H2 Database Engine

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Score7.1

Rank#39 of 74

PriceFree

Free planYes

Runs onAPI, Linux, macOS, Self-hosted, Web, Windows

Summary

H2 Database Engine is a free SQL database written in Java. It supports embedded, server and mixed modes, with databases stored on disk or kept in memory. H2 works with standard SQL and JDBC; server mode also accepts JDBC or ODBC connections over TCP/IP. Its browser-based Console includes autocomplete, and listed database features include transactions, multi-version concurrency and row-level locking. Compatibility modes cover IBM DB2, Apache Derby, HSQLDB, MS SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle and PostgreSQL. Database files can be encrypted with AES-128, and remote JDBC connections can use TLS. H2 is dual licensed under MPL 2.0 or EPL 1.0, and the license permits integration into and distribution with commercial applications. The home page describes its JAR file as around 2.5 MB and lists a Windows installer and an all-platforms ZIP. H2 warns that it is not designed for adversarial environments and advises against exposing its server to untrusted connections. Support is directed to Stack Overflow and a Google Group.

Who it is for

H2 may suit developers seeking a Java SQL database for embedded or server use, including projects that need disk-based or in-memory storage. Its security guidance is important for anyone considering network-accessible server use.

What is good

Supports embedded, server and mixed modes
Provides JDBC and standard SQL support
Offers AES-128 file encryption and TLS connections
Dual licensed under MPL 2.0 or EPL 1.0

What to know first

Not designed for adversarial environments
H2 advises against untrusted server connections
Support is directed to community forums

Verdict

H2 provides several deployment modes and SQL compatibility features in a free package. Its warning about untrusted connections makes deployment context a key consideration.

H2 Database Engine plans and pricing

All plans

H2 Database Engine Free Free to use for everybody · source code included h2database.com · 2 Oct 2026

Compared on database software

Free plan: Yesh2database.com

Facts

Purpose: H2 is a free SQL database written in Java.h2database.com · 2 Oct 2026
Database modes: It supports embedded, server, and mixed modes, with disk based or in memory databases.h2database.com · 2 Oct 2026
SQL and APIs: H2 supports standard SQL and JDBC, and server mode supports JDBC or ODBC over TCP/IP.h2database.com · 2 Oct 2026
Web console: H2 includes a browser based Console application with autocomplete.h2database.com · 2 Oct 2026
Transactions: The feature list includes transaction support, multi version concurrency, and row level locking.h2database.com · 2 Oct 2026
Compatibility: Compatibility modes are listed for IBM DB2, Apache Derby, HSQLDB, MS SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, and PostgreSQL.h2database.com · 2 Oct 2026
Security: The security page warns that H2 is not designed for adversarial environments and advises against exposing an H2 server to untrusted connections.h2database.com · 2 Oct 2026
Encryption: The feature list says database files can be encrypted with AES-128 and remote JDBC connections can use TLS.h2database.com · 2 Oct 2026
License: H2 is dual licensed under MPL 2.0 or EPL 1.0, and the license page says it can be integrated into and distributed with commercial applications.h2database.com · 2 Oct 2026
Downloads: The home page lists a Windows installer and an all platforms ZIP download.h2database.com · 2 Oct 2026
Support: The home page directs users to Stack Overflow and a Google Group for support.h2database.com · 2 Oct 2026
Footprint: The home page describes a small footprint of around 2.5 MB for the JAR file.h2database.com · 2 Oct 2026