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Firebird

firebirdsql.org

From €199/mo Free plan WindowsmacOSLinuxSelf-hosted
Visit firebirdsql.org
Spec score 8.5 #5 of 30 in Embedded Databases

What it is

Firebird is a free, open-source relational database management system with ANSI SQL features. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and supports self-hosted deployment. Its multi-generation architecture generally allows readers to access data without blocking writers. SQL features include stored procedures, triggers, common table expressions, cross-database queries, and flexible transaction management. A Trace API and monitoring tables support real-time monitoring, SQL debugging, and auditing. Security controls include users and roles, GRANT and REVOKE permissions, and a database owner concept; Windows Trusted Authentication can integrate with Windows domain or Active Directory security. Deployment choices include embedded, SuperServer, SuperClassic, and Classic architectures. Backup options include online backups and dumps, as well as incremental backup with partly supported point-in-time recovery. Drivers include Java JDBC,.NET, Python, ODBC, PHP, Delphi, and C++ Builder. Free community support is available through mailing lists, alongside commercial and special support. Firebird lists versions 5.0.4, 4.0.7, and 3.0.14 as latest in their series; versions 2.5 and earlier are discontinued and no longer maintained. The enterprise subscription is €199 a month, billed from €199/month/1 servers.

Spec sheet

Product
Firebird is an open source relational database management system with ANSI SQL features.Read 4 Oct 2026 · firebirdsql.org
Deployment
Firebird offers embedded, SuperServer, SuperClassic, and Classic architectures, plus Windows installers and RPM or tar.gz distributions.Read 4 Oct 2026 · firebirdsql.org
Free plan
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · firebirdsql.org
Security
Security features include users and roles, GRANT and REVOKE permissions, and a database owner concept.Read 4 Oct 2026 · firebirdsql.org
Support
Free community support is available through Firebird support mailing lists, with commercial and special support also offered.Read 4 Oct 2026 · firebirdsql.org
Authentication
Windows Trusted Authentication supports single sign-on and integration with Windows domain or Active Directory security.Read 4 Oct 2026 · firebirdsql.org
Backup
Firebird supports online backups and dumps, plus incremental backup with partially supported point-in-time recovery.Read 4 Oct 2026 · firebirdsql.org
Concurrency
Its multi-generation architecture lets readers access data without blocking writers under most conditions.Read 4 Oct 2026 · firebirdsql.org
Current releases
The downloads page lists Firebird 5.0.4, 4.0.7, and 3.0.14 as the latest versions in their series.Read 4 Oct 2026 · firebirdsql.org
Drivers
Connectivity options include Java JDBC, .NET, Python, ODBC, PHP, Delphi, and C++ Builder drivers.Read 4 Oct 2026 · firebirdsql.org
Licensing
Firebird modules are released under the Initial Developer's Public License, a variant of the Mozilla Public License 1.1.Read 4 Oct 2026 · firebirdsql.org
Monitoring
Firebird offers a Trace API and monitoring tables for real-time monitoring, SQL debugging, and auditing.Read 4 Oct 2026 · firebirdsql.org
Network
The site says Firebird normally uses network port 3050, which can be configured, and database aliases avoid exposing database paths.Read 4 Oct 2026 · firebirdsql.org
Notable limit
The downloads page says Firebird 2.5 and earlier listed series are discontinued and no longer maintained by the project.Read 4 Oct 2026 · firebirdsql.org
SQL capabilities
Features include stored procedures, triggers, common table expressions, cross-database queries, and flexible transaction management.Read 4 Oct 2026 · firebirdsql.org

Plans and prices

Firebird SQL Free No fees for download, registration, licensing, or deployment, including commercial distribution Read 4 Oct 2026 · firebirdsql.org
Enterprise subscription €199 a month from €199/month/1 servers Proactive automated monitoring · human support · support for old Firebird versions Read 4 Oct 2026 · firebirdsql.org

Every Firebird plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free for download, registration, licensing, and deployment.
  • Supports Linux, macOS, and Windows.
  • Includes monitoring tables and a Trace API.
  • Offers several deployment architectures and driver options.

Limits

  • Firebird 2.5 and earlier are discontinued.
  • Point-in-time recovery is only partly supported.
  • Enterprise subscription is €199 a month.

Who it suits

Firebird suits teams that want a self-hosted relational database with multiple deployment architectures and broad driver options. Its commercial enterprise subscription may suit users seeking monitoring and support, including for older versions.

Verdict

Firebird offers a broad set of SQL, deployment, monitoring, and security capabilities at no licensing cost. Note the discontinued older series and the limits on point-in-time recovery; enterprise support is a separate paid option.

Where Specifiction places it

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