List of the Top 22 Embedded Database Systems for Linux in 2025

RaimaDB is an embedded time series database designed specifically for Edge and IoT devices, capable of operating entirely in-memory. This powerful and lightweight relational database management system (RDBMS) is not only secure but has also been validated by over 20,000 developers globally, with deployments exceeding 25 million instances. It excels in high-performance environments and is tailored for critical applications across various sectors, particularly in edge computing and IoT. Its efficient architecture makes it particularly suitable for systems with limited resources, offering both in-memory and persistent storage capabilities. RaimaDB supports versatile data modeling, accommodating traditional relational approaches alongside direct relationships via network model sets. The database guarantees data integrity with ACID-compliant transactions and employs a variety of advanced indexing techniques, including B+Tree, Hash Table, R-Tree, and AVL-Tree, to enhance data accessibility and reliability. Furthermore, it is designed to handle real-time processing demands, featuring multi-version concurrency control (MVCC) and snapshot isolation, which collectively position it as a dependable choice for applications where both speed and stability are essential. This combination of features makes RaimaDB an invaluable asset for developers looking to optimize performance in their applications.

MySQL is recognized as the leading open source database in the world. Its impressive history of reliability, performance, and ease of use has made it the go-to choice for many web applications, including major platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, as well as the five most visited websites. Additionally, MySQL is a popular option for embedded database solutions, with many independent software vendors and original equipment manufacturers distributing it. The database's flexibility and powerful capabilities further enhance its popularity across diverse sectors, making it a critical tool for developers and businesses alike. Its continued evolution ensures that it remains relevant in an ever-changing technological landscape.

What contributes to the platform independence of eXtremeDB? It features a hybrid data storage approach, allowing for configurations that are entirely in-memory or fully persistent, as well as combinations of both, unlike many other IMDS databases. Additionally, eXtremeDB incorporates its proprietary Active Replication Fabric™, enabling not only bidirectional replication but also multi-tier replication, which can optimize data transfer across various network conditions through built-in compression techniques. Furthermore, it offers flexibility in structuring time series data by supporting both row-based and column-based formats, enhancing CPU cache efficiency. eXtremeDB can operate as either a client/server architecture or as an embedded system, providing adaptable and speedy data management solutions. With its design tailored for resource-limited, mission-critical embedded applications, eXtremeDB is utilized in over 30 million deployments globally, ranging from routers and satellites to trains and stock market operations, showcasing its versatility across diverse industries.

VelocityDB distinguishes itself as an exceptional database engine, celebrated for its capacity to store data with unparalleled speed and efficiency compared to rival solutions, all while maintaining a remarkably low cost. In contrast to conventional databases that depend on structured mappings to tables, JSON, or XML formats, it preserves .NET objects in their original state. Additionally, VelocityGraph, an open-source property graph database, works in perfect harmony with the VelocityDB object database. As a C# .NET noSQL object database, VelocityDB, when paired with VelocityGraph, emerges as one of the fastest, most scalable, and versatile database alternatives available today. The development team's commitment to addressing bugs is evident, as issues reported with reproducible test cases are generally resolved within a week, highlighting their dedication to quality. A key benefit of utilizing this database system is its outstanding adaptability, allowing developers to customize their applications to fulfill even the most particular specifications. With VelocityDB, users can choose the most appropriate data structures for their requirements, providing them with control over data's persistent placement, indexing, and access methods. This remarkable degree of customization not only enhances the user experience but also firmly establishes VelocityDB as a leader in the field of database technology, making it an attractive option for developers seeking efficiency and flexibility.

Perst is a versatile, open-source object-oriented embedded database management system (ODBMS) developed by McObject, available under dual licensing. It offers two distinct versions: one specifically crafted for Java environments and another geared towards C# applications in the Microsoft .NET Framework. This robust database system empowers developers to effectively store, organize, and access objects, achieving remarkable speed while ensuring low memory and storage requirements. Leveraging the object-oriented capabilities of both Java and C#, Perst demonstrates superior performance in benchmarks such as TestIndex and PolePosition compared to other embedded databases in the Java and .NET ecosystems. A notable feature of Perst is its capacity to directly store data in Java and .NET objects, eliminating the need for translation that is common in relational and object-relational databases, which in turn boosts run-time performance. With a streamlined core that consists of just five thousand lines of code, Perst requires minimal system resources, rendering it an appealing choice for environments with limited resources. This efficiency not only enhances developer experience but also significantly improves the responsiveness of applications that incorporate the database, making it a compelling option for a variety of projects. Additionally, its flexibility and performance make it suitable for both small-scale applications and larger, more complex systems.

