- Home
- Mobile Databases
- PouchDB
PouchDB
What it is
PouchDB is a free, open-source JavaScript database for browser applications. It stores JSON-serializable documents locally, allowing apps to continue working offline and later synchronize data in both directions with CouchDB-compatible servers. The same API operates in browsers and Node.js. Browser storage uses IndexedDB by default, while the documented Node.js adapter uses Node’s native SQLite module with versions newer than 22.5.0. Supported server integrations include CouchDB 1.x, 2.x, and 3.x, Cloudant, and PouchDB Server. Attachments can be supplied as base64-encoded strings or Blob objects. The project describes itself as framework-agnostic and names Angular, React, Ember, and Backbone among usable frameworks. It also runs with Cordova/PhoneGap, NW.js, Electron, and Chrome apps. Direct synchronization with a non-CouchDB database requires that backend to speak the CouchDB replication protocol. PouchDB supports Android, iOS, Windows, web, APIs, extensions, and self-hosted setups.
For and against
For
- Free open-source JavaScript database
- Offline storage with bidirectional synchronization
- Same API in browsers and Node.js
- Framework-agnostic design
- Supports CouchDB, Cloudant, and PouchDB Server
Against
- Direct sync requires CouchDB replication protocol
- Documents must be serializable as JSON
- Mobile Safari has a 50MB WebSQL limit
- Apache Software Foundation incubation is ongoing
The verdict
PouchDB provides local document storage, offline operation, and synchronization for JavaScript applications. Its compatibility requirements and platform storage limits should be reviewed before deployment.
Who it suits
PouchDB suits JavaScript developers building browser or Node.js applications that need offline storage and synchronization with CouchDB-compatible services. It also fits teams using multiple frameworks or listed desktop and mobile runtimes.
Plans and prices
Free
open-source database · API access · online documentation support
Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Free open-source project
JavaScript database; runs in browsers and Node.js
Read 7 Oct 2026 · pouchdb.apache.org
On the record
- Asynchronous API
- The public API supports callbacks, promises and async functions.pouchdb.apache.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Browser preset
- The pouchdb-browser preset includes IndexedDB plus replication, HTTP and map/reduce plugins.pouchdb.apache.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Browser storage
- PouchDB uses IndexedDB by default in browsers and prefers IndexedDB over separately installed WebSQL support.pouchdb.apache.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Build tooling
- Custom builds require an npm-oriented bundler such as Browserify, Webpack, Rollup, SystemJS or JSPM; direct prebuilt-file workflows are not supported for custom builds.pouchdb.apache.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Community support
- The project points users to GitHub issues, Slack, mailing lists and Stack Overflow for help.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company founded
- LinkedIn lists The Apache Software Foundation as founded in 1999.linkedin.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company headquarters
- The Apache Software Foundation lists its mailing address in Wilmington, Delaware, United States.apache.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company legal entity
- The Apache Software Foundation is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the listed steward of Apache PouchDB.apache.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company size
- LinkedIn lists the Apache Software Foundation in the 5,001–10,000 employee size range.linkedin.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Compatibility limit
- PouchDB cannot sync directly with a non-CouchDB database unless the backend speaks the CouchDB replication protocol.pouchdb.apache.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- CouchDB compatibility
- The project aims to closely reproduce the CouchDB API and replication behavior.pouchdb.apache.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Custom builds
- Packages can be assembled from presets, plugins and utilities to reduce bundle size or tailor functionality.pouchdb.apache.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Data formats
- PouchDB stores documents that must be serializable as JSON and supports attachments supplied as base64-encoded strings or Blob objects.pouchdb.apache.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Documentation depth
- Official materials include a getting-started tutorial, API reference, guides, FAQ, adapter documentation and plugin listings.pouchdb.apache.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Document operations
- The API includes database creation, document insertion and updates, deletion, bulk operations and changes feeds.pouchdb.apache.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Environments
- PouchDB runs in browsers and Node.js, and its API works the same across those environments.pouchdb.apache.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Frameworks
- The project says it is framework-agnostic and can be used with Angular, React, Ember, Backbone, or another framework.pouchdb.apache.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- License
- PouchDB is distributed under the Apache License 2.0.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
