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CloudKit vs GRDB.swift

Both stand on mobile databases. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

CloudKit

Free plan APIiPhoneMac+1

Choose CloudKit if you are building an app around structured iCloud data and want syncing across Apple platforms or the web. Consider another option if offline mode is required or changing production schemas without forward compatibility is important.

Visit CloudKit

GRDB.swift

Free plan iPhoneLinuxMac

Pick GRDB.swift for a Swift application that needs direct SQLite work, migrations, concurrency, and observation integrations without a license fee. It is especially suitable when Swift Package Manager or manual integration fits your project. Look elsewhere if you require Carthage, officially maintained Linux support, or newly published CocoaPods versions.

Visit GRDB.swift

The facts

CloudKitGRDB.swift
Free planYesYes
Open sourceNot publishedNot published
Runs onAPI, iPhone, Mac, WebiPhone, Linux, Mac
Lowest paid planFree or on requestFree or on request
Plans published11
MakerNot publishedNot published
Websitedeveloper.apple.comgithub.com
On mobile databases#4 of 26#8 of 26

CloudKit: what it does well

  • Supports bidirectional syncing across Apple platforms and the web.
  • Includes up to 1PB free storage per app with Apple Developer Program membership.
  • Offers public, private, and shared databases.
  • Provides sandbox and production environments.
  • Supports integration tests from Xcode or a CI system.

What to know first

  • Offline mode is not supported.
  • Incoming traffic is subject to limits and controls that can change over time.
  • Production schema changes must be forward-compatible.

GRDB.swift: what it does well

  • Free and open source under the MIT license
  • Supports SQL execution and generated queries
  • Provides migrations for evolving database schemas
  • Offers observations through Swift concurrency, Combine, and RxSwift
  • Supports SQLCipher database encryption

What to know first

  • Carthage is unsupported
  • Linux support is contributor-provided and not officially maintained
  • CocoaPods cannot publish new GRDB versions
  • Requires Swift 6.1+, Xcode 16.3+, and SQLite 3.20.0+

Alternatives to CloudKit Alternatives to GRDB.swift The whole list