GUN
GUN: A flexible self-hosted choice for offline-first, peer-synchronized web applications. Ranked #25 of 26 in Mobile Databases by our editors (6.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for self-hosted peer-synchronized web apps.
At a glance
- Editor score6.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forSelf-hosted peer-synchronized web apps
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Founded2014
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Offline-first peer synchronization with conflict resolution
- Supports graph, document, table, and key/value data models
- Encryption, authentication, GraphQL, and framework integrations
Where it doesn't
- Requires self-hosted deployment and infrastructure management
- Verified platform coverage is narrower than mobile-focused alternatives
- Its broad feature set may require more architectural decisions
Our verdict on GUN
GUN is an open-source, decentralized graph synchronization protocol and embedded database engine for developers building realtime, offline-first applications. It is suited to teams that want peer-to-peer state synchronization, local data operation, encrypted application features, and control over deployment. GUN runs on the web and Linux, with self-hosted deployment using Docker or Linux. Its model support covers graph, document, table, and key/value data, giving developers several ways to structure application state.
The main technical strength is its combination of offline-first operation and distributed synchronization. GUN includes conflict resolution for distributed data, an embedded local database engine, end-to-end encryption, and cryptographic user authentication. GraphQL support extends its query and integration options, while framework integrations include Electron, React Native, Vue, Svelte, and Web Components. This makes it relevant for applications that need local operation and synchronization across peers rather than a conventional centralized database pattern.
GUN is a strong fit for developers comfortable with self-hosted infrastructure and decentralized application design. Deployment examples use Docker or Linux, and the project provides JavaScript APIs, tutorials, GraphQL references, framework examples, and modules for storage, authentication, encryption, and networking. Teams seeking a focused mobile database with broad verified platform coverage may prefer a mobile-focused alternative. Teams building web applications around peer synchronization, offline behavior, flexible data models, and deployment control should find GUN’s feature mix more aligned with their architecture.
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GUN pricing
GUN fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Offline mode | Not verified |
| Data synchronization | Not verified |
| Mobile platforms | Not verified |
| Conflict resolution | Not verified |
| SDK languages | Not verified |
| Monthly sync limit | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop |
| Platforms | Web, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 6 integrations: GraphQL, Electron, React Native, Vue, Svelte, Web Components |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | gun.eco |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
GUN integrations
GUN lists 6 integrations on its own site.
- GraphQL
- Electron
- React Native
- Vue
- Svelte
- Web Components
Alternatives to GUN
- 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
Also Ranked In
GUN is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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