BigchainDB review
A fit for immutable asset networks, not a general-purpose distributed SQL database.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
BigchainDB is an open-source database system for developers and organizations building applications that need queryable data with blockchain characteristics. Its focus is immutable storage, digital assets, and decentralized control rather than general-purpose SQL workloads. Teams building transaction or asset networks may find that focus relevant; teams seeking a distributed SQL database should look elsewhere.
The data model and network design are the product’s defining strengths. BigchainDB combines MongoDB for queries over transactions, assets, metadata, and blocks with Tendermint as a Byzantine fault-tolerant consensus engine. Operators can form public or private networks of voting nodes, and transaction-level permissions provide a way to control access. Applications access nodes through an HTTP API and drivers. This is a specialized approach for systems that need immutable records and distributed control, rather than a broad SQL platform.
Deployment is self-hosted, with documentation describing installation on Linux and Kubernetes. Teams need to operate nodes and manage their network; the product is therefore a less natural fit for buyers seeking a managed database experience. Its published documentation is for BigchainDB Server 2.2.2, so buyers should assess the documentation’s relevance to their deployment needs. Choose BigchainDB when blockchain characteristics, asset support, and voting-node control are central requirements. Choose another product when SQL compatibility is essential or the priority is a general-purpose distributed SQL database.
BigchainDB pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Queries transactions, assets, metadata, and blocks with MongoDB queries
- Immutable storage and digital asset and token support
- Federated voting nodes use Tendermint Byzantine fault-tolerant consensus
- Where it doesn't
- Does not provide SQL compatibility
- Not presented as a general-purpose distributed SQL database
- Self-hosted deployment calls for operating nodes and network infrastructure
BigchainDB fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update