29 Best MariaDB GUI Clients
Side-by-side comparison of free, open-source, and commercial MariaDB GUI clients for Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Last reviewed:
Editor's picks
Free GPL-licensed client built specifically for MySQL and MariaDB, with a sub-30 MB install, no Java runtime, and a portable Windows build — the lightweight default for MariaDB.
Commercial MySQL and MariaDB powerhouse with visual data modeling, BI and reporting, scheduled backups, and connection cloud sync — premium-priced but the deepest paid toolkit.
Native MariaDB UI alongside MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL, NoSQL, vector, search, and graph engines in one app — purpose-built per database type, on Mac, Windows, and Linux.
| Tool | Pricing | GitHub Stars | Native UI | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Free trial (7d)$108/yr$199 lifetime | — | Native | Developers who work across multiple database types and want one fast, modern GUI | |
Free | 7.4k | Native | Developers who need a deployable web-based DB manager that fits in a single PHP file | |
Free | 2.6k | Native | Developers who want a free, modern SQL client for MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and Firebird | |
Free trial (14d)$499/yr | — | Generic | Database professionals and analysts who need one IDE for SQL development, BI, and administration across many enterprise data platforms | |
FreeFree trial (14d)$108/yr | 23.0k | Native | Developers who want a clean, modern SQL editor with an open-source free edition and an affordable paid upgrade | |
FreeFree trial (14d)$20/mo | 14.1k | Native | Engineering teams that need a governed change-management workflow and SQL editor across multiple database types | |
FreeFree trial (30d)$9.9/mo | 25.8k | Native | Developers who want AI-assisted SQL authoring across many SQL engines in one client | |
Free trial (30d)$109/yr | — | Native | Developers who want an IDE-grade SQL editor with refactoring, navigation, and Git integration | |
Free$9.99/mo$99 lifetime | — | Native | Developers who want one desktop client that covers SQL and NoSQL databases with AI-assisted querying and an optional cloud workspace | |
FreeFree trial (14d)$113/yr | 50.5k | Native | Developers and DBAs who manage many heterogeneous databases and want a single client that covers SQL, analytics, and select NoSQL engines | |
FreeFree trial (30d)$699.95/yr$1399.95 lifetime | — | Native | Database developers and DBAs working across SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, and PostgreSQL who want a single Windows IDE with AI, compare, and migration tooling | |
FreeFree trial (30d)$120/yr | 7.1k | Native | Developers who want one open-source GUI for SQL and NoSQL databases across desktop and self-hosted web | |
Free trial (30d)$40/mo | — | Native | Enterprises that need governed, auditable web-based access to many database engines from a single platform | |
FreeFree trial (21d)$199/yr | — | Native | Database professionals working across many SQL engines who want visual explain plans, schema diagrams, and a polished SQL editor in one desktop app | |
Free | 6.2k | Generic | Developers who live in the terminal and want a fast keyboard-driven SQL IDE for DuckDB and other databases | |
Free | 6.1k | Native | Developers who want a free, lightweight client for MySQL, MariaDB, and other major SQL databases | |
Free trial (14d)$49/mo | — | Native | Teams that need governed, auditable browser-based SQL access to relational and cloud warehouse databases | |
FreeFree trial (14d)$99/yr | — | Native | Developers working across SQL Server, Postgres, MySQL, and Oracle who want a modern cross-platform IDE with AI tooling | |
FreeFree trial (14d)$799.99/yr$1299 lifetime | — | Native | Developers and DBAs who manage multiple SQL and NoSQL databases and want data modeling, BI, and backup tooling in one application | |
Free | 7.9k | Native | Web developers and sysadmins who need browser-based MySQL or MariaDB administration on a PHP host | |
Free trial$50 lifetime | — | Native | macOS developers and DBAs who manage MySQL or MariaDB and prefer a native Mac app over cross-platform tools | |
$79 lifetime | — | Native | Developers who want a browser-based SQL editor they can self-host on their own infrastructure | |
Free trial (30d)$129 lifetime | — | Native | Developers and DBAs who connect to many heterogeneous databases and want a single perpetually licensed JDBC-based client | |
Free | 7.4k | Native | macOS developers who want a free native GUI for MySQL and MariaDB | |
Free | 4.8k | Native | Developers who want a free, no-frills SQL client for everyday queries across common relational databases | |
Free trial$99.99/yr$219.99 lifetime | — | Native | Developers on Apple and Windows platforms who want a native, non-Electron client for relational databases | |
FreeFree trial (14d)$299 lifetime | 2.3k | Native | Windows users managing MySQL or MariaDB who need visual schema design, sync, and scheduled backups | |
