Do I need PostgreSQL for a simple startup MVP, or is that overkill?

Not necessarily. For a simple startup MVP, PostgreSQL is often a great default, but it’s not always required.

When PostgreSQL is a good choice

Use it if your MVP needs:

• Structured data with relationships
• Strong consistency and reliable transactions
• Flexibility to grow without rewriting your data layer
• Reporting / querying beyond basic key-value access
• A stack that’s widely supported and easy to hire for later

Postgres is popular because it’s stable, inexpensive, and can handle a lot before becoming a problem.

When it may be overkill

Postgres might be more than you need if your MVP is:

• Very small and basically just a few forms/pages
• Mostly unstructured content
• A quick validation project where speed matters more than long-term structure
• Better served by something like:
  • SQLite for ultra-simple apps/prototypes
  • Firebase / Supabase for fast auth + CRUD + hosting
  • NoSQL only if your data is truly document-like and you already know you need it

Practical recommendation

For most startups:

• If you expect the MVP to become a real product, choose PostgreSQL.
• If you only need a throwaway prototype, SQLite is often enough.

Simple rule of thumb

• Prototype / demo: SQLite
• Real MVP with users: PostgreSQL
• Need managed backend quickly: Supabase/Firebase on top of Postgres or their own datastore

If you tell me your MVP idea and expected features, I can recommend the simplest stack that fits it.