Perst
Perst: A specialized embedded database for Java and .NET apps that persist object graphs. Ranked #30 of 30 in Embedded Databases by our editors (5.8/10); pricing: Free plan · pricing on request; best for java or .NET apps persisting object graphs.
At a glance
- Editor score5.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan · pricing on request
- Best forJava or .NET apps persisting object graphs
- Free planYes
- Data synchronizationYes
- Facts checked25 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Persists Java and .NET objects directly, with schema evolution
- Offers ACID transactions and several index types
- Includes replication, encryption, and online or offline backup
Where it doesn't
- Its object-oriented model is more specialized than a general embedded database
- Commercial licensing requires contacting McObject
- GPL terms may not fit every project
Our verdict on Perst
Perst is an embedded object-oriented database for developers building Java or .NET applications that need to persist object graphs directly. McObject offers Java, .NET, Android, and Java ME variants, with self-hosted and mobile deployment options. It is aimed at teams that want database operations close to application objects rather than a more general-purpose embedded database model.
Its feature set is centered on working with those objects: Perst supports B-tree, R-tree, Patricia Trie, KD-tree, and T-tree indexes, ACID transactions, schema evolution, and object-oriented query methods. Query-by-example and JSQL, an object-oriented subset of SQL, give developers multiple ways to retrieve data. Full-text search includes Apache Lucene integration. This breadth makes Perst worth considering when an application needs indexed object persistence and database capabilities such as replication, encryption, and online or offline backup without separating its objects into a conventional relational structure.
Licensing is a key decision point. Perst is distributed under GPL terms, while McObject offers a commercial license for projects that cannot use GPL licensing; according to the vendor's pricing approach, commercial licensing requires contacting the company rather than selecting a published price. A free plan is available. The product supports asynchronous or synchronous master-slave replication, and documented database size support reaches 1 terabyte. Choose Perst when direct Java or .NET object persistence is central and its licensing terms fit. Teams seeking a broad, general embedded database choice may prefer another model.
Your product? Our editors can test Perst in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Perst pricing
Perst fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | Java SE/EE, Android, Java ME/CDC, and .NET Framework |
| Database model | Document |
| Query interface | Api |
| Encryption | Yes |
| Data synchronization | Yes |
| Maximum database size | 1024 GB |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Android |
| Support | Email, Phone, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 1 integrations: Apache Lucene |
| Pricing | Free plan · pricing on request |
| Website | mcobject.com |
| Facts checked | 25 Sep 2026 |
Perst integrations
Perst lists 1 integrations on its own site.
- Apache Lucene
Alternatives to Perst
- SQLiteA capable, zero-configuration SQL engine for applications that need local embedded storage.9.4
- H2 Database EngineA flexible embedded SQL engine for Java applications, with self-hosted server options.9.1
- FirebirdA self-hosted SQL database with replication, backups, and multiple deployment architectures.9.0
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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