SQLite

Visit site Alternatives

Score9.2

Rank#2 of 74

From$12.50/mo

Free planYes

Runs onAndroid, API, iOS, Linux, macOS, Self-hosted, Web, Windows

Summary

SQLite is a transactional SQL database engine that runs inside an application, without a separate server process or configuration. Each complete database is stored in one disk file that can be used across platforms. Its SQL capabilities include partial indexes, indexes on expressions, JSON, common table expressions, and window functions. Transactions are atomic, consistent, isolated, and durable, including after system crashes and power failures. Many readers can access a database at once, but each database file supports only one writer at a time. The project recommends SQLite for device-local storage with low writer concurrency and less than a terabyte of content. SQLite is free for commercial or private use, and its source code is in the public domain. Downloads include source and precompiled binaries for Android, Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows, plus WebAssembly and JavaScript bundles for web applications. A free public forum is available, alongside paid private email and technical support options. The maker is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was founded in 2000.

Who it is for

SQLite suits developers who need device-local database storage, have low writer concurrency, and expect less than a terabyte of content.

What is good

No separate server process or configuration
Stores each database in one cross-platform file
Free for commercial and private use
Supports JSON and window functions
Unlimited simultaneous readers

What to know first

Only one writer per database file at a time
Private email and technical support are paid

Verdict

SQLite is a compact choice for application-embedded storage where write activity is limited. Its single-writer limit per database file is an important consideration for workloads with concurrent writes.

SQLite plans and pricing

All plans

SQLite Free Free for any purpose; no license required. Embedded SQL database engine · no separate server process sqlite.org · 29 Sept 2026

SQLite Consortium Membership $150/yr Annual Premium enterprise support · on-site visits · proprietary extensions and test suites sqlite.org · 29 Sept 2026

Technical Support $885/yr Annual High-priority email and phone support · guaranteed response time available as an option sqlite.org · 29 Sept 2026

Annual Maintenance Subscription $1,500/yr Annual Private expert email advice from SQLite developers sqlite.org · 29 Sept 2026

SQLite Encryption Extension (SEE) $2,000 once One time Source code · reads and writes AES-encrypted databases sqlite.org · 29 Sept 2026

CEROD $2,000 once One time Source code · reads compressed and encrypted databases sqlite.org · 29 Sept 2026

Compared on database software

Free plan: Yessqlite.org

Facts

Free plan: Yessqlite.org · 22 Sept 2026
Product: SQLite is an in-process, self-contained, serverless, zero-configuration transactional SQL database engine.sqlite.org · 29 Sept 2026
Database format: A complete SQLite database is stored in a single cross-platform disk file.sqlite.org · 29 Sept 2026
SQL features: SQLite implements SQL features including partial indexes, indexes on expressions, JSON, common table expressions, and window functions.sqlite.org · 29 Sept 2026
Transactions: SQLite transactions are atomic, consistent, isolated, and durable even after system crashes and power failures.sqlite.org · 29 Sept 2026
Platforms: The project lists Android, BSD, iOS, Linux, Mac, Solaris, VxWorks, and Windows as supported platforms.sqlite.org · 29 Sept 2026
Downloads: The download page offers source code and precompiled binaries for Android, Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows, plus WebAssembly and JavaScript bundles for web applications.sqlite.org · 29 Sept 2026
Security: The security guidance says SQLite is extensively fuzz-tested and recommends defensive settings and lower input limits for applications accepting untrusted SQL.sqlite.org · 29 Sept 2026
License: SQLite source code is in the public domain and is free for commercial or private use without a license.sqlite.org · 29 Sept 2026
Support: SQLite offers a free public forum as well as paid private email and technical support options.sqlite.org · 29 Sept 2026
Concurrency limit: SQLite supports unlimited simultaneous readers but allows only one writer at a time per database file.sqlite.org · 29 Sept 2026
Intended use: The project recommends SQLite for device-local storage with low writer concurrency and less than a terabyte of content.sqlite.org · 29 Sept 2026
Maker: Paid support and products are provided by Hipp, Wyrick & Company, Inc. (Hwaci), headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and in business since 1992.sqlite.org · 29 Sept 2026