables automatic SSL encryption configuration for cluster traffic.docs.percona.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Kubernetes
- Percona offers a Kubernetes Operator for running highly available MySQL clusters based on XtraDB Cluster with automated deployment and management.percona.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Maker history
- Percona says it was started in 2006 and launched Percona XtraDB Cluster in 2012.percona.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Multi-source
- Any node in the cluster can trigger a data update.docs.percona.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Pricing
- Percona says its software downloads are free and open source.percona.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Provisioning
- New nodes automatically synchronize when added to the cluster.docs.percona.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- ProxySQL
- The included proxysql-admin tool automatically configures cluster nodes using ProxySQL.docs.percona.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Percona XtraDB Cluster is a MySQL database clustering solution designed for high availability, downtime and data-loss prevention, and linear scalability.docs.percona.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Replication
- Synchronous replication writes data to all nodes simultaneously or does not commit the write if a node fails.docs.percona.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Strict mode
- PXC Strict Mode avoids tech-preview and unsupported features.docs.percona.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- Percona offers production-grade MySQL support, operations, and consulting services.percona.com · read 4 Oct 2026
