AsyncStorage vs Realm

Developers should use AsyncStorage when building React Native apps that need to persist small amounts of data locally, such as user authentication tokens, app settings, or cached API responses meets developers should learn realm when building mobile apps that require high-performance local data storage with real-time updates, such as chat applications, collaborative tools, or offline-capable apps. Here's our take.

AsyncStorage

Nice Pick

Developers should use AsyncStorage when building React Native apps that need to persist small amounts of data locally, such as user authentication tokens, app settings, or cached API responses

Pros

• It is ideal for scenarios where data does not require encryption or complex querying, and when a lightweight, built-in solution is preferred over more heavy-duty databases like SQLite
• Related to: react-native, javascript

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Realm

Developers should learn Realm when building mobile apps that require high-performance local data storage with real-time updates, such as chat applications, collaborative tools, or offline-capable apps

Pros

• It's particularly useful for scenarios where complex object relationships need to be managed efficiently without manual SQL queries, and when seamless synchronization with a backend (via Realm Sync) is needed for multi-user experiences
• Related to: react-native, flutter

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. AsyncStorage is a library while Realm is a database. We picked AsyncStorage based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

AsyncStorage wins

Based on overall popularity. AsyncStorage is more widely used, but Realm excels in its own space.