Best Embedded Databases in 2026
Updated
In short: Chroma is ranked #1 of 31 as of 4 October 2026, ahead of LadybugDB and RxDB. The best-ranked option with a free plan is LadybugDB. The lowest first paid tier on this page is HSQLDB at $8.33/mo.
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.
31 embedded databases ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
15 of the 25 here have a free tier you can use, 0 have open-source code on record, and 0 have full bars: free, open, on most of your devices and documented.
| # | App | Signal | Free tier | Open code | Devices | From | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ChromaWeb · Windows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone · Self-hosted · API | Three bars | — | 6 of 6 | $250/mo | 6.8 | |
| 2 | LadybugDBWeb · Windows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone · Self-hosted · API | Three bars | — | 6 of 6 | Free | 6.8 | |
| 3 | RxDBWeb · Windows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone · Self-hosted · API | Three bars | — | 6 of 6 | $99/mo | 6.8 | |
| 4 | SQLiteWeb · Windows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone · Self-hosted · API | Three bars | — | 6 of 6 | $12.50/mo | 6.8 | |
| 5 | bboltWindows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone · Self-hosted | Three bars | — | 5 of 6 | Free | 6.7 | |
| 6 | ObjectBoxWindows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone · Self-hosted · API | Three bars | — | 5 of 6 | Free | 6.7 | |
| 7 | QdrantWeb · Windows · Mac · Linux · Self-hosted · API | Three bars | — | 4 of 6 | Free | 6.7 | |
| 8 | RocksDBWindows · Mac · Linux · iPhone · Self-hosted · API | Three bars | — | 4 of 6 | Free | 6.7 | |
| 9 | Accessibility Test Framework for AndroidWindows · Mac · Linux · Android | Three bars | — | 4 of 6 | Free | 6.6 | |
| 10 | DuckDB UIWeb · Windows · Mac · Linux · Self-hosted · Extension | Three bars | — | 4 of 6 | Free | 6.6 | |
| 11 | H2 Database EngineWeb · Windows · Mac · Linux · Self-hosted · API | Three bars | — | 4 of 6 | Free | 6.6 | |
| 12 | FirebirdWindows · Mac · Linux · Self-hosted | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | €199/mo | 6.5 | |
| 13 | LiteDBWindows · Linux · Android · iPhone · Self-hosted · API | Three bars | — | 4 of 6 | Free | 6.5 | |
| 14 | LanceDBLinux · Self-hosted · API | Two bars | — | 1 of 6 | Free | 6.3 | |
| 15 | libSQLWeb · Windows · Mac · Linux · Self-hosted · API | Two bars | — | — | 4 of 6 | — | 5.7 |
| 16 | LMDBWeb · Windows · Mac · Linux · Self-hosted | Two bars | — | — | 4 of 6 | — | 5.7 |
| 17 | EJDB2Windows · Mac · Linux · iPhone · Self-hosted · API | Two bars | — | — | 4 of 6 | — | 5.6 |
| 18 | Empress Embedded DatabaseWindows · Linux | No signal | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 5.3 |
| 19 | LevelDBWindows · Mac · Linux · Self-hosted | Two bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 5.3 | |
| 20 | PerstWeb · Android | One bar | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 5.3 |
| 21 | WiredTigerWindows · Mac · Linux | One bar | — | — | 3 of 6 | — | 5.3 |
| 22 | eXtremeDBWindows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone · Self-hosted · API | Two bars | — | — | 5 of 6 | — | 5.2 |
| 23 | HSQLDBNo platforms listed | One bar | — | — | 0 of 6 | $8.33/mo | 5.2 |
| 24 | UnQLiteWindows · Mac · Linux | One bar | — | — | 3 of 6 | — | 5.2 |
| 25 | PGliteWeb | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 5.1 |
Is your app on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which embedded database is ranked first on Freedom251?
Chroma is ranked #1 of 31 with a score of 6.8. LadybugDB is second and RxDB third.
How many of these have a free plan?
15 of the 25 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, HSQLDB has the lowest first paid tier we found: $8.33/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked free-and-open first: a usable free tier and open-source code, then the platforms it runs on and its documentation. Paid placements never change a rank.