Strapi has rapidly become one of the most popular headless CMS platforms
for developers working with JavaScript ecosystems, especially for
projects built with MERN, JAMstack, and modern API‑driven architectures.
As more development teams look for flexible and scalable content
management systems, a common question often arises:

Does Strapi support MongoDB?

The short answer: Strapi no longer supports MongoDB in its latest
stable versions. But the long answer is far more detailed---and
essential---for developers deciding on the right database strategy for
their Strapi applications.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to
know about Strapi's historical and current database support,
alternatives to MongoDB, how the change affects developers, migration
paths, and when MongoDB may still fit into your Strapi workflow. This
guide is written in Strapi‑friendly Markdown formatting and is suitable
for technical readers, beginners, and decision‑makers alike.

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What Is Strapi?

Strapi is an open‑source, best headless CMS that enables
developers to create API‑driven applications with ease. It provides:

• A fully customizable admin dashboard\
• Flexible content modeling\
• REST and GraphQL APIs\
• Role‑based access control\
• Plugin ecosystem\
• Self‑hosting freedom

Because it is written in Node.js and plays well with frontend frameworks
like React, Next.js, Vue, and Angular, Strapi has become a powerful
choice for developers building modern web applications.

But when it comes to database compatibility, things have changed
significantly over the years---especially regarding MongoDB.

Did Strapi Ever Support MongoDB?

Yes.
Strapi supported MongoDB until version v3.x.

Earlier versions of Strapi allowed developers to choose between SQL and
NoSQL databases---including MongoDB, PostgreSQL, MySQL, or SQLite.

Many developers loved the MongoDB support because it aligned perfectly
with JavaScript ecosystems and MERN‑stack applications. It enabled:

• JSON‑based document storage\
• Easy schema flexibility\
• Faster prototyping\
• A JavaScript‑friendly database environment

However, this changed when Strapi announced Strapi v4, which
introduced major architectural updates, including a complete shift away
from NoSQL databases.

Does Strapi Support MongoDB Today?

No. Strapi v4 and beyond do not support MongoDB.

Strapi's core team officially removed MongoDB support starting in
version 4. This means:

• No built‑in MongoDB connector\
• No community‑supported MongoDB integration\
• No experimental drivers\
• No plugin support\
• No future plans to restore MongoDB support (as of current
  development roadmap)

If you're installing a version of Strapi today---from the latest stable
releases---MongoDB is not an available option.

Why Did Strapi Remove MongoDB Support?

Strapi provided a clear explanation for dropping MongoDB support, and it
revolves around improving performance, stability, and consistency.

1. Complexity and Maintenance Overhead

Supporting both SQL and NoSQL required Strapi to maintain two completely
different database layers. MongoDB had unique behavior that required
separate logic, which slowed down development and made bug‑fixing more
complex.

2. Better Stability with SQL Databases

SQL databases provide predictable schema structures, which improves:

• API stability\
• Data integrity\
• Query performance\
• Plugin compatibility

With MongoDB's dynamic schemas, plugin developers often ran into
challenges.

4. Focus on Long‑Term Sustainability

By focusing solely on SQL databases, the Strapi development team can:

• Release updates faster\
• Improve the internal ORM\
• Develop features without worrying about NoSQL inconsistencies\
• Strengthen the ecosystem overall

This decision has paid off---Strapi v4 is significantly more stable,
consistent, and plugin‑friendly than previous versions.

Which Databases Does Strapi Support Now?

Strapi currently supports SQL‑based databases:

✓ SQLite

Great for development environments and prototyping.

✓ PostgreSQL (Recommended)

Most stable and production‑ready option.

✓ MySQL & MariaDB

Suitable for many enterprise applications.

What About Strapi + MongoDB Alternatives?

Although Strapi no longer offers MongoDB support directly, developers
who prefer MongoDB still have several alternatives depending on their
needs.

1. Use Strapi v3 (Not Recommended for Production)

You could technically install Strapi v3, which still supports
MongoDB.
However:

• It is no longer maintained\
• No security patches\
• Potential plugin incompatibility\
• Deprecated architecture

Use this only for legacy projects.

