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Caffeine

Free#23 of 27 in Caching Software

Caffeine: A capable open-source local cache for Java applications, without persistence or high availability. Ranked #23 of 27 in Caching Software by our editors (6.8/10); pricing: Open source; best for java applications needing fast local caching.

6.8/10Editor score
Visit Caffeine
Caffeine6.8 Visit Caffeine

At a glance

  • Editor score
    6.8 / 10
  • Pricing
    Open source
  • Best for
    Java applications needing fast local caching
  • Paid from
    Free
  • Deployment
    Self_hosted
  • Facts checked
    21 Sep 2026
Caffeine screenshot

  • Where it wins

    • Automatic loading, asynchronous refresh, and time-based expiration
    • Frequency- and recency-based eviction for size-limited caches
    • Broad Java framework and cache API integration support

  • Where it doesn't

    • In-process storage does not provide a hosted cache service
    • No persistence for retaining cached data across application restarts
    • No high-availability features for distributed cache deployments

Our verdict on Caffeine

Caffeine is an open-source Java library for keeping frequently accessed application data in memory, inside the application process. It suits Java teams that need local caching with automatic loading, expiration, eviction, refresh, and access statistics. The library supports both synchronous and asynchronous loading, along with weak and soft references, removal notifications, and cache access statistics. Its focus is embedded application caching rather than edge caching or a separately managed cache service.

Integration is a major part of Caffeine’s fit. The project provides JSR-107 JCache and Guava adapter modules, and it integrates with Spring Cache, Play Framework, Micronaut, Kotlin Coroutines, Bootique, Quarkus, Camel, Scaffeine, JHipster, and Aedile. Supported cache targets include Caffeine cache, JSR-107 JCache, and Guava Cache. This gives Java applications several established ways to add local caching while retaining compatibility with existing APIs or frameworks. Teams already working in these ecosystems should find the library’s positioning straightforward: it adds an in-process cache without requiring a separate hosted service.

Caffeine is less suitable when cached data must survive application restarts, remain available across multiple application instances, or be managed as a shared distributed resource. Its in-memory design and self-hosted deployment model keep the scope narrow, with no persistence or high-availability features. Choose it for fast local caching within Java applications, especially when automatic loading, frequency and recency eviction, expiration, asynchronous refresh, or framework adapters matter. Choose an alternative when the requirement is a persistent, distributed, or highly available cache service rather than an embedded library.

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

Caffeine pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on github.com

Caffeine fact sheet

Free planNot verified
Paid fromFree
DeploymentSelf_hosted
Cache targetsin-memory application data
Edge cachingNo
Data persistenceNot verified
High availabilityNot verified
Supported cache enginesCaffeine cache, JSR-107 JCache, Guava Cache
DeploymentSelf-hosted
SupportCommunity, Docs
Integrations12 integrations: JSR-107 JCache, Guava, Spring Cache, Play Framework, Micronaut, Kotlin Coroutines … See all →
PricingOpen source
Websitegithub.com
Facts checked21 Sep 2026

Caffeine integrations

Caffeine lists 12 integrations on its own site.

  • JSR-107 JCache
  • Guava
  • Spring Cache
  • Play Framework
  • Micronaut
  • Kotlin Coroutines
  • Bootique
  • Quarkus
  • Camel
  • Scaffeine
  • JHipster
  • Aedile

See all Caffeine integrations →

Alternatives to Caffeine

See all Caffeine alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — Caffeine 6.8/10

Caffeine 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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