The best embedded databases, according to hackers
7 embedded databases were recommended on Hacker News between November 2025 and November 2026. We rank them by how many separate people recommend each one, and 3 earn the Hacker Approved badge.
Top picks
The three most recommended embedded databases with the badge. Each figure is 50 people. RecommendsCriticizes One comment
Extremely well tested and reliable
An extensively tested, zero-maintenance embedded database that handles far more load than expected for many apps, though concurrent writes and growing server apps can outgrow it.
Fast isolated tests without containers
Real Postgres compiled to WASM that runs embedded in apps and tests, avoiding Docker for quick isolated instances. Critics note it allows only one writer connection.
Run SQL in the browser
Lets people run SQL queries directly in the browser against local data such as Parquet files, without a backend server. Critics note the WebAssembly build lacks some features of the native version and the download is heavy.
All 7 embedded databases, ranked
Select a column heading to sort. Approval share is recommenders out of everyone who gave an opinion; the tick on each bar marks the 2 to 1 line the badge needs. Months counts the months, out of 13, in which someone recommended it.
How we rank
Rank is the number of separate people who recommend a product in a Hacker News comment over the past year. Someone who praises the same embedded database in five threads counts once.
The badge goes to embedded databases that at least 10 people recommend, with recommenders outnumbering critics at least 2 to 1, recommended in at least 4 of the 13 months.
Rankings are never for sale. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes the order.