CUBRID is a relational database management system (DBMS) tailored for online transaction processing (OLTP) that complies with ANSI SQL standards, featuring support for MVCC, high availability, and intuitive GUI tools for database management and migration. It is designed to be compatible with Oracle and MySQL, while also supporting various interfaces like JDBC. Users will find the installation process to be seamless, complemented by native GUI-based administration tools that facilitate development. The system's architecture is both multi-threaded and multi-server, incorporating a native broker middleware, a cost-based optimizer, and advanced caching techniques specifically aimed at boosting OLTP performance. Moreover, it includes dependable automatic failover technology through the CUBRID Heartbeat engine core, which guarantees minimal downtime for users. Supporting multi-volume configurations and automatic volume expansion, CUBRID can efficiently manage a vast number of databases, tables, and indexes without facing size constraints. Its extensive and reliable features make it an excellent choice for dynamic and scalable applications across diverse industries, ensuring that it meets the varied demands of modern enterprise requirements. In conclusion, CUBRID stands out as a versatile solution for organizations seeking robust database management capabilities.

InterSystems Cache® is a robust database solution that supports transaction processing applications worldwide. Its versatility enables it to be utilized in a diverse range of applications, from navigating the vastness of the Milky Way by mapping stars to executing an astounding trillion equity trades daily and overseeing intelligent energy grids. Cache is crafted by InterSystems as a multi-model database management system (DBMS) and application server, accommodating various data models including object-relational and key-value formats. Offering a plethora of APIs, InterSystems Cache allows concurrent data manipulation across several formats, such as key/value, relational/object, document, multidimensional, and more. Users can manage data seamlessly using a wide array of programming languages, including SQL, Java, Node.js, .NET, C++, and Python. Additionally, Cache features an integrated application server that enables the hosting of web applications, supporting various access protocols like CSP, REST, and SOAP, ensuring efficient interaction with Cache data. This multifaceted approach allows developers to create innovative solutions that can scale with their needs.

IBM Informix® stands out as a versatile and effective database solution, seamlessly integrating SQL, NoSQL/JSON, time series, and spatial data. Its user-friendly interface and adaptability make it an ideal option for a variety of environments, encompassing large enterprise data warehouses and smaller application development initiatives. The database's compact design and self-managing capabilities make it especially beneficial for applications involving embedded data management. As the need for IoT data processing continues to grow, Informix addresses this demand with its hybrid architecture, which minimizes administrative overhead while maintaining a small memory footprint and providing substantial functionality. It is particularly adept at supporting multi-tiered architectures that require data processing across different levels, including devices, gateways, and cloud infrastructures. Additionally, Informix features native encryption to protect data both at rest and during transmission. Its support for flexible schemas, along with various APIs and configurations, further enhances its versatility, making Informix a fitting solution for contemporary data management challenges. The combination of these attributes positions Informix as a leading contender in the database landscape, capable of meeting the evolving needs of businesses and developers alike.

Easily manage complex models with ArcadeDB without compromising on performance. There's no need to rely on Polyglot Persistence; you can store various data types without using multiple databases. In one ArcadeDB Multi-Model database, you can efficiently integrate graphs, documents, key-value pairs, and time series data seamlessly. Since each model is built directly into the database engine, worries about translation delays are a thing of the past. Designed with cutting-edge technology, ArcadeDB can handle millions of records per second effortlessly. A remarkable feature of ArcadeDB is its consistent traversal speed, which remains stable regardless of the database's size, whether it contains a handful of entries or billions. Additionally, ArcadeDB can function as an embedded database on a single server but is also capable of scaling across multiple servers with Kubernetes. Its adaptable nature allows it to run on any platform while using minimal resources. The security of your data is critical; our robust, fully transactional engine ensures durability for essential production databases. To maintain consistency across different servers, ArcadeDB utilizes a Raft Consensus Algorithm, guaranteeing that your data stays reliable and synchronized even in distributed settings. With ArcadeDB, you can effectively manage all your data requirements without the complications of handling multiple systems, ensuring a streamlined and efficient experience. Whether for small projects or large-scale applications, ArcadeDB provides the flexibility and performance needed to meet diverse data challenges.

