lowdb vs NeDB
Which should you use? A side-by-side look at what each one does, who it suits, what it costs, how hard it is to set up, and where each falls short.
Open source · MIT
A small JSON-file database you use with plain JavaScript arrays and objects.
Open source · MIT
A small embedded JavaScript database for Node.js, Electron and browsers, with no native dependencies.
The short answer
Choose lowdb if you need…
- Node.js developers building small tools or prototypes that need simple persistent storage
- Projects where a full database server would be more setup than the job needs
- Developers who want to query data with native Array functions instead of a query language
- Test suites that need a fast in-memory store, using the Memory adapters
Choose NeDB if you need…
- Small Node.js or Electron apps that need simple local storage without installing a separate database server
- Prototypes and tests that want an in-memory datastore
- Developers already familiar with MongoDB-style queries who want a lightweight local store
- Projects that must avoid binary dependencies
Side-by-side
| lowdb | NeDB | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Library | Library |
| Price | Free and open source | Free and open source |
| Licence | MIT | MIT |
| GitHub stars | 22.6k | 13.5k |
| Setup difficulty | Beginner | Beginner |
| How you get it | Install with a package manager | Install with a package manager |
| Main language | JavaScript | JavaScript |
| Last code update | 7 months ago | 18 months ago |
What each one is
lowdb
lowdb stores your data in a plain JSON file and lets you read and change it with ordinary JavaScript objects and array methods. You write changes with a single call, and the library saves them to disk. It is an npm package, so it runs inside a Node.js project, and the README also mentions browser storage adapters.
NeDB
NeDB is a database library written entirely in JavaScript that you add to a Node.js, nw.js, Electron or browser project. It can run purely in memory or save data to a file on disk, and its query API is described as a subset of MongoDB's. The README says the maintainer no longer maintains it, so it is mainly useful for small projects or for studying an existing codebase.
Best for
lowdb
- Node.js developers building small tools or prototypes that need simple persistent storage
- Projects where a full database server would be more setup than the job needs
- Developers who want to query data with native Array functions instead of a query language
- Test suites that need a fast in-memory store, using the Memory adapters
NeDB
- Small Node.js or Electron apps that need simple local storage without installing a separate database server
- Prototypes and tests that want an in-memory datastore
- Developers already familiar with MongoDB-style queries who want a lightweight local store
- Projects that must avoid binary dependencies
Strengths
lowdb
- Simple API: db.data is a plain JavaScript object, and writes are a single call
- Supports TypeScript so data shapes can be checked at compile time
- Adapters let you change the storage backend or file format
NeDB
- Written entirely in JavaScript with no binary dependency, per the README
- API is described as a subset of MongoDB's most-used operations
- Supports both in-memory and file-backed persistent datastores
Not ideal for
lowdb
- Apps with large datasets or heavy concurrent writes, since the data lives in a single JSON file and the README lists limits around large objects and Node's cluster module
- Projects that need a real database server with multiple clients, indexes or transactions; the README does not describe these features
NeDB
- Production systems that need active maintenance or security fixes, because the README says the library is no longer maintained and security alerts will not be answered
- Large datasets or heavy concurrent workloads, since the README stresses small embedded use and notes compaction blocks other operations
Trade-offs
lowdb
- Built on a single JSON file, so it is not designed for large or highly concurrent workloads
- The package is pure ESM, which the README notes can cause trouble in some projects
NeDB
- The README warns the project is no longer maintained and may have bugs and security issues
- Persistence uses an append-only file that is compacted on load, and compaction blocks other operations
Getting started
NeDB
Install from npm
npm install nedb --saveRun tests (needs dev dependencies)
npm testFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between lowdb and NeDB?
lowdb: A small JSON-file database you use with plain JavaScript arrays and objects. NeDB: A small embedded JavaScript database for Node.js, Electron and browsers, with no native dependencies. lowdb suits node.js developers building small tools or prototypes that need simple persistent storage, while NeDB suits small node.js or electron apps that need simple local storage without installing a separate database server.
Are lowdb and NeDB free?
lowdb: Free and open source. NeDB: Free and open source.
Is lowdb or NeDB more popular?
lowdb has more GitHub stars (22.6k) than NeDB (13.5k). Popularity isn't the same as fit — check which one matches your use case above.
What are other alternatives to lowdb and NeDB?
Other options people compare them with include store.js, DuckDB, Turso, libSQL, lo.
Keep comparing
Built from our catalogue entries for both products: open-source details come from each project's README (AI-assisted, refreshed weekly) and GitHub data; AI-tool details are editorial. Spotted something wrong? Let us know from either product's page.