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Home/Categories/Databases & Storage/FerretDB
icon of FerretDB

FerretDB

Open source alternative to MongoDB Atlas, Amazon DocumentDB (with MongoDB compatibility) and Azure Cosmos DB for MongoDB

  • 11.1K stars
  • Apache-2.0
  • Updated this year
  • Last commit 140 days ago

Last verified Oct 4, 2026

FerretDB is an open source MongoDB alternative built on PostgreSQL that runs the MongoDB wire protocol, letting existing MongoDB applications work without code changes. Apache-2.0 licensed.

Visit websiteGitHub11.1K starsDeploy on Hostinger
image of FerretDB
TL;DR

FerretDB is a MongoDB-compatible document database layer for teams that want a familiar document API on open-source database foundations. It replaces MongoDB Atlas or DocumentDB in cases where Apache-2.0 source access and PostgreSQL-backed deployment matter more than full MongoDB feature parity.

Read the full breakdownHide the full breakdownWho it is for, how it works, trade-offs and the FAQ
who it's for

Who FerretDB is for#

Teams reducing MongoDB lock-in

FerretDB fits teams that want to keep a MongoDB-like API while moving toward open-source database foundations.

Skip if:

Skip it if your app depends on advanced MongoDB features that FerretDB does not support.

PostgreSQL-first teams needing document APIs

Teams already strong in PostgreSQL operations can evaluate FerretDB for document-style workloads.

Skip if:

Use MongoDB Atlas if full compatibility and managed operations matter more.

the problem

The problem it solves#

MongoDB compatibility is attractive because many apps and developers know the document model. The problem is that managed MongoDB-compatible services can create licensing, cost, and portability concerns once the database becomes central to the product.

Teams need a migration path that preserves common MongoDB application patterns while moving storage onto open-source foundations they can operate and inspect.

how FerretDB solves it

How it solves it#

MongoDB wire-protocol goal

FerretDB aims to provide MongoDB-compatible behavior for applications and drivers, reducing the need to rewrite every data access path at once.

PostgreSQL-backed deployment

FerretDB uses PostgreSQL as a backend, letting teams build on a widely understood open-source database foundation.

Document database API

Applications can keep document-style data access patterns while teams evaluate what compatibility gaps matter for their workload.

strengths · trade-offs

Strengths and trade-offs#

Strengths

  • Open-source compatibility pathFerretDB gives teams a way to reduce MongoDB dependency without abandoning document-oriented application design immediately.
  • Apache-2.0 licenseApache-2.0 licensing makes FerretDB easier to evaluate for commercial use than restrictive or source-available database licenses.

Trade-offs

  • -Not full MongoDB parityCompatibility depends on the commands, indexes, aggregation behavior, and workload you use. Production migrations need careful testing.
  • -PostgreSQL behavior still mattersBecause PostgreSQL is the backend, performance and operations depend on PostgreSQL sizing, backups, and query behavior.
tech stack · detected from GitHub

What it's built on#

Languages
GoJavaScript
Databases
MongoDBPostgreSQL
frequently asked

FAQ#

Is FerretDB a MongoDB replacement?

FerretDB can replace MongoDB for compatible workloads, but teams must test feature and command compatibility.

What database does FerretDB use underneath?

FerretDB commonly uses PostgreSQL as its backend.

What license does FerretDB use?

FerretDB is Apache-2.0 licensed.

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Hostinger

Run FerretDB on your own server

Self-host FerretDB on a Hostinger VPS.

Deploy on Hostinger

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