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# Apache Derby vs SQLite Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Apache DerbySQLite[+ Add Product](#)

Reviews

**Apache Derby** [

3.8/5(23)

](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-derby/reviews#reviews)

**SQLite** [

4.3/5(262)

](https://www.g2.com/products/sqlite/reviews#reviews)

Pricing

**Apache Derby**
No pricing available

**SQLite**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**Apache Derby**
Not enough reviews yet

**SQLite**
2 months

Based on 28 responses

Return on Investment

**Apache Derby**
Not enough reviews yet

**SQLite**
13 months

Based on 19 responses

Perceived Cost

**Apache Derby**
$$$$$

**SQLite**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**Apache Derby**
Not enough reviews yet

**SQLite**
15%

Pros & Cons

**Apache Derby**
Not enough data

**SQLite**
[
Setup Ease (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/sqlite/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2324623&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Ease of Use (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/sqlite/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1714308&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Difficult Learning (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/sqlite/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2324613&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Feature Limitations (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/sqlite/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2461339&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

Integrations

**Apache Derby**
Not enough data

**SQLite**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_13aba37ae908d9cf29a2452925257ccc/visual-studio-code.jpeg "Product Avatar Image")

Visual Studio Code

](https://www.g2.com/products/visual-studio-code/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/sqlite/integrations)

Ratings

Meets Requirements

**Apache Derby**

8.2

8.222

**SQLite**

8.5

8.5214

Ease of Use

**Apache Derby**

8.6

8.623

**SQLite**

8.9

8.9214

Ease of Setup

**Apache Derby**

9.0

9.010

**SQLite**

9.1

9.186

Ease of Admin

**Apache Derby**

8.2

8.210

**SQLite**

8.8

8.880

Quality of Support

**Apache Derby**

8.1

8.119

**SQLite**

7.8

7.8163

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Apache Derby**

8.0

8.09

**SQLite**

8.3

8.362

Product Direction (% positive)

**Apache Derby**

6.4

6.423

**SQLite**

7.5

7.5208

Features

Relational Databases[Hide 24 FeaturesShow 24 Features](javascript:void(0);)

7.4

20

8.1

193

Management 

Data Schema

Not enough data

8.9(won by default)

29

Query Language

Not enough data

8.8(won by default)

32

ACID - Complaint

Not enough data

8.5(won by default)

28

Data Replication

Not enough data

7.9(won by default)

30

Support 

Text Search

Not enough data

8.2(won by default)

28

Data Types

Not enough data

8.4(won by default)

32

Languages

Not enough data

8.3(won by default)

31

Operating Systems

Not enough data

8.3(won by default)

31

Security

Database Locking

Not enough data

7.9(won by default)

30

Access Control

Not enough data

7.9(won by default)

28

Encryption

Not enough data

7.7(won by default)

28

Authentication

Not enough data

7.6(won by default)

29

Performance 

Disaster Recovery

Not enough data

7.8(won by default)

26

Data Concurrency

Not enough data

8.1(won by default)

27

Workload Management

Not enough data

8.1(won by default)

27

Advanced Indexing

Not enough data

8.2(won by default)

27

Query Optimizer

Not enough data

8.5(won by default)

28

Database Features

Storage

7.3

20

8.1(won by 0.8)

177

 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors)

Availability

8.0

20

8.4(won by 0.4)

174

Stability

7.9

20

8.3(won by 0.4)

178

Scalability

6.7(tied score)

20

6.7(tied score)

163

Security

7.0(won by 0.1)

19

6.9

159

Data Manipulation

7.3

20

8.0(won by 0.7)

177

 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors)

Query Language

7.3

20

8.3(won by 1.0)

181

 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors)

User Insights

Reviewers' Company Size

[![Apache Derby](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_b350900e1c1cde239f398145fc13d8f3/apache-derby.jpg "Apache Derby")](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-derby/reviews)

Apache Derby

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

39.1%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

30.4%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

30.4%

[![SQLite](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_cf27b7c50adc61e4d44c2ef887f29fa3/sqlite.gif "SQLite")](https://www.g2.com/products/sqlite/reviews)

SQLite

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

44.7%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

23.7%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

31.6%

Small-Business

(50 or fewer emp.)