2. Use a Middleware Layer Between Strapi and MongoDB

Some developers build custom microservices to sync data between:

• Strapi (running on SQL)\
• MongoDB (as external data storage)

This adds complexity and is only suitable for large enterprise systems.

3. Use an Alternative CMS That Supports MongoDB

If MongoDB is absolutely required, consider:

• KeystoneJS\
• Direct MERN‑stack custom builds\
• Payload CMS (experimental MongoDB support)

4. Build Your Custom Admin on Top of MongoDB

For full control, you can skip Strapi and develop:

• Node.js backend\
• Express API\
• MongoDB using Mongoose\
• Custom CMS dashboard

This requires more time and expertise.

Should You Still Choose MongoDB for a Strapi Project?

For most users, the answer is no.
If you want to use Strapi, stick to SQL databases---especially
PostgreSQL.

Below are a few scenarios to help make the decision clear:

Use SQL (Recommended) When:

• You're building a Strapi v4 application\
• You want long‑term support\
• You need solid plugin compatibility\
• You want stable schema definitions\
• You expect large data sets and complex relational queries

Use MongoDB Only When:

• You are maintaining a legacy Strapi v3 project\
• Your team already built a custom integration\
• You are building non‑Strapi microservices that sync with MongoDB\
• You're working with a different CMS that supports MongoDB

How the Removal of MongoDB Affects MERN Developers

Many MERN developers originally chose Strapi because it felt natural to
use:

• React frontend\
• Node.js backend\
• MongoDB database

However, with Strapi v4, the recommended database is now PostgreSQL,
which means your stack becomes:

• React\
• Node.js\
• PostgreSQL

This is still fully compatible with MERN‑style workflows, and SQL
performance in many cases exceeds MongoDB for CMS‑driven apps.

Migrating from Strapi + MongoDB to Strapi + SQL

If you previously built a Strapi v3 application with MongoDB, and want
to migrate to v4, you must perform a manual migration.

Steps Involved in Migration:

1. Export Data from MongoDB

Convert collections into JSON or CSV exports.

2. Create New Models in Strapi v4

Because the content type structure changed in v4, manual rebuilding is
required.

3. Import Data into the SQL Database

You can use tools like:

• pgAdmin (PostgreSQL)\
• MySQL Workbench\
• Custom scripts

4. Rebuild Permissions, Roles & Settings

v4 has a redesigned admin panel, so settings don't directly migrate.

5. Rewrite Any Custom Code

Controllers, resolvers, lifecycles, APIs, and services must be updated
because Strapi v4 introduced a brand‑new backend architecture.

Is Strapi Planning to Bring MongoDB Back?

As of the latest official roadmap and community discussions:

There are no plans to reintroduce MongoDB support.

The Strapi team remains committed to SQL solutions for long‑term
consistency, performance, and ecosystem stability.

Best Database Choice for New Strapi Projects

Use PostgreSQL.

It offers:

• Best compatibility\
• Superior performance\
• Strong query capabilities\
• Rich plugin support\
• Highest reliability in production

Strapi's documentation and community also heavily recommend PostgreSQL.

Final Verdict: Does Strapi Support MongoDB?

No --- Strapi no longer supports MongoDB in its current versions.

It was supported in older versions (v3.x), but the Strapi team removed
MongoDB to prioritize:

• Stability\
• Performance\
• Plugin consistency\
• Easier maintenance\
• Better long‑term development

If your goal is to use MongoDB for a project, Strapi v4 will not be
compatible. For most users, selecting an SQL database---especially
PostgreSQL---is the best path forward.

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Conclusion

Strapi is a powerful and flexible headless CMS---but its database
landscape has evolved dramatically. While MongoDB was part of its early
ecosystem, the shift toward SQL databases has strengthened Strapi's
performance, stability, and ease of development.

Whether you are maintaining a legacy application or starting a new
project, understanding Strapi's database capabilities is crucial for
long‑term success. For most modern applications, Strapi with a SQL
database---especially PostgreSQL---offers the best balance of
performance, reliability, and functionality.

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