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H2 Database Engine

h2database.com

Free plan WebWindowsmacOSLinuxAPISelf-hosted
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Spec score 8.1 #9 of 30 in Embedded Databases

What it is

H2 Database Engine is a free SQL database written in Java. It runs in embedded, server or mixed modes, with databases held on disk or in memory. H2 supports standard SQL and JDBC; server mode also accepts JDBC or ODBC over TCP/IP. A browser-based Console provides autocomplete. Listed database capabilities include transactions, multi-version concurrency and row-level locking, with JSON data support and high availability listed. Compatibility modes cover IBM DB2, Apache Derby, HSQLDB, MS SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle and PostgreSQL. Database files can use AES-128 encryption, while remote JDBC connections can use TLS. H2 is available for Linux, macOS and Windows, as an API, and for self-hosted or web deployment. It is dual licensed under MPL 2.0 or EPL 1.0, allowing integration into and distribution with commercial applications. The JAR is described as around 2.5 MB. The plan costs nothing.

Spec sheet

Purpose
H2 is a free SQL database written in Java.Read 2 Oct 2026 · h2database.com
Free plan
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · h2database.com
Security
The security page warns that H2 is not designed for adversarial environments and advises against exposing an H2 server to untrusted connections.Read 2 Oct 2026 · h2database.com
Support
The home page directs users to Stack Overflow and a Google Group for support.Read 2 Oct 2026 · h2database.com
License
H2 is dual licensed under MPL 2.0 or EPL 1.0, and the license page says it can be integrated into and distributed with commercial applications.Read 2 Oct 2026 · h2database.com
Founded
2004Read 23 Sep 2026 · h2database.com
Compatibility
Compatibility modes are listed for IBM DB2, Apache Derby, HSQLDB, MS SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, and PostgreSQL.Read 2 Oct 2026 · h2database.com
Database modes
It supports embedded, server, and mixed modes, with disk based or in memory databases.Read 2 Oct 2026 · h2database.com
Downloads
The home page lists a Windows installer and an all platforms ZIP download.Read 2 Oct 2026 · h2database.com
Encryption
The feature list says database files can be encrypted with AES-128 and remote JDBC connections can use TLS.Read 2 Oct 2026 · h2database.com
Footprint
The home page describes a small footprint of around 2.5 MB for the JAR file.Read 2 Oct 2026 · h2database.com
SQL and APIs
H2 supports standard SQL and JDBC, and server mode supports JDBC or ODBC over TCP/IP.Read 2 Oct 2026 · h2database.com
Transactions
The feature list includes transaction support, multi version concurrency, and row level locking.Read 2 Oct 2026 · h2database.com
Web console
H2 includes a browser based Console application with autocomplete.Read 2 Oct 2026 · h2database.com

Plans and prices

H2 Database Engine Free Free to use for everybody · source code included Read 2 Oct 2026 · h2database.com

Every H2 Database Engine plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plan includes source code
  • Embedded, server and mixed modes
  • Browser Console includes autocomplete
  • AES-128 file encryption available
  • Commercial integration permitted by license

Limits

  • Not designed for adversarial environments
  • H2 warns against untrusted server connections
  • No free trial is listed

Who it suits

H2 suits developers needing a free Java SQL database with embedded or server deployment. It supports applications requiring standard SQL, JDBC and compatibility modes.

Verdict

H2 offers a small Java database with several deployment modes, SQL connectivity and compatibility options. Its security warning matters when considering exposed server deployments.

Where Specifiction places it

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