lowdb vs store.js
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 JavaScript wrapper that saves values in the browser under one simple get/set API.
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 store.js if you need…
- Front-end developers who need to keep small pieces of data in the browser across page loads
- Teams maintaining sites that must work on older browsers
- Developers who want optional add-ons like expiration or change events without writing them from scratch
Side-by-side
| lowdb | store.js | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Library | Library |
| Price | Free and open source | Free and open source |
| Licence | MIT | MIT |
| GitHub stars | 22.6k | 14k |
| 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 | 3 years 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.
store.js
Store.js is a JavaScript library that gives web pages one simple interface for saving and reading data in the browser, such as get, set, remove and each. It picks the best available storage mechanism in the browser and falls back to others if needed, so the same code can run across many browsers. It also offers optional plugins for features like expiring values, default values and change events.
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
store.js
- Front-end developers who need to keep small pieces of data in the browser across page loads
- Teams maintaining sites that must work on older browsers
- Developers who want optional add-ons like expiration or change events without writing them from scratch
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
store.js
- Simple get/set/remove/each API with a small surface area
- Falls back across several storage types so code keeps working in many browsers
- Plugin system lets you add only the features you need
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
store.js
- Projects that only target modern browsers, since the README suggests a smaller modern build and built-in localStorage may be enough
- Apps that need to store large or sensitive data, because browser storage has limits and the README does not describe encryption
- Server-side data needs, since this is aimed at browser storage
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
store.js
- The README describes browser-specific storage limits and quirks that you must account for
- Plugins and builds add choices that can be confusing for newcomers
- Last push shown is January 2024 and there is no release listed, so check whether it still fits your needs
Getting started
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between lowdb and store.js?
lowdb: A small JSON-file database you use with plain JavaScript arrays and objects. store.js: A small JavaScript wrapper that saves values in the browser under one simple get/set API. lowdb suits node.js developers building small tools or prototypes that need simple persistent storage, while store.js suits front-end developers who need to keep small pieces of data in the browser across page loads.
Are lowdb and store.js free?
lowdb: Free and open source. store.js: Free and open source.
Is lowdb or store.js more popular?
lowdb has more GitHub stars (22.6k) than store.js (14k). Popularity isn't the same as fit — check which one matches your use case above.
What are other alternatives to lowdb and store.js?
Other options people compare them with include NeDB, 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.