redb
redb: A focused Rust crate for durable embedded key-value data without a database server. Ranked #25 of 30 in Embedded Databases by our editors (6.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for rust embedded key-value storage.
At a glance
- Editor score6.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forRust embedded key-value storage
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- ACID transactions with MVCC for concurrent readers and writers
- Crash-safe commits, savepoints, rollbacks, and persistent database files
- Zero-copy access and optional no_std support for supported targets
Where it doesn't
- Designed for Rust applications rather than standalone database-server use
- Key-value tables use an API instead of a query interface
- no_std support excludes Cortex-M0 targets
Our verdict on redb
redb is a pure-Rust embedded key-value database for developers who want persistent storage inside an application rather than through a separate database server. It stores data in copy-on-write B+trees and exposes key-value tables through a BTreeMap-like API. The fit is strongest for Rust projects that need durable local data, transactional updates, and a compact database layer with direct integration into the application.
Its core storage and transaction features cover several practical durability needs. ACID-compliant transactions provide transactional updates, while MVCC supports concurrent readers and writers. Crash-safe commits, checksums, and crash recovery support persistent operation, and savepoints with rollbacks give applications a way to manage transaction state. The zero-copy access API is suited to applications where avoiding unnecessary data movement matters. redb is distributed under either the Apache License 2.0 or MIT License, and the published model is open source with a free plan.
Platform fit is a defining consideration. redb is delivered as a Rust crate, with an optional no_std build mode for targets that provide atomic compare-and-swap, including Cortex-M3 and above while excluding Cortex-M0. Its database model is deliberately focused on key-value tables and an API rather than a query language, so it suits embedded application storage more naturally than workloads organized around relational queries. Choose redb when Rust-native persistence, transactional safety, and embedded deployment are priorities. Choose an alternative when the project needs a standalone database server, a different programming ecosystem, or a broader query model.
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redb pricing
redb fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Rust crate; no_std targets with atomic compare-and-swap, including Cortex-M3 and above but excluding Cortex-M0 |
| Database model | Key-value |
| Query interface | Api |
| Encryption | Not verified |
| Data synchronization | Not verified |
| Maximum database size | Not verified |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | redb.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to redb
- 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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