EVERYTHING XIAOMI
Get listed
kdb+ logo

kdb+

kdb+ is a time-series database and analytics engine built around the q vector language.

Place
#12 of 25
Score
6.4
kdb+'s website

What kdb+ is

kdb+ is a time-series database and analytics engine built around the q vector language. It is designed to capture, analyze, and support action on real-time and historical data. KX describes in-memory ingestion and analysis with sub-millisecond performance for time-critical workloads. Its storage design separates newest in-memory data in an RDB, recent disk data in an IDB, and long-term columnar archives in an HDB. Query options include q and q-SQL; listed language support also includes Python, Java, C#, C++, Rust, and R. Ingestion methods include tickerplants, feed handlers, batch mode, TCP/IP, Apache Kafka, and programming languages. KX describes uses in trading, fraud detection, and IoT monitoring, and serves Capital Markets, Defense, and High-Tech Manufacturing. Deployments include Linux, macOS, Windows, APIs, and self-hosted environments; KX documentation also covers AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure. SSL/TLS connections can use OpenSSL certificates and keys. A free personal edition is limited to non-commercial local use on two computers, with up to 24 cores per computer, and requires an always-on internet connection. Commercial pricing is on request and requires a license agreement and valid key.

Good

  • Supports q and q-SQL queries.
  • Offers multiple storage tiers for different data ages.
  • Lists several programming languages and ingestion methods.
  • KX documentation covers three cloud platforms.
  • Free personal edition is available for non-commercial use.

Watch out

  • Personal edition cannot be used commercially or in the cloud.
  • Personal edition requires an always-on internet connection.
  • Commercial pricing is available on request.
  • Commercial use requires a license agreement and key.

Who it suits

kdb+ may suit teams working with time-series data in trading, fraud detection, or IoT monitoring. Its free personal edition is specifically limited to non-commercial local use, while commercial users need a KX license.

Verdict

kdb+ brings time-series storage and analytics together with a broad set of language and ingestion options. The free edition has strict personal-use limits, and commercial use requires licensing through KX.

Plans and prices

From kdb+'s own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
kdb+ On Demand Personal EditionFreePersonal, non-commercial use · Up to 2 computers · Maximum 24 cores per computer · Local environment only, no cloud · Requires always-on internet connection
Commercial kdb+Priced on requestCommercial use requires a KX license agreement and valid license key file

The facts

Each one read from kdb+'s own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Cloud deployments
KX documentation lists deployments of kdb+ on Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure.checked 8 Oct 2026
Commercial licensing
KX states that commercial kdb+ is covered by a license agreement and requires a valid license key file; prospective commercial users are directed to contact sales.checked 8 Oct 2026
Compatibility
The KX download page describes KDB-X Community Edition as backwards compatible with kdb+.checked 8 Oct 2026
Languages
The kdb+ product page lists support for q, Python, Java, C#, C++, Rust, R, and open-source libraries.checked 8 Oct 2026
Performance
KX says kdb+ ingests and analyzes real-time data in memory and delivers sub-millisecond performance for time-critical workloads.checked 8 Oct 2026
Personal edition limits
The On Demand Personal Edition is non-commercial, limited to two computers and 24 cores per computer, cannot run in the cloud, and requires an always-on internet connection.checked 8 Oct 2026
Security
kdb+ can use SSL/TLS to encrypt connections with OpenSSL, configured with certificates and keys.checked 8 Oct 2026
SQL support
Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
Storage architecture
The product page describes an RDB for newest in-memory data, an IDB for recent disk data, and an HDB for long-term columnar archives.checked 8 Oct 2026
Training and support
KX provides free interactive on-demand training through KX Academy and a community for connecting with experts.checked 8 Oct 2026
Use cases
KX describes kdb+ use in trading, fraud detection, and IoT monitoring, and identifies Capital Markets, Defense, and High-Tech Manufacturing as served sectors.checked 8 Oct 2026
What it does
kdb+ is a time-series database and analytics engine powered by the q vector language, built to capture, analyze, and act on real-time and historical data.checked 8 Oct 2026

The company

Headquarters
Newry, Northern Irelandchecked 28 Sep 2026

Alternatives to kdb+

All alternatives
  1. 1Apache Beam logo

    Apache Beam

    Free planOpen sourceWebAPILinuxmacOS
    7.7Free plan
  2. 2

    Apache Druid

    Free planWebAPILinuxmacOS
    7.2Free plan
  3. 3Confluent Cloud logo

    Confluent Cloud

    Free planWebAPILinux
    7.1From $385 a month
  4. 4

    Timeplus

    Free planWebAPILinuxmacOS
    7.1From $199 a month
  5. 5Materialize logo

    Materialize

    Free planWebAPILinuxSelf-hosted
    7.0From $1.50 a year
  6. 6RisingWave logo

    RisingWave

    WebAPILinuxmacOS
    6.7$0.23 usage-based