PGlite
PGlite is an open-source relational database that packages Postgres as WebAssembly in a TypeScript/JavaScript client library.
What PGlite is
PGlite is an open-source relational database that packages Postgres as WebAssembly in a TypeScript/JavaScript client library. It runs in browsers, Node.js, Bun, and Deno without other dependencies, and the package is under 3 MB gzipped. Data can remain in memory or persist to browser IndexedDB and to the filesystem in Node or Bun. PostgreSQL extensions include pgvector and PostGIS, while live query primitives support reactive updates when data changes. Documentation provides React and Vue hooks and lists Prisma, Drizzle, Kysely, Knex.js, Orange ORM, and TypeORM compatibility. Described uses include embedded databases, testing, development, and on-device or edge AI and RAG. PGlite supports synchronization and is developed by Electric. It uses one exclusive connection, with a multi-tab worker option.
Good
- Open-source dual licensing
- Runs across four runtimes
- Under 3 MB gzipped
- Supports Postgres extensions
- Reactive live queries
Watch out
- Single exclusive connection
- Socket server differs from normal Postgres
- Some socket use cases are not guaranteed
Who it suits
PGlite suits developers embedding relational Postgres-compatible storage in web, server-runtime, local, or edge applications. It also fits testing, development, synchronization, and on-device AI or RAG use cases.
Verdict
PGlite offers a compact Postgres-based database for browser, JavaScript runtime, and edge applications. Its single-connection model and socket-server caveat matter when planning concurrent access.
Plans and prices
From PGlite's own pricing page, checked 5 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| PGlite | Free | Open-source software; dual-licensed under Apache 2.0 and PostgreSQL License |
The facts
Each one read from PGlite's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Connection limit
- PGlite has a single exclusive connection to the database; the documentation describes a multi-tab worker for sharing an instance across browser tabs.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Extensions
- PGlite supports Postgres extensions including pgvector, and its home page also names PostGIS support.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Framework integrations
- The documentation provides framework hooks for React and Vue.checked 5 Oct 2026
- License
- PGlite is dual-licensed under Apache 2.0 and the PostgreSQL License.checked 5 Oct 2026
- ORM integrations
- The documented compatible ORMs and query builders include Prisma, Drizzle, Kysely, Knex.js, Orange ORM, and TypeORM.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Persistence
- PGlite can run in memory or persist data to the filesystem in Node/Bun and IndexedDB in browsers.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Reactive queries
- PGlite includes live query primitives for reactive updates when underlying database data changes.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Runtime support
- PGlite runs in browsers, Node.js, Bun, and Deno without requiring other dependencies.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Size
- The PGlite package is under 3 MB gzipped.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Socket server caveat
- The PGlite Socket documentation says its server can multiplex simultaneous connections, but notes that this differs from a normal Postgres installation and not all use cases are guaranteed to work.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The documentation describes use for embedded application databases, unit and CI testing, local development, remote development, and on-device or edge AI and RAG.checked 5 Oct 2026
- What it is
- PGlite is a WebAssembly build of Postgres packaged as a TypeScript/JavaScript client library.checked 5 Oct 2026
The company
- Maker
- PGlite is developed by Electric for embedding into applications locally or at the edge, including syncing a subset of server-side Postgres data.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Maker headquarters
- Electric says it is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area.checked 5 Oct 2026
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