To sustain uninterrupted operations, businesses need effective solutions for improving system functionality, accelerating data processing, and guaranteeing reliable storage. In-memory technologies have proven to be valuable assets in tackling these issues. For over ten years, Tarantool has played a pivotal role in helping organizations worldwide develop intelligent caches, data marts, and detailed client profiles while maximizing server efficiency. This strategy not only cuts down storage costs related to credential management compared to standalone solutions but also enhances the overall service quality and security for client applications. Moreover, it reduces data management expenses by decreasing the number of independent systems that store customer identities. By examining user behavior and data insights, businesses can increase sales through faster and more precise product or service recommendations. Furthermore, improving the performance of mobile and web platforms can lead to a significant decrease in user drop-off rates. In larger companies, IT systems frequently operate within a closed network loop, which can create vulnerabilities as data flows without sufficient safeguards. Therefore, it is crucial for organizations to implement comprehensive strategies that not only protect their data but also optimize system performance and reliability. This dual focus can lead to enhanced customer trust and long-term business success.

The Mimer SQL codebase is widely regarded as one of the most sophisticated in the field. It features a modular design that guarantees outstanding maintainability, seamless scalability, and an emphasis on portability. Our proficiency in leveraging the full potential of computers and operating systems is evident in Mimer SQL. With a state-of-the-art SQL compiler that incorporates the most current optimization methods, along with an exceptional storage engine, Mimer SQL sets a benchmark for unparalleled speed and efficiency, constrained only by the capabilities of the hardware. The security measures integrated into Mimer SQL are consistently updated, ensuring that every detail is meticulously addressed. It provides robust protection for data whether it is in use, in transit, or stored, employing trusted and well-documented algorithms. As an ideal solution for modern in-vehicle computing systems, Mimer SQL offers the performance and reliability necessary to meet the stringent requirements of secure, flexible, and efficient data management in the context of today’s autonomous and connected vehicles. The innovative architecture of Mimer SQL not only enhances user confidence but also positions it as a go-to resource for all data management necessities, ensuring that users can trust its capabilities in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Apache Phoenix effectively merges online transaction processing (OLTP) with operational analytics in the Hadoop ecosystem, making it suitable for applications that require low-latency responses by blending the advantages of both domains. It utilizes standard SQL and JDBC APIs while providing full ACID transaction support, as well as the flexibility of schema-on-read common in NoSQL systems through its use of HBase for storage. Furthermore, Apache Phoenix integrates effortlessly with various components of the Hadoop ecosystem, including Spark, Hive, Pig, Flume, and MapReduce, thereby establishing itself as a robust data platform for both OLTP and operational analytics through the use of widely accepted industry-standard APIs. The framework translates SQL queries into a series of HBase scans, efficiently managing these operations to produce traditional JDBC result sets. By making direct use of the HBase API and implementing coprocessors along with specific filters, Apache Phoenix delivers exceptional performance, often providing results in mere milliseconds for smaller queries and within seconds for extensive datasets that contain millions of rows. This outstanding capability positions it as an optimal solution for applications that necessitate swift data retrieval and thorough analysis, further enhancing its appeal in the field of big data processing. Its ability to handle complex queries with efficiency only adds to its reputation as a top choice for developers seeking to harness the power of Hadoop for both transactional and analytical workloads.

The ITTIA DB suite unites sophisticated functionalities for time series analysis, real-time data streaming, and analytics specifically designed for embedded systems, thus simplifying development workflows while reducing costs. With ITTIA DB IoT, users benefit from a lightweight embedded database tailored for real-time tasks on constrained 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs), whereas ITTIA DB SQL provides a powerful time-series embedded database that performs well on both single and multicore microprocessors (MPUs). These ITTIA DB solutions enable devices to efficiently monitor, process, and store real-time data. Furthermore, the products are meticulously crafted to cater to the requirements of Electronic Control Units (ECUs) in the automotive industry. To protect data integrity, ITTIA DB features robust security measures against unauthorized access, which include encryption, authentication, and the DB SEAL capability. In addition, ITTIA SDL complies with the IEC/ISO 62443 standards, underscoring its dedication to safety. By implementing ITTIA DB, developers are equipped to effortlessly gather, process, and refine incoming real-time data streams using a specialized Software Development Kit (SDK) designed for edge devices, enabling effective searching, filtering, joining, and aggregating of data directly at the edge. This all-encompassing strategy not only boosts performance but also addresses the increasing necessity for real-time data management in contemporary technological environments, ultimately benefiting a wide range of applications across various sectors.

