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Home Interviews What is IndexedDB and how is it different from localStorage? – MindStick
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ICSM Computer
ICSM Computer 01 Jul 2025
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IndexedDB and localStorage are both client-side storage solutions in the browser, but they serve different purposes and are fundamentally different in capability, structure, and use cases.

What is IndexedDB?

IndexedDB is a low-level API for storing large amounts of structured data (objects, arrays, blobs) directly in the browser. It’s asynchronous, supports indexes, and can handle complex queries and transactions.

It is ideal for:

  • Offline apps
  • Storing JSON objects or binary data
  • Sync queues
  • Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

IndexedDB vs localStorage — Comparison Table

Feature IndexedDB localStorage
Data type Stores objects, arrays, blobs, files Only stores strings
Size limit ~50MB or more (browser-dependent) ~5MB per origin
Async / Sync Asynchronous (non-blocking) Synchronous (blocking)
Structure Hierarchical: DB → Object Stores → Records Flat key-value store
Indexing Yes, can create indexes on properties No indexing
Transactions Yes, supports transactions No
Binary data Can store Blobs and Files Not supported
Performance Fast and optimized for larger data OK for very small data only
Use case Offline-first apps, PWA sync, queues, etc. Simple key-value config (e.g. theme)

Example Use Cases

localStorage

localStorage.setItem("username", "john123");
console.log(localStorage.getItem("username")); // "john123"

Use for:

  • Dark mode setting
  • User's language preference

IndexedDB

const request = indexedDB.open("UserDB", 1);
request.onupgradeneeded = (e) => {
  const db = e.target.result;
  db.createObjectStore("users", { keyPath: "id" });
};
request.onsuccess = () => {
  const db = request.result;
  const tx = db.transaction("users", "readwrite");
  const store = tx.objectStore("users");
  store.add({ id: 1, name: "John", age: 30 });
};

Use for:

  • Caching API responses
  • Queueing offline form submissions
  • Storing user profile objects

Key Takeaways

  • Use IndexedDB for large, structured, or relational data.
  • Use localStorage for tiny, simple config-like string data.
  • Avoid localStorage for performance-critical or offline-first apps.
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