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cache2k

Free#24 of 27 in Caching Software

cache2k: A focused, open-source Java cache with JCache compatibility and advanced loading controls. Ranked #24 of 27 in Caching Software by our editors (6.7/10); pricing: Open source; best for java object caching with JCache compatibility.

6.7/10Editor score

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cache2k6.7 Visit cache2k

At a glance

Editor score
6.7 / 10
Pricing
Open source
Best for
Java object caching with JCache compatibility
Paid from
Free
Deployment
Self_hosted
Facts checked
21 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Open-source Java object caching with configurable capacity and eviction
- Refresh-ahead, read-through loading, atomic operations, and resilience policies
- JCache compatibility plus Spring, Hibernate, JMX, and Micrometer integrations
Where it doesn't
- Focused on Java application objects rather than broader caching targets
- Self-hosted Java dependency rather than a hosted caching service
- Does not provide data persistence or AI features

Our verdict on cache2k

cache2k is an open-source, in-memory object caching library for Java applications. It is designed for teams embedding a cache directly into Java software, with a programmatic API for configurable entry capacity, eviction, expiry policies, refresh-ahead loading, atomic operations, resilience policies, statistics, and event listeners. The project is distributed as Java dependencies for self-hosted application deployment, making it a focused fit for Java object caching rather than a general-purpose hosted cache service.

Its strongest area is cache behavior control. cache2k supports read-through loading with CacheLoader, refresh-ahead loading, exception handling, cache writers, and atomic cache operations. These capabilities give developers several ways to manage expiry, loading, updates, and failure behavior within the application cache. Statistics with JMX support add operational visibility, while XML-based configuration offers an alternative to programmatic setup. For Java teams that need more than simple key-value storage, this feature depth is a meaningful advantage.

The ecosystem fit is also practical for established Java stacks. Integrations include Spring Framework, Scala Cache, Datanucleus, Hibernate, JCache/JSR107, JMX, and Micrometer. JCache compatibility can help applications align with the JSR107 caching API, while the additional integrations connect cache2k with common Java frameworks and monitoring tooling. Its boundaries are clear: cache2k targets Java application objects, does not provide data persistence, and is self-hosted rather than managed. Choose it when an embedded Java cache with configurable policies and JCache compatibility matches the architecture. Consider an alternative when the requirement is a hosted service, persistent caching, or caching beyond Java application objects.

Your product? Our editors can test cache2k in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

cache2k pricing

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

See plans on cache2k.org

cache2k fact sheet

Free plan	Not verified
Paid from	Free
Deployment	Self_hosted
Cache targets	Java application objects
Edge caching	Not verified
Data persistence	No
High availability	Not verified
Supported cache engines	cache2k; JCache/JSR107
Deployment	Self-hosted
Support	Community, Docs, Tickets
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Integrations	7 integrations: Spring Framework, Scala Cache, Datanucleus, Hibernate, JCache/JSR107, JMX …
Pricing	Open source
Website	cache2k.org
Facts checked	21 Sep 2026

cache2k integrations

cache2k lists 7 integrations on its own site.

Spring Framework
Scala Cache
Datanucleus
Hibernate
JCache/JSR107
JMX
Micrometer

Alternatives to cache2k

See all cache2k alternatives →

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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used cache2k for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.

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Featured on iTechGuides

cache2k is listed in our Caching 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 Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update