HSQLDB
8.1#2 in relational databasesFrom $100 a yearFree planAPILinuxmacOSSelf-hosted
VisitHSQLDB vs SQLite
What both publish
| Fact | HSQLDB | SQLite |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Official limits include disk tables up to 8 TB, text tables up to 256 GB and individual CLOB/BLOB storage up to 64 TB. | The documented maximum database size is 281 terabytes and the maximum row size is 1 gigabyte. |
| Founded | 2001 | 2000 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Latest release | The official latest release is version 2.7.4, dated 25 October 2024. | Version 3.54.1 was released on 2026-10-16. |
| License | HSQLDB source and binaries use permissive BSD-based licenses, with separate terms for legacy Hypersonic SQL code. | SQLite source code is in the public domain and is free for commercial or private use without a license. |
| Maker | HSQLDB is developed and published by The HSQL Development Group, formed in 2001. | Paid support and products are provided by Hipp, Wyrick & Company, Inc. (Hwaci), headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and in business since 1992. |
| Product | HSQLDB is a Java-based relational database engine with in-memory and disk-based tables, supporting embedded and server modes. | SQLite is an in-process, self-contained, serverless, zero-configuration transactional SQL database engine. |
| Rating on G2 | 4.0 out of 5 from 22 reviews. | 4.3 out of 5 from 260 reviews |
HSQLDB plans
- Developer subscription$100 a year
- Basic Corporate subscription—
- Premier Corporate subscription$2,500 a year
- HSQLDB softwareFree
- HSQLDBFree
- Developer SupportWare$100 a year
SQLite plans
- SQLiteFree
- Public ForumFree
- Annual Maintenance Subscription$1,500 a year
- SQLite Encryption Extension (SEE)$2,000, paid once
- CEROD$2,000, paid once
- ZIPVFS$4,000, paid once
Pick HSQLDB if…
HSQLDB may suit developers and organizations seeking a self-hosted Java database with embedded or server operation. Its listed tools and integrations may also be relevant to teams using the named Java and database projects.
Pick SQLite if…
SQLite suits developers who need device-local database storage, have low writer concurrency, and expect less than a terabyte of content.