Drift
Drift: A capable open-source Flutter database layer, with synchronization handled through integrations. Ranked #10 of 26 in Mobile Databases by our editors (8.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for flutter teams wanting type-safe SQL.
At a glance
- Editor score8.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFlutter teams wanting type-safe SQL
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Offline modeYes
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Generated Dart code and compile-time SQL verification
- Reactive query streams, migrations, transactions, and DAOs
- Supports mobile, desktop, web, Linux, SQLite, and PostgreSQL
Where it doesn't
- No built-in automatic backend synchronization
- Synchronization depends on integrations or custom approaches
- The strongest fit is centered on Dart and Flutter applications
Our verdict on Drift
Drift is an open-source reactive persistence library for Dart and Flutter applications. It combines type-safe SQL, generated Dart database code, fluent Dart query APIs, and compile-time SQL analysis with SQLite-based database tooling. The library supports Android and iOS alongside Windows, macOS, Linux, and web targets, making it suitable for teams building Flutter applications across several deployment environments. Offline mode is supported, and its database capabilities include reactive queries, migrations, transactions, and encrypted databases.
Its strongest area is the depth of its local data layer. Reactive auto-updating query streams can keep application views aligned with database changes, while schema migrations and migration tests support ongoing database evolution. DAOs and batched inserts provide structure for larger data-access layers, and the combination of SQL with generated Dart code gives teams both direct query control and typed application interfaces. Support for WebAssembly, native, SQLite, and PostgreSQL-related database setups also gives the library room to fit different runtime targets.
Synchronization requires a more deliberate architecture. Drift itself does not provide a built-in synchronization service; its documented options include PowerSync, libSQL, Turso, PostgreSQL, and custom synchronization backends. The published integration details include bidirectional synchronization for libSQL, while that behavior does not describe every Drift deployment. Choose Drift if your team wants an open-source, free database layer with strong Dart and Flutter integration, typed SQL, and local-first capabilities. Consider another option if automatic backend synchronization is the central requirement rather than an integration choice.
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Drift pricing
Drift fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Offline mode | Yes |
| Data synchronization | Bidirectional |
| Mobile platforms | Android, iOS |
| Conflict resolution | Not verified |
| SDK languages | Dart, Flutter |
| Monthly sync limit | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: PowerSync, libSQL, Turso, PostgreSQL |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | drift.simonbinder.eu |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Drift integrations
Drift lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- PowerSync
- libSQL
- Turso
- PostgreSQL
Alternatives to Drift
- Couchbase LiteA broad offline NoSQL option with local storage, synchronization, search, and cross-platform SDKs.9.4
- DittoA strong fit for apps that must sync across peers when connectivity is unreliable.9.2
- AWS Amplify DataStoreA focused choice for cross-platform apps that need offline data and AppSync sync.9.0
Used Drift? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Drift 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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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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