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SQLite

Public-domain, serverless SQL database engine that stores a whole database in one file.

Open sourceDatabase management systems

Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

Visit SQLiteSee 5 alternatives

Is SQLite free?

Yes, free and open source

License:
Public domain

Checked on SQLite's site Nov 8, 2026

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About SQLite

SQLite is a small SQL database engine that runs inside the application that uses it instead of as a separate server. A full database, with tables, indexes, triggers and views, lives in a single ordinary file that can be copied between machines and operating systems. There is nothing to install or configure, transactions stay safe even after a power cut, and the file format is stable, which is why SQLite ships inside phones, browsers, desktop apps, cars and countless other products. It is the default choice for mobile apps, local app storage, prototypes, small websites and data analysis on a laptop. The code is in the public domain, so it is free for any use. Its trade-offs come from the same design: it allows only one writer at a time, has no built-in user accounts or network access, and is not meant for many clients writing concurrently, where PostgreSQL or MySQL fit better. Desktop tools such as DB Browser for SQLite add a GUI.

Best for: Apps, prototypes and small sites that need a reliable SQL database without running a server.

SQLite pricing (checked Nov 8, 2026)

Each line is quoted from SQLite's own site, with the page it came from.

Plan or termWhat it saysCheckedSource
Support plannedThrough 2050Nov 8, 2026sqlite.org

Pros and cons

What works

  • Zero configuration: the whole database is one file
  • Public domain, free for any purpose
  • Extremely well tested and stable file format

Why people leave

  • Only one writer at a time limits busy multi-user apps
  • No built-in network access or user permissions
  • Does not accept outside code contributions

SQLite vs PostgreSQL, MySQL and MariaDB

From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.

AttributeSQLitePostgreSQLMySQLMariaDB
PricingOpen sourceOpen sourceOpen sourceOpen source
Verified price————
Free planFree appFree appFree appFree app
Open sourceYesYesYesYes
Self-hostableNoYesYesYes
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidLinux, macOS, Windows, Self-hostedLinux, Windows, macOS, Self-hostedLinux, Windows, macOS, Self-hosted

Full SQLite vs PostgreSQL comparison

Top SQLite alternatives

See all 5
  1. 1PostgreSQL logo
    PostgreSQL

    A full client-server database for many concurrent writers, users and advanced SQL features.

    68.8
  2. 2MySQL logo
    MySQL

    Widely hosted client-server database for web apps that outgrow a single file.

    64.8
  3. 3MariaDB logo
    MariaDB

    Open-source MySQL fork for multi-user web apps that need a network server.

    61.8
  4. 4Turso logo
    Turso

    Hosted, SQLite-compatible database with replicas, if you want SQLite's model over the network.

    51.2
  5. 5DuckDB logo
    DuckDB

    Also an embedded, in-process database in a single file, but built for fast analytical queries over large tables and Parquet/CSV files.

    50.0

Why people left SQLite

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

No switching stories yet. If you moved away from SQLite, review the app you switched to and tell us why.

Reviews

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SQLite: common questions

What is SQLite?

SQLite: Public-domain, serverless SQL database engine that stores a whole database in one file. Best for apps, prototypes and small sites that need a reliable SQL database without running a server. Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.

Is SQLite free?

Yes. SQLite is free, open-source software.

How much does SQLite cost?

SQLite is free and open source. Support planned: Through 2050. Checked on SQLite's own site, November 2026.

Is SQLite open source?

Yes.

What platforms does SQLite run on?

SQLite is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.

What are the best alternatives to SQLite?

The highest-ranked SQLite alternatives right now are PostgreSQL, MySQL and MariaDB. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

SQLite vs PostgreSQL: what's the difference?

Both SQLite and PostgreSQL are free and open source. Only SQLite runs on iOS and Android.

See all 5 SQLite alternatives