A read replica, a Redis cache, or PgCache?
Three ways to take read load off Postgres.
Side by side
| Traditional read replica | Redis cache layer | PgCache | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data copied | 100% of the database | Whatever you hand-code | Only the hot working set |
| Freshness | Replication lag | Manual invalidation & TTLs | Replication lag, but each connection sees its own writes |
| App code changes | Route reads to replica | Cache + invalidation logic | One connection string |
| New system to run | Another full database | Redis to scale & secure | A drop-in proxy |
| Cost model | Storage + compute + IO on everything | Redis infra + engineering time | Predictable hourly rate, no monthly fee |
What you get with PgCache
Copies only the hot data
PgCache replicates the working set your traffic actually touches, not the whole database. Fractional storage, fractional cost.
Freshness from logical replication
PgCache follows your database’s changes with logical replication and sends anything it can’t serve safely to the origin. Each connection sees its own writes.
Drop-in, no code changes
A wire-compatible Postgres proxy. Change one connection string. No Redis layer, no ORM changes, no schema migration.
Predictable monthly cost
Billed hourly on AWS Marketplace. Run it 24/7 like a read replica and it’s a flat, forecastable line item. No per-query charges, no monthly software fee.
See where your own queries land
Step 1
Check your workload
Paste a pg_stat_statements export or a Postgres log. In about a minute you see which of your queries PgCache would serve from cache.
No export handy? See a sample report
Runs in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
Step 2
Get a free workload review
30 minutes with the founders, by video or email. Bring your Fit report or your Postgres problem.
- What PgCache would serve and save on your workload
- If it fits, a pilot with hands-on help
Prefer email? [email protected]
Already curious? Request a pilot
Free. Pick any open time on our calendar.
Run it yourself: Source on GitHub · Try it in one command
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