bbolt

Free#8 of 30 in Embedded Databases

Embedded key-value database library for Go

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At a glance

Editor score
Not yet scored
Pricing
Open source
Best for
Portable Go key-value applications
Paid from
None
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Serializable ACID transactions with lock-free MVCC
- Single-file storage with cursors, buckets, and B+tree indexing
- Verified mobile bindings for iOS and Android
Where it doesn't
- Low-level API without a SQL query interface
- Supports multiple readers but only one writer
- Designed for local embedded storage rather than hosted databases

Our verdict on bbolt

bbolt is a pure Go embedded key-value database library for developers building applications that need local storage without a separate database server. It stores data in a single database file, organizes records into buckets, and exposes an API-based query interface. Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android are supported, with mobile access provided through gomobile bindings. Its positioning fits portable Go applications where database access belongs inside the application rather than in a separate service.

Its storage and transaction model are the main strengths. Serializable ACID transactions support consistent writes, while lock-free MVCC allows multiple readers alongside one writer. B+tree storage, zero-copy reads, and cursor-based sequential, prefix, and range iteration give developers several ways to access ordered key-value data. Hot backups through transaction writes and read-only database mode add useful operational controls for local deployments. The published project details list bbolt as open source, and v1.5.0 is listed as the latest release.

The trade-off is a deliberately low-level, narrow database model. Applications need to work through the API, buckets, and cursors rather than a SQL interface, and write concurrency remains limited to one writer. bbolt is therefore a strong fit for Go software that needs a portable local database file, transactional storage, and mobile bindings. Teams seeking a hosted database, SQL querying, or broader multi-writer architecture should consider a different category of database product.

bbolt pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on github.com

bbolt fact sheet

Free plan	Not verified
Paid from	None
Supported platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Database model	Key-value
Query interface	Api
Encryption	Not verified
Data synchronization	Not verified
Maximum database size	Not verified
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Open source
Website	github.com
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

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Guides on embedded databases

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

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