SurrealDB
BSL multi-model DB; free to use, not OSI open source
Databases / Data · Open-Core · 33.2k
Reviewed 2026-09-08 · last push 2026-10-08 · repo checked 2026-10-19
What's Good
Source-available. Single binary / embedded options, SurrealQL, realtime live queries, SDKs. Community self-host is free for normal app/prod use. Cloud has a free instance for prototypes, then usage pricing.
The Catch
Business Source License 1.1 — NOT OSI open source. You may not offer SurrealDB as a commercial DBaaS without a deal; code flips to Apache-2.0 after the change date (3.0 → 2030-01-01). Enterprise HA/security features are paid. It is not MIT/Apache OSS.
Verdict
BSL multi-model DB. Free for most builders; source-available with a DBaaS ban — say so out loud.
Embed
Maintainer? Add the badge to your README. It is free, links to this review, and there is no paid version.
Markdown
[](https://stackgems.com/gems/surrealdb)
HTML
<a href="https://stackgems.com/gems/surrealdb"><img src="https://stackgems.com/badge/surrealdb.svg" alt="SurrealDB reviewed on Stack Gems" height="20"></a>