SAP HANA is a cutting-edge in-memory database that efficiently manages both transactional and analytical workloads by utilizing a single data copy, regardless of its nature. It effectively eliminates the divide between transactional and analytical functions within businesses, allowing for quick decision-making whether used in a traditional data center or through cloud services. This advanced database management system grants users the ability to develop intelligent, real-time applications, which promotes fast decision-making from a consolidated data repository. By integrating sophisticated analytics, it bolsters the performance of modern transaction processing systems. Organizations can leverage cloud-native features such as enhanced scalability, speed, and performance to create comprehensive data solutions. With SAP HANA Cloud, businesses gain access to dependable and actionable insights from a unified platform while maintaining stringent security, privacy, and data anonymization that align with established enterprise standards. In the rapidly evolving market landscape, the intelligent enterprise increasingly depends on prompt insights generated from data, highlighting the necessity for real-time access to critical information. As organizations face rising expectations for immediate insights, adopting a powerful database solution like SAP HANA is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. The ability to make informed decisions based on real-time data is becoming a key differentiator in business success.

Couchbase sets itself apart from other NoSQL databases by providing an enterprise-level, multicloud to edge solution that is packed with essential features for mission-critical applications, built on a platform known for its exceptional scalability and reliability. This distributed cloud-native database functions effortlessly within modern, dynamic environments, supporting any cloud setup, from customer-managed to fully managed services. By utilizing open standards, Couchbase effectively combines the strengths of NoSQL with the familiar aspects of SQL, which aids organizations in transitioning smoothly from traditional mainframe and relational databases. Couchbase Server acts as a flexible, distributed database that merges the relational database advantages, such as SQL and ACID transactions, with the flexibility of JSON, all while maintaining high-speed performance and scalability. Its wide-ranging applications serve various sectors, addressing requirements like user profiles, dynamic product catalogs, generative AI applications, vector search, rapid caching, and much more, thus proving to be an indispensable resource for organizations aiming for enhanced efficiency and innovation. Additionally, its ability to adapt to evolving technologies ensures that users remain at the forefront of their industries.

Neo4j's graph platform is crafted to enable users to maximize the potential of data and its interconnections. By utilizing Neo4j, developers can build smart applications capable of navigating the vast, interconnected datasets of today in real-time. This platform features a native graph storage engine coupled with a processing engine that enhances its capabilities. Furthermore, it offers distinctive, actionable insights through a user-friendly, adaptable, and secure database environment, making it an essential tool for modern data analysis.

Symas LMDB stands out as a remarkably fast and memory-efficient database created specifically for the OpenLDAP Project. By employing memory-mapped files, it combines the rapid read capabilities typical of purely in-memory databases with the durability characteristic of traditional disk-based systems. Notably, despite its small footprint of just 32KB of object code, LMDB delivers exceptional performance; it truly exemplifies the ideal 32KB solution. The efficiency and compact design of LMDB are crucial to its outstanding functionality. For developers looking to implement LMDB in their projects, Symas offers fixed-price commercial support that enhances the integration process. Ongoing development is actively pursued in the mdb.master branch of the OpenLDAP Project’s git repository, ensuring that it remains current and effective. Furthermore, LMDB has gained recognition in a variety of notable products and scholarly articles, underscoring its adaptability and efficacy in different applications. This widespread acclaim reinforces LMDB’s reputation as an essential asset for developers in the tech community. Additionally, its unique features continue to attract interest from developers seeking robust database solutions.

Actian Zen is a high-performance database management system designed for embedded applications, particularly those functioning at the edge, along with mobile and IoT platforms. It effectively combines SQL and NoSQL data models, providing developers with the versatility needed to manage a diverse range of structured and unstructured data. Known for its compact design, scalability, and outstanding reliability, Actian Zen is ideal for resource-constrained environments where steady performance and low maintenance are essential. Moreover, it features advanced security measures and a self-optimizing architecture that supports real-time data analytics and processing without the need for constant management. This system is widely adopted across various sectors, including healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, as it is crucial for handling distributed data environments that support their critical operations. Its distinct attributes make it an attractive option for organizations eager to embrace the benefits of edge computing technologies, fostering innovation and efficiency in their processes. Ultimately, Actian Zen stands out as a robust solution for modern data management challenges.

