Apache CouchDB

B tier on Database SoftwareScore 7.6 · #31 of 74

Android app: Not listed
Free plan: Yes
Runs on: api, Linux, Mac, self-hosted, Web, Windows

couchdb.apache.org

Summary

Apache CouchDB is a document database that stores named documents and lets applications read and update them through a RESTful HTTP API. Documents can hold fields and attachments, and do not need to follow a fixed schema. CouchDB includes a query engine, with views defined using JavaScript map functions and optional reduce functions. Its incremental replication can synchronize databases in both directions between peers, including after a connection has been interrupted. The project describes this capability as a way to support offline-first applications across servers, phones, and browsers; PouchDB can replicate data with CouchDB from mobile devices and web browsers. A cluster can present one logical database across multiple servers or virtual machines for additional capacity and high availability. CouchDB is free, self-hosted software under the Apache License 2.0. It uses an append-only file design, with document updates described as ACID and all-or-nothing. Security features include administrator accounts, basic and cookie authentication, reader access controls, and JavaScript-based validation of document updates. Conflicting revisions can be resolved manually or automatically.

Who it is for

CouchDB suits developers who need a flexible document database and replication between connected or intermittently connected peers. It is also suited to teams able to host and manage database servers or virtual machines.

What is good

Documents allow fields and attachments without a fixed schema.
Supports bidirectional, incremental replication between peers.
Clusters can provide higher capacity and high availability.
Includes authentication, access controls, and update validation.

What to know first

Requires self-hosting on servers or virtual machines.
Conflicting document revisions may need resolution.

Verdict

CouchDB combines a flexible document model with replication, clustering, and configurable access controls. Its self-hosted deployment makes server management part of the choice.

Apache CouchDB plans and pricing

All plans

Apache CouchDB Free Open-source database software · self-hosted on servers or VMs · single-node or cluster couchdb.apache.org · 3 Oct 2026

Compared on database software

Free plan: Yescouchdb.apache.org

Facts

What it does: Apache CouchDB is a document database that stores named documents and provides a RESTful HTTP API for reading and updating them.docs.couchdb.org · 3 Oct 2026
Document model: Documents can contain fields and attachments, and CouchDB does not require a fixed schema.docs.couchdb.org · 3 Oct 2026
Replication: CouchDB synchronizes databases incrementally and supports bidirectional replication between peers, including after periods of disconnection.docs.couchdb.org · 3 Oct 2026
Offline applications: The project describes replication between CouchDB server clusters, mobile phones, and web browsers as enabling offline-first applications.couchdb.apache.org · 3 Oct 2026
Querying: CouchDB includes a query engine and supports views built with JavaScript map functions and optional reduce functions.docs.couchdb.org · 3 Oct 2026
Clustering: A CouchDB cluster can run one logical database server across multiple servers or virtual machines, with higher capacity and high availability.couchdb.apache.org · 3 Oct 2026
Integrations: PouchDB is built for mobile devices and web browsers and can replicate data with CouchDB.couchdb.apache.org · 3 Oct 2026
Reliability: CouchDB uses an append-only file design, and its documentation describes document updates as ACID and all-or-nothing.docs.couchdb.org · 3 Oct 2026
Security: CouchDB provides administrator accounts, basic and cookie authentication, reader access controls, and JavaScript document-update validation that can enforce custom security rules.docs.couchdb.org · 3 Oct 2026
Conflict handling: Replicas can retain conflicting document revisions, and CouchDB supports manual or automated conflict resolution.docs.couchdb.org · 3 Oct 2026
Platforms: The project lists downloads for Windows x64, macOS, Debian, Ubuntu, RHEL, and CentOS, as well as source releases.couchdb.apache.org · 3 Oct 2026
Support: The project offers a user mailing list described as a general discussion and support forum for CouchDB users.couchdb.apache.org · 3 Oct 2026
License: The Apache CouchDB website identifies the software as licensed under the Apache License 2.0.couchdb.apache.org · 3 Oct 2026

Company

Project founded: The Apache Software Foundation records the Apache CouchDB project as founded on 2008-11-19.apache.org · 3 Oct 2026
Founded: 2008couchdb.apache.org · 28 Sept 2026