libSQL

LibSQL is that fork. Created by Turso, it's a drop-in SQLite replacement with features the SQLite project won't accept because they don't take outside contributions.

MIT licensed. libSQL adds HTTP/WebSocket server mode (access your database remotely), built-in replication (read replicas at the edge), vector search extensions, and encryption at rest. All while maintaining full SQLite compatibility.

The engine is fully free and open source. Turso (the company) sells a managed platform built on libSQL. Free tier gives you 500 databases and 9GB storage, paid plans start at $29/mo for more.

The catch: libSQL is maintained primarily by one company (Turso). If Turso's business changes direction, the fork's future is uncertain, though the MIT license means anyone can continue it. It's also younger and less battle-tested than SQLite itself, which has decades of reliability data. For production use where SQLite's limitations don't bother you, stick with the original. Use libSQL when you specifically need replication, remote access, or the extensions it adds.