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Best Embedded Databases in 2026

An embedded database keeps data close to the application that uses it, making its model and query interface important starting points for comparison. Compared on database model, query interface, and supported platforms, these options can also be assessed for data synchronization and encryption. Maximum database size, free-plan availability, and paid-from pricing add practical constraints to weigh against a project’s needs. Chroma, LadybugDB, and RxDB are among the entries to consider; SQLite and ObjectBox are also included. Check which platform support and data-handling features matter for your application, then compare the stated size and plan details.

  1. 1

    Chroma

    Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+5

    Choose Chroma if you need an open-source embedding database with multiple search methods and flexible deployment options.

    9.2 Free plan · paid from $250/mo Visit site
  2. 2

    HSQLDB

    by HSQLDB
    Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+2

    HSQLDB offers a broad relational database feature set with free software and optional paid support. Check its storage limits and license terms against your deployment needs.

    9.1 Free plan · paid from $100/yr Visit site
  3. 3

    SQLite

    by SQLite
    Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+5

    SQLite provides an embedded database with broad SQL capabilities and a simple single-file format. Its one-writer-per-file limit is important when evaluating it for write-heavy workloads.

    8.6 Free plan Visit site
  4. 4

    bbolt

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

    bbolt offers a single-file key-value database with transactions, concurrent reads, and hot backups. Consider the write-lock and random-write limits when deciding whether it fits your workload.

    7.7 Open source Visit site
  5. 5

    DuckDB UI

    Free plan ExtensionLinuxMac+3

    DuckDB UI provides notebook and data-exploration tools while keeping default queries local. Check the database and platform limitations before using it.

    7.6 Free plan Visit site
  6. 6

    EJDB2

    Free plan APIiPhoneLinux+3

    EJDB2 combines an embeddable JSON engine with query features and an optional network server.

    7.6 Open source Visit site
  7. 7

    Firebird

    Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1

    Firebird combines broad SQL capabilities with several deployment choices and a no-fee free plan. Check the maintained release series and recovery limits when choosing a version and backup approach.

    7.5 Free plan Visit site
  8. 8

    H2 Database Engine

    by H2 Database Engine
    Free plan APILinuxMac+3

    H2 offers several deployment modes, SQL interfaces, and compatibility modes without a listed price. Its explicit caution about untrusted connections should shape deployment decisions.

    7.5 Free plan Visit site
  9. 9

    LadybugDB

    Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+5

    LadybugDB combines a Cypher property graph model with analytical query processing and broad APIs and extensions.

    7.4 Free plan Visit site
  10. 10

    LevelDB

    Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1

    Choose LevelDB if your application needs an API-based key-value store with ordered data, atomic batches, and snapshots.

    7.4 Open source Visit site
  11. 11

    LiteDB

    Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+3

    LiteDB combines embedded storage, transaction support and multiple query options in a single DLL.

    7.3 Free plan Visit site
  12. 12

    LMDB

    Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2

    LMDB emphasizes compact deployment, persistence, and concurrent transactions with minimal maintenance. It is a focused key-value store rather than a synchronized database service.

    7.3 Free plan Visit site
  13. 13

    ObjectBox

    Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4

    ObjectBox combines an embedded database with synchronization options for mobile and IoT use cases.

    7.3 Free plan Visit site
  14. 14

    LanceDB

    Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted
    7.2 Open source Visit site
  15. 15

    PouchDB

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+4

    PouchDB is a free option for local JavaScript data storage with replication to compatible servers. Check server protocol compatibility, and account for the separate plugin needed for Mango queries.

    7.1 Free plan Visit site
  16. 16

    Qdrant

    by Qdrant
    Free plan APILinuxMac+3

    Qdrant offers flexible vector storage and retrieval, with APIs, client libraries, integrations, and cloud or local deployment.

    7.1 Free plan Visit site
  17. 17

    RocksDB

    Free plan APIiPhoneLinux+3

    RocksDB provides a configurable, persistent key-value engine for embedded storage and application workloads. Check its build requirements and value-size limit against your project before adopting it.

    7.1 Open source Visit site
  18. 18

    libSQL

    Free plan APILinuxMac+3

    libSQL combines SQLite compatibility with embedded replicas, remote access, and additional extensions.

    7.0 Free plan Visit site
  19. 19

    RxDB

    Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+5

    RxDB combines local storage, synchronization, and reactive queries for JavaScript applications. Its free tier has a collection limit, while paid tiers add storage and other capabilities.

    7.0 Free plan · paid from $99/mo (annual) Visit site
  20. 20

    PGlite

    Free plan Self-hostedWeb

    PGlite offers a compact way to embed Postgres across several JavaScript runtimes, with persistence options, extensions, and framework integrations.

    6.9 Open source Visit site
  21. 21

    UnQLite

    Free plan APILinuxMac+2

    Choose UnQLite if your application needs an embedded database with key/value or JSON document storage and direct file access.

    6.9 Free plan Visit site
  22. 22

    WiredTiger

    Free plan APILinuxMac+2

    WiredTiger offers a broad set of storage, transaction and integrity capabilities as a free, open-source engine.

    6.9 Open source Visit site
  23. 23

    sql.js

    Free plan APISelf-hostedWeb

    sql.js provides SQLite functionality in JavaScript with browser and Node.js distribution options.

    6.8 Free plan Visit site
  24. 24

    Pebble

    Free plan Self-hosted

    Pebble offers a focused Go storage engine with a substantial listed feature set and CockroachDB production history.

    6.5 Open source Visit site
  25. 25

    eXtremeDB

    Free trial AndroidAPIiPhone+4

    Consider eXtremeDB if you are building embedded software or need a database system with both in-memory and persistent storage, varied interfaces, and distributed options.

    6.4 Pricing on request · 60-day trial Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

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