LiteDB
LiteDB is a serverless, embedded .NET NoSQL document database distributed as a single DLL.
What LiteDB is
LiteDB is a serverless, embedded .NET NoSQL document database distributed as a single DLL. It stores data in one datafile and supports ACID transactions, with recovery for write failures using WAL mode. It offers SQL-like commands, LINQ queries, and query EXPLAIN plans. POCO classes can be mapped to BsonDocument, with a fluent API for custom mapping. Its FileStorage feature stores files and streams in the database, though each root BSON document has a documented 16 MB limit. LiteDB describes itself as thread-safe, with cross-collection transactions, no reader locks, and per-collection writer locks. Datafiles can be password-protected with salted AES encryption; the encryption documentation specifies ECB mode and says a password change or removal requires rebuilding the datafile. LiteDB is free and open source under the MIT License. It is installable through NuGet, and the project links to LiteDB.Studio for administration and community help through GitHub issues, Gitter, and Stack Overflow.
Good
- Free for everyone, including commercial use
- Stores data in a single datafile
- Supports ACID transactions and WAL recovery
- Offers SQL-like commands and LINQ queries
- NuGet installation and LiteDB.Studio are available
Watch out
- Each root BSON document is limited to 16 MB
- Password changes require rebuilding the datafile
- Encryption uses ECB mode
Who it suits
LiteDB suits .NET developers who want an embedded database for mobile, desktop, local, or web applications, or per-user data stores. Its single-file storage and BSON support may also suit applications that need database-backed file storage.
Verdict
LiteDB combines embedded .NET storage with transactions, query options, and BSON mapping in a single datafile. Consider its root-document size cap and the steps required to change an encryption password when planning data storage.
Plans and prices
From LiteDB's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| LiteDB | Free | Free for everyone, including commercial use |
The facts
Each one read from LiteDB's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Concurrency
- LiteDB describes itself as thread-safe, with cross-collection transactions, no reader locks, and per-collection writer locks.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Data storage
- LiteDB stores data in a single datafile and supports ACID transactions and recovery in write failures using WAL mode.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- LiteDB documents password-protected datafile encryption using salted AES; its encryption page specifies ECB mode and says changing or removing the password requires rebuilding the datafile.checked 4 Oct 2026
- File storage
- FileStorage stores files and streams in the database; LiteDB documents a 16 MB limit for each root BSON document.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- LiteDB is installable through NuGet, and the site links to LiteDB.Studio, an admin tool that supports its SQL commands.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The site identifies LiteDB as free and open source and displays the MIT License.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Product
- LiteDB is a serverless, embedded .NET NoSQL document database delivered as a single DLL.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Queries
- LiteDB supports SQL-like commands, LINQ queries, and query EXPLAIN plans.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to GitHub issues, Gitter chat, and Stack Overflow for community help.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The site lists mobile apps, desktop and local applications, application file formats, web applications, and per-user data stores as intended uses.checked 4 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Mapping
- LiteDB maps POCO classes to BsonDocument and supports a fluent API for custom mapping.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Platforms
- The site lists .NET Framework, .NET Standard, .NET Core, UWP, Linux, Xamarin iOS and Android, and Unity support.checked 4 Oct 2026
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