List of the Top 7 Offline-First Databases for Mac in 2025

SQLite is a library written in C that delivers a compact, efficient, and fully-featured SQL database engine that is both reliable and widely used. It is regarded as the most popular database engine in the world, integrated into virtually every mobile device and most computers, along with countless applications that people utilize on a daily basis. Functioning as an in-process library, SQLite serves as a self-contained, serverless, and zero-configuration transactional SQL database engine. The source code is in the public domain, allowing anyone to utilize it freely for both commercial and personal endeavors. Thanks to its extensive integration and deployment across various platforms, SQLite has become an essential resource for developers engaged in significant projects. Its remarkable adaptability and user-friendliness are key factors that contribute to its unparalleled popularity within the database arena, making it a go-to choice for many. This widespread adoption showcases its importance in modern software development and data management practices.

OrbitDB functions as a decentralized, serverless, peer-to-peer database that leverages IPFS for data storage and utilizes Libp2p Pubsub for seamless synchronization among peers. It incorporates Merkle-CRDTs to facilitate conflict-free writing and merging of database entries, making it ideal for decentralized applications, blockchain projects, and web apps designed to operate primarily offline. The platform provides a range of database types that cater to distinct requirements: 'events' serves as immutable append-only logs, 'documents' allows for JSON document storage indexed by specific keys, 'keyvalue' offers conventional key-value pair storage, and 'keyvalue-indexed' provides LevelDB-indexed key-value data. Each of these database types is constructed on OpLog, a structure that is immutable, cryptographically verifiable, and based on operation-driven CRDT principles. The JavaScript implementation is compatible with both browser and Node.js environments, while a version in Go is actively maintained by the Berty project, ensuring a wide range of support for developers. This flexibility and adaptability make OrbitDB a powerful choice for those looking to implement modern data solutions in distributed systems.

Utilize Core Data to store your application's persistent data for offline access, cache temporary information, and implement undo features on a single device. For syncing data across various devices linked to the same iCloud account, Core Data seamlessly replicates your schema into a CloudKit container. You can specify your data types and relationships using Core Data’s Data model editor, which also allows for the generation of corresponding class definitions. At runtime, Core Data is capable of managing object instances, enabling a variety of functionalities. It simplifies the process of connecting your objects to a storage solution, allowing for straightforward data saving from both Swift and Objective-C without requiring direct database management. The undo manager in Core Data monitors changes, offering the ability to revert them individually, collectively, or all at once, thus facilitating easy integration of undo and redo capabilities in your application. Additionally, it is advisable to execute potentially UI-blocking operations, such as converting JSON into objects, in the background to maintain a smooth user experience. By doing so, your application will not only enhance its performance but also ensure that users remain engaged without interruptions.

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.

FairCom EDGE simplifies the integration of sensor and machine data right at the source, whether it's in a factory, water treatment plant, oil rig, wind farm, or any other industrial environment. As the world's pioneering converged IoT/Industrial IoT hub, FairCom EDGE combines messaging and data persistence into a single comprehensive solution. It features browser-based tools for administration, configuration, and monitoring, streamlining the user experience. Additionally, FairCom EDGE is compatible with MQTT, OPC UA, and SQL for machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, along with HTTP/REST for real-time monitoring and reporting. The platform consistently gathers data from sensors and devices via OPC UA and captures messages from machinery using MQTT. Moreover, the data is efficiently parsed, stored, and made accessible through MQTT or SQL, ensuring seamless data management across various industrial applications. This robust functionality positions FairCom EDGE as an essential tool for modern industrial data integration.

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.

Harness the potential of low-code development without limitations, allowing for the swift construction of web and mobile applications via an easy-to-navigate visual interface packed with ready-made components. Quickly adapt and enhance your applications to align with the changing demands of your business, taking advantage of features like in-app guided tours, reusable templates, and effortless cloud deployments, while simplifying data integration through visual mapping tools to boost overall productivity. Effortlessly connect to any backend data source, facilitating seamless data collection and transformation across multiple systems. Design captivating applications that are tailored to various audiences across all devices, ensuring an outstanding user experience without any barriers. Accelerate your development timeline by utilizing over 100 pre-built native UI widgets specifically crafted for both mobile and web environments. Leverage the full spectrum of native mobile app functionalities, responsive design, and progressive web app (PWA) features to ensure peak performance, user experience, and security. Generate adaptable omni-channel experiences from a unified design platform that spans mobile, web, wearables, and more, expanding your influence and effectiveness in the digital realm. Moreover, this efficient methodology encourages collaboration among teams, fostering the rapid emergence of innovative solutions that can keep pace with the fast-evolving market demands. In doing so, it empowers organizations to cultivate a culture of creativity and agility, ultimately driving greater success.