39.1%

44.7%

Mid-Market

(51-1000 emp.)

30.4%

23.7%

Enterprise

(\> 1000 emp.)

30.4%

31.6%

Reviewers' Industry

[![Apache Derby](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_b350900e1c1cde239f398145fc13d8f3/apache-derby.jpg "Apache Derby")](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-derby/reviews)
Apache Derby

Computer Software

39.1%

Information Technology and Services

13.0%

Government Administration

13.0%

Education Management

8.7%

Medical Practice

4.3%

Other

21.7%

[![SQLite](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_cf27b7c50adc61e4d44c2ef887f29fa3/sqlite.gif "SQLite")](https://www.g2.com/products/sqlite/reviews)
SQLite

Information Technology and Services

30.4%

Computer Software

21.7%

Higher Education

5.1%

Financial Services

3.6%

Internet

3.2%

Other

36.0%

FAQs

## Apache Derby vs SQLite FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 15, 2026

### What is the difference between SQLite vs Apache Derby?

SQLite stands out for its higher G2 rating, greater review volume, and stronger reviewer-cited ease of setup compared to Apache Derby.

| [SQLite](https://www.g2.com/products/sqlite/reviews) | [Apache Derby](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-derby/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.3/5 (262 reviews) | 3.8/5 (23 reviews) |
| — | — |
| 9.1 | 9.0 |
| 7.8 | 8.1 |
| Setup Ease (2 all-time mentions) | — |

### How do the pricing models of SQLite and Apache Derby compare?

SQLite is rated higher for value by reviewers, as reflected in its satisfaction scores on price and cost-related dimensions.

- **SQLite:** In recent reviews, many highlight its free usage and cost-effectiveness for lightweight applications.
- **Apache Derby:** Reviewers note its open-source nature and suitability for small-scale or proof-of-concept projects.

### What are the best alternatives to SQLite and Apache Derby?

The top three alternatives to SQLite and Apache Derby are MySQL, MS SQL, and Oracle Database.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [SQLite](https://www.g2.com/products/sqlite/reviews) | 4.3/5 (262 reviews) | — | In recent reviews, many highlight its free usage | Setup Ease (2 all-time mentions) |
| [Apache Derby](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-derby/reviews) | 3.8/5 (23 reviews) | — | Reviewers note its open-source nature | — |
| [MySQL](https://www.g2.com/products/mysql/reviews) | 4.4/5 (1682 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — |
| [MS SQL](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews) | 4.4/5 (2287 reviews) | Enterprise | — | — |
| [Oracle Database](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-database/reviews) | 4.3/5 (1021 reviews) | Enterprise | — | — |

### Which Relational Databases features should I prioritize when comparing SQLite and Apache Derby?

Buyers comparing SQLite and Apache Derby should prioritize ease of setup, quality of support, ease of use, meets requirements, and ease of admin.

- **Ease of Setup:** SQLite 9.1, Apache Derby 9.0
- **Quality of Support:** SQLite 7.8, Apache Derby 8.1
- **Ease of Use:** SQLite 8.9, Apache Derby 8.6
- **Meets Requirements:** SQLite 8.5, Apache Derby 8.2
- **Ease of Admin:** SQLite 8.8, Apache Derby 8.2

### What are the pros and cons of SQLite vs Apache Derby?

SQLite's headline strength is ease of setup, while Apache Derby is noted for its open-source flexibility for Java applications.

