Changes to Redis Licensing and Availability

Redis Licensing and Availability Notice

Redis licensing has changed across recent releases. These changes affect how newer Redis versions can be distributed and offered as managed services, while older releases remain under their original license terms.

In this article

Licensing Background

Redis releases up to and including version 7.2 were distributed under the BSD 3-Clause license. Beginning with Redis 7.4, Redis changed the licensing model for new releases to source-available licenses.

The Redis 7.4 generation uses the Redis Source Available License v2 (RSALv2) and Server Side Public License v1 (SSPLv1). These licenses include restrictions that are particularly relevant to organizations offering Redis functionality to third parties as a managed service.

Starting with Redis 8, Redis introduced a tri-licensing model that also includes GNU Affero General Public License v3 (AGPLv3), alongside RSALv2 and SSPLv1.

Redis Version Licensing

Redis 7.2 and earlierRemain under the BSD 3-Clause license.
Redis 7.4Distributed under the RSALv2 and SSPLv1 source-available licenses.
Redis 8 and newerAvailable under a tri-license model: RSALv2, SSPLv1, or AGPLv3.
Important: licensing terms differ significantly between Redis generations. Before deploying a particular release as part of a hosted or managed service, review the license that applies to that version.

Impact on Managed Hosting

The source-available licensing introduced for Redis 7.4 changed the conditions under which Redis can be provided as a service. As a result, hosting and PaaS providers may limit which Redis versions they distribute as certified or fully managed database stacks.

Existing environments should be reviewed according to the Redis version currently in use and the applicable license. Availability of upgrades, managed automation, or newer Redis stack versions can depend on platform policy and licensing compatibility.

Check the exact version: when evaluating an existing Redis deployment, first identify whether it is based on Redis 7.2 or earlier, Redis 7.4, or Redis 8+, because the applicable license differs.

Available Options

  • Continue using an existing Redis version when it remains supported by your hosting provider and its license is suitable for your use case.
  • Review the exact Redis license before upgrading to a newer release.
  • Use a self-managed container deployment when direct control over the Redis version and licensing model is required.
  • Consider a Redis-compatible alternative if the licensing requirements of newer Redis releases do not match the intended hosting model.

Summary

Redis 7.2 and earlier remain BSD-licensed, while Redis 7.4 moved to RSALv2 and SSPLv1. Redis 8 adds AGPLv3 as a third licensing option. These changes are especially important for managed-service and hosting scenarios and may influence the availability of newer Redis versions as certified platform stacks.