Agroal

At a glance

• Editor score
  6.7 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  JVM teams wanting configurable embedded pooling
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Transaction pooling
  No
• Facts checked
  14 Nov 2026

• Where it wins

  • Configures minimum and maximum pool sizes and acquisition timeouts
  • Includes validation, idle reaping, leak detection, and flush operations
  • Exposes pool metrics and health checks, with Spring Boot and Narayana integration

• Where it doesn't

  • Embedded library, not a separately hosted pooling service
  • Pooling is connection-based; transaction-based reassignment is not documented
  • Documentation is the listed support channel

Our verdict on Agroal

Agroal is an open-source Java library that provides a pooled `javax.sql.DataSource` inside an application. It is aimed at JVM teams that want to configure database connection pooling as part of their own software rather than adopt a separately hosted service. Its controls cover minimum and maximum pool sizes, connection acquisition timeouts, validation, idle reaping, and connection lifetime. The project is self-hosted and has no separate hosted pooling layer in its stated deployment model.

The feature set extends beyond sizing: Agroal provides connection leak detection and reporting, pool metrics and statistics, health checks, and flush operations for removing or replenishing connections. It also supports transaction-system integration and offers integrations for Spring Boot and Narayana, including a Spring Boot starter. These capabilities make it relevant when a Java application needs pool visibility and lifecycle controls alongside its existing transaction setup. The documented pooling mode is connection pooling; transaction integration should not be mistaken for transaction-based connection reassignment.

Agroal is published as open source, with a free plan, and is not described as a separately priced hosted pooling service. That makes it a fit for teams comfortable embedding and operating a library within their application, from solo developers through enterprise teams. Documentation is the listed support channel, so buyers seeking a hosted service or a broader support offering should consider other options. Teams looking specifically for session-, transaction-, or statement-mode pooling should also look elsewhere; Agroal's documented focus is the pooled data source and its connection-level configuration.

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Agroal pricing

Agroal fact sheet

Agroal integrations

Agroal lists 2 integrations on its own site.

• Spring Boot
• Narayana

Alternatives to Agroal

• MMMariaDB MaxScaleSQL-aware pooling and routing for MariaDB and MySQL-compatible production environments.9.3
• OOdysseyA focused, open-source pooler for PostgreSQL session and transaction workloads.9.1
• PgBouncerA self-hosted PostgreSQL pooler with flexible modes and connection controls, but no built-in failover.8.9

See all Agroal alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Agroal is listed in our Database Connection Pooling Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026

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Last updated 14 Nov 2026 · How we research and update