- **SQLite strengths:** Setup ease (2 all-time mentions), ease of use, management simplicity, speed, user interface.
- **SQLite trade-offs:** Difficult learning (1 all-time mention), feature limitations (1 all-time mention), limited database support (1 all-time mention), not ideal for large-scale or high-concurrency scenarios.
- **Apache Derby strengths:** Open-source, lightweight, easy integration with Java, suitable for embedded and small-scale applications.
- **Apache Derby trade-offs:** Fewer features than larger database systems, slower performance compared to C/C++ databases, less suitable for large-scale enterprise use, documentation and tutorials can be lacking.

### Is SQLite or Apache Derby better for small businesses?

SQLite is the better fit for small businesses, with reviewers consistently highlighting its ease of setup and suitability for lightweight applications.

- **SQLite:** Reviewers describe SQLite as ideal for small business needs, emphasizing its quick setup, low resource requirements, and cost-effectiveness.
- **Apache Derby:** Reviewers note Apache Derby's suitability for small-scale and proof-of-concept projects, especially in Java environments.

### Which Relational Databases platform has better integrations?

SQLite and Apache Derby are at parity for integrations, with reviewers citing integration capabilities but no dominant third-party tool mentions for either product.

- **SQLite:** In recent reviews, several mention ease of integration with Python and other SQL-compatible applications.
- **Apache Derby:** Reviewers highlight integration with Java applications and JDBC support.

### How do SQLite and Apache Derby compare on customer support?

SQLite and Apache Derby are at parity on Quality of Support, with scores of 7.8 and 8.1 respectively, which is below the materiality threshold for a meaningful difference.

- **SQLite:** Reviewers frequently mention responsive support and a large community, with support scores ranging from 5.0 to 7.0 in recent reviews.
- **Apache Derby:** Reviewers describe support as adequate, with scores from 5.0 to 7.0 and positive remarks about community and documentation.

### Which is easier to implement, SQLite or Apache Derby?

SQLite and Apache Derby are at near-parity on Ease of Setup, with scores of 9.1 and 9.0 respectively, indicating both are easy to implement.

- **SQLite:** Reviewers consistently highlight its minimal setup, serverless architecture, and quick deployment for small projects.
- **Apache Derby:** Reviewers note its straightforward installation, especially for Java applications, and ease of embedding in development environments.

Alternatives

**Apache Derby Alternatives**

 ![MySQL](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_240340edca859994ec71e4490aa20022/mysql.png "MySQL")

[
MySQL
](/products/mysql/reviews)

 ![PostgreSQL](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_251be2af3ae607c45c14e816eaa1cf41/postgresql.png "PostgreSQL")

[
PostgreSQL
](/products/postgresql/reviews)

 ![Microsoft SQL Server](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a8a99a96fda235658139f710592f8a53/microsoft-sql-server.svg "Microsoft SQL Server")

[
MS SQL
](/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews)

 ![Google Cloud SQL](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a4f97d6f742e657968c8830b1a97c42e/google-cloud-sql.svg "Google Cloud SQL")

[
Cloud SQL
](/products/google-cloud-sql/reviews)

**SQLite Alternatives**

 ![Microsoft SQL Server](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a8a99a96fda235658139f710592f8a53/microsoft-sql-server.svg "Microsoft SQL Server")

[
MS SQL
](/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews)

 ![MySQL](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_240340edca859994ec71e4490aa20022/mysql.png "MySQL")

[
MySQL
](/products/mysql/reviews)

 ![Oracle Database](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_82f55e945509bff7b8009e8024cfe73c/oracle-database.jpg "Oracle Database")

[
Oracle Database
](/products/oracle-database/reviews)

 ![Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1533130188/amazon-relational-database-service-rds.svg "Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)")

[
Amazon Relational Database...
](/products/amazon-relational-database-service-rds/reviews)

## Apache Derby vs SQLite

When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found SQLite easier to use, set up, and administer. Reviewers also preferred doing business with SQLite overall.

- Reviewers felt that SQLite meets the needs of their business better than Apache Derby.
- When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Apache Derby is the preferred option.
- For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of SQLite over Apache Derby.