LevelDB, a high-performance key-value storage library created by Google, is engineered to maintain an ordered association between string keys and string values. It treats both keys and values as arbitrary byte arrays, with the data organized in a sorted manner according to the keys. Users can implement a custom comparison function to alter the default sorting dynamics if desired. The library supports batching of multiple changes into a single atomic operation, which helps preserve data integrity during updates. Moreover, it enables the creation of temporary snapshots, allowing users to capture a consistent view of the data at any point in time. Users can also iterate through the stored data in both forward and backward directions, which enhances the flexibility of data access. To improve storage efficiency, data is automatically compressed using the Snappy compression algorithm. Furthermore, the library interacts with the operating system through a virtual interface, giving users the option to customize interactions with external environments, including file system operations. In practical usage, for instance, a database may contain one million entries, each entry comprising a 16-byte key paired with a 100-byte value. Interestingly, during benchmarking, the values compress to about half their original size, resulting in considerable space savings. We provide thorough performance metrics for sequential reads in both directions and evaluate the effectiveness of random lookups to highlight the library's capabilities. This extensive performance evaluation assists developers in identifying ways to optimize their utilization of LevelDB in diverse applications, ensuring they can maximize the benefits offered by this powerful library. Additionally, understanding these metrics can lead to improved design choices in database implementation and usage.

solidDB has achieved worldwide acclaim for its exceptional capability to deliver data with extraordinary speed. It boasts millions of installations across various sectors, including telecommunications, enterprise applications, and embedded systems. Major corporations such as Cisco, HP, Alcatel, Nokia, and Siemens rely on solidDB for their most essential operations. By utilizing in-memory storage rather than traditional disk systems, solidDB significantly surpasses the performance of conventional databases. This innovative approach enables applications to reach throughputs of hundreds of thousands to millions of transactions per second, with response times measured in just microseconds. Additionally, solidDB incorporates advanced features that bolster data availability, ensuring consistent uptime, minimizing data loss, and expediting recovery procedures. Beyond its groundbreaking performance, solidDB is also crafted to empower administrators with the ability to tailor the software to fit specific application needs, while offering user-friendly functionalities that facilitate deployment and management, ultimately leading to a reduced total cost of ownership (TCO). The blend of superior performance, customization options, and ease of management positions solidDB as a highly sought-after solution in the competitive realm of data management technologies. As businesses continue to demand faster and more reliable data solutions, solidDB stands out as a go-to choice for organizations aiming to enhance their operational efficiency.

The OneStep-JV™ Point of Sale system provides an innovative array of applications designed specifically for retailers and distributors, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to achieve peak performance. Leveraging the powerful features of Java and the dependability of Oracle, OneStep-JV™ offers a thorough point of sale solution. Built on Java with Oracle as its embedded database, this system guarantees users access to both sophisticated technology and efficient inventory management. Thanks to Java's inherent versatility, OneStep-JV™ can operate on various platforms, from single-user computers to large-scale networks and portable devices like Palm Tops, while accommodating a range of operating systems such as Windows, Novell, Unix, and Linux. Additionally, the Oracle database framework bolsters the system's reliability, incorporating auto-recovery features that safeguard the database and inventory control software, which is crucial for sustaining seamless operations. Retailers and distributors can confidently rely on OneStep-JV™ to provide consistent efficiency and flexibility in a variety of settings, enhancing their overall productivity and responsiveness to market demands. Ultimately, the OneStep-JV™ system stands out as a vital tool for businesses seeking to streamline their sales processes and improve customer service.

Introducing H2, a Java SQL database tailored for effective data management. In its embedded mode, applications can directly connect to the database within the same Java Virtual Machine (JVM) via JDBC, which is the fastest and most straightforward method of connection. Nevertheless, this configuration has a limitation: it restricts database access to a single virtual machine and class loader at any given time. Similar to other operation modes, it supports both persistent and in-memory databases, allowing for an unlimited number of simultaneous database accesses or open connections. Conversely, the mixed mode merges characteristics of both embedded and server modes, where the first application connecting to the database functions in embedded mode, while concurrently initiating a server for other applications in separate processes or virtual machines to access the same data at the same time. This combination facilitates local connections to benefit from the rapid speed associated with embedded mode, though remote connections might encounter minor latency. Ultimately, H2 stands out as a versatile and powerful solution capable of meeting diverse database requirements, making it an appealing choice for developers.