Free$99 lifetime | — | Native | Developers who want a fast, native desktop GUI across SQL and a handful of NoSQL engines | |
Free$199.99 lifetime | — | Native | Database administrators and developers who want a free native multi-database GUI with optional paid reporting and forms |
Developers who work across multiple database types and want one fast, modern GUI
Developers who need a deployable web-based DB manager that fits in a single PHP file
Developers who want a free, modern SQL client for MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and Firebird
Database professionals and analysts who need one IDE for SQL development, BI, and administration across many enterprise data platforms
Developers who want a clean, modern SQL editor with an open-source free edition and an affordable paid upgrade
Engineering teams that need a governed change-management workflow and SQL editor across multiple database types
Developers who want AI-assisted SQL authoring across many SQL engines in one client
Developers who want an IDE-grade SQL editor with refactoring, navigation, and Git integration
Developers who want one desktop client that covers SQL and NoSQL databases with AI-assisted querying and an optional cloud workspace
Developers and DBAs who manage many heterogeneous databases and want a single client that covers SQL, analytics, and select NoSQL engines
Database developers and DBAs working across SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, and PostgreSQL who want a single Windows IDE with AI, compare, and migration tooling
Developers who want one open-source GUI for SQL and NoSQL databases across desktop and self-hosted web
Enterprises that need governed, auditable web-based access to many database engines from a single platform
Database professionals working across many SQL engines who want visual explain plans, schema diagrams, and a polished SQL editor in one desktop app
Developers who live in the terminal and want a fast keyboard-driven SQL IDE for DuckDB and other databases
Developers who want a free, lightweight client for MySQL, MariaDB, and other major SQL databases
Teams that need governed, auditable browser-based SQL access to relational and cloud warehouse databases
Developers working across SQL Server, Postgres, MySQL, and Oracle who want a modern cross-platform IDE with AI tooling
Developers and DBAs who manage multiple SQL and NoSQL databases and want data modeling, BI, and backup tooling in one application
Web developers and sysadmins who need browser-based MySQL or MariaDB administration on a PHP host
macOS developers and DBAs who manage MySQL or MariaDB and prefer a native Mac app over cross-platform tools
Developers who want a browser-based SQL editor they can self-host on their own infrastructure
Developers and DBAs who connect to many heterogeneous databases and want a single perpetually licensed JDBC-based client
macOS developers who want a free native GUI for MySQL and MariaDB
Developers who want a free, no-frills SQL client for everyday queries across common relational databases
Developers on Apple and Windows platforms who want a native, non-Electron client for relational databases
Windows users managing MySQL or MariaDB who need visual schema design, sync, and scheduled backups
Developers who want a fast, native desktop GUI across SQL and a handful of NoSQL engines
Database administrators and developers who want a free native multi-database GUI with optional paid reporting and forms
Detailed Comparison
Modern database GUI for SQL, NoSQL, vector, search, and graph databases
Best for: Developers who work across multiple database types and want one fast, modern GUI
Key differentiator: One GUI for SQL, NoSQL, vector, search, and graph databases — purpose-built UX per type, not a generic editor reused
Pros
- Covers SQL, NoSQL, vector, search, and graph databases in one app
- Purpose-built UX per database type — not a generic SQL editor reused
- Vector search works on Qdrant, Milvus, pgvector, Elasticsearch — same UI
- Server overview per database — memory, ops/sec, replication, keyspace stats
- Built-in SSH tunnel support for all databases
- Clean, modern interface with dark and light mode
- Cross-platform — same experience on Mac, Windows, Linux
Cons
- Paid product — no free version (7-day trial available)
- Closed-source
Supported Databases
Amazon RedshiftPlatforms
Database management in a single PHP file
Best for: Developers who need a deployable web-based DB manager that fits in a single PHP file
Key differentiator: Full database manager delivered as one PHP file — drop on any PHP host and it works
Pros
- Entire app ships as a single PHP file — drop into any PHP host
- Dual-licensed Apache-2.0 or GPL-2.0
- Native drivers for several SQL databases plus plugin drivers for NoSQL and search
- Plugin and theme system for extending functionality
- Lightweight footprint compared to typical web admin panels
Cons
- Requires a PHP-capable web server to run
- Dense, utilitarian UI focused on tables and forms
- NoSQL and search support is plugin-based, not first-class
Supported Databases
Amazon SimpleDBPlatforms
Open source SQL client made to be simple
Best for: Developers who want a free, modern SQL client for MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and Firebird
Key differentiator: Forever-free, community-driven SQL client with no telemetry and no paid tier
Pros
- Free and open source under MIT license — no paid premium features
- Cross-platform Electron build with x64 and Linux ARM distributions
- Built-in fake data generator for populating test tables
- SSH tunnel, manual commit mode, and dump import/export included
- Distributed via Flathub, Snap Store, AUR, and Microsoft Store
Cons
- Project is in 0.x state — actively developed but not yet 1.0
- Electron-based — heavier resource use than native desktop apps
- No support for NoSQL, vector, search, or graph databases
Supported Databases
Platforms
Database IDE for SQL development, analytics, and administration across 40+ data platforms
Best for: Database professionals and analysts who need one IDE for SQL development, BI, and administration across many enterprise data platforms
Key differentiator: Combines SQL IDE, visual analytics, BI dashboards, schema modeling, and database administration in a single cross-platform desktop app
Pros
- Single IDE covers 40+ relational, NoSQL, and cloud data platforms
- Includes visual analytics, dashboards, and BI reporting alongside SQL editing
- Schema design, data modeling, and database administration in one tool
- Cross-platform — runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Task scheduling and synthetic data generation in the Ultimate edition
Cons
- No free version — paid annual subscription only (14-day trial available)
- Closed-source commercial product
- Per-user license priced for enterprise budgets
Supported Databases
Amazon RedshiftPlatforms
The SQL editor and database manager of your dreams
Best for: Developers who want a clean, modern SQL editor with an open-source free edition and an affordable paid upgrade
Key differentiator: Freemium model with an open-source GPL-3.0 Community Edition and a paid Ultimate Edition whose annual subscription grants perpetual access to versions released during the term
Pros
- Community Edition is open source under GPL-3.0
- Clean, modern UI with first-class dark mode
- Cross-platform native builds for Mac, Windows, and Linux
- Built-in SSH tunnel and SSL connection support
- Annual subscription grants perpetual access to versions released during the term
Cons
- Several power features (cloud workspace sync, backups, advanced exports) are gated behind the paid Ultimate Edition
- No built-in ER diagram or schema visualization
- NoSQL coverage limited to MongoDB and Redis
Supported Databases
Amazon RedshiftPlatforms
Database DevOps and SQL editor for change management, access control, and review workflows
Best for: Engineering teams that need a governed change-management workflow and SQL editor across multiple database types
Key differentiator: Combines a multi-database SQL editor with change-management, review, and access-control workflows in one self-hostable platform
Pros
- Web-based collaboration UI for schema migrations, SQL review, and approval workflows
- GitOps integration — schema changes can flow through pull requests in GitHub or GitLab
- Built-in SQL review engine with 200+ lint rules across supported dialects
- Data masking and just-in-time access policies for sensitive columns
- Self-hostable via Docker or Kubernetes Helm charts; also offered as managed cloud
Cons
- Open-core — many governance features (SSO/SCIM, custom approval, dynamic masking) are gated to paid plans
- Web-only deployment — no desktop client
- Workflow-heavy UX with a learning curve compared to a plain query tool
Supported Databases
Amazon AuroraAmazon DocumentDBAmazon DynamoDBAmazon RedshiftPlatforms
AI Text2SQL tool for easy database management
Best for: Developers who want AI-assisted SQL authoring across many SQL engines in one client
Key differentiator: Text2SQL workflow built into the SQL client — natural-language prompts produce queries inside the editor
Pros
- Natural-language to SQL powered by built-in AI models
- Open-source community edition under Apache-2.0
- Wide SQL database coverage including cloud warehouses and Chinese-market engines
- Visual table and data editor with SQL formatting
- Cross-platform desktop app plus hosted web client
Cons
- AI features in the community edition require bringing your own model API key
- Unlimited AI usage and full database catalog gated to the paid Pro plan
- NoSQL and graph database UIs are thinner than the SQL-first workflow
Supported Databases
Amazon RedshiftPlatforms
Cross-platform IDE for relational and NoSQL databases
Best for: Developers who want an IDE-grade SQL editor with refactoring, navigation, and Git integration
Key differentiator: IntelliJ-platform SQL IDE with deep dialect-aware completion, refactoring, and code navigation
Pros
- Context-aware SQL completion with dialect-specific awareness
- Schema-aware refactoring and code navigation across SQL files
- Built-in version control integration with Git workflows
- Schema diff and structured data export across supported engines
- Local-history and editor features inherited from the IntelliJ platform
Cons
- Subscription-only pricing — no free version for non-students
- JVM-based IDE — heavier memory footprint than native clients
- NoSQL coverage limited to a few engines; SQL-first workflows
- Closed-source — not OSI-approved
Supported Databases
Amazon RedshiftAmazon DocumentDBAmazon DynamoDBPlatforms
Query, explore, and manage your databases with a desktop app, collaborative web platform, and built-in AI
Best for: Developers who want one desktop client that covers SQL and NoSQL databases with AI-assisted querying and an optional cloud workspace
Key differentiator: Single workbench combining desktop app, browser-based cloud workspace, and built-in AI chat across SQL and NoSQL databases
Pros
- Free tier covers core data browsing, SQL editing, and dashboards
- Cross-platform native builds for Mac, Windows, and Linux plus a browser-based cloud workspace
- One-time license option with one year of updates as an alternative to monthly billing
- Built-in AI chat for natural-language querying of connected databases
- Visual schema explorer, dashboards, and import/export bundled in a single workbench
Cons
- Closed-source proprietary product
- Free tier capped at 2 connections, 5 saved queries, and 2 dashboards
- Paid tiers limited to 2 devices per license
Supported Databases
Platforms
Universal database tool for developers, SQL programmers, DBAs, and analysts
Best for: Developers and DBAs who manage many heterogeneous databases and want a single client that covers SQL, analytics, and select NoSQL engines
Key differentiator: Single Java-based client with one of the broadest database driver catalogs, backed by an Apache-2.0 open-source core
Pros
- Connects to a wide range of relational, analytical, document, key-value, graph, and search databases from a single client
- Community edition is open source under Apache-2.0 with no feature gating for core SQL workflows
- ER diagrams, visual query builder, data export and import, and SQL editor with syntax highlighting and autocomplete
- Cross-platform desktop builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Active release cadence with frequent updates and a public issue tracker
Cons
- Java-based Eclipse RCP runtime leads to slow startup and high memory usage
- Dense Eclipse-style UI with many panels, perspectives, and preferences to learn
- NoSQL drivers, advanced schema compare, and team features are reserved for paid editions
Supported Databases
Amazon AuroraAmazon RedshiftAmazon DynamoDBAmazon DocumentDBAmazon KeyspacesAmazon TimestreamAmazon NeptunePlatforms
All-in-one universal database IDE for SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, and PostgreSQL with AI support
Best for: Database developers and DBAs working across SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, and PostgreSQL who want a single Windows IDE with AI, compare, and migration tooling
Key differentiator: One bundle ships four full IDEs — each with deep dialect-specific tooling — instead of a generic adapter over many engines
Pros
- Bundles four full IDEs — for SQL Server, MySQL/MariaDB, Oracle, and PostgreSQL — under one license
- AI-assisted SQL editor with autocomplete, code formatting, and refactoring
- Schema and data compare with synchronization across supported engines
- Visual query builder, ER diagrams, and database designer included
- Free Express edition available after the trial expires
Cons
- Native builds only on Windows — macOS and Linux require CrossOver
- Closed-source commercial product
- Enterprise tier is the only paid edition; pricing is steep for occasional users
Supported Databases
Amazon RedshiftAmazon AuroraPlatforms
Cross-platform SQL and NoSQL database client
Best for: Developers who want one open-source GUI for SQL and NoSQL databases across desktop and self-hosted web
Key differentiator: Open-source database client that ships as both an Electron desktop app and a self-hostable web app from the same codebase
Pros
- Free open-source Community Edition with unlimited connections
- Runs as desktop app or self-hosted web app via Docker
- Supports SQL plus MongoDB, Redis, Cassandra, DynamoDB, and Firestore
- Visual query designer, ER diagrams, and schema compare built in
- Plugin architecture for custom connectors and file formats
Cons
- Some connectors (Redshift, CosmosDB, libSQL/Turso, Firestore) gated to Premium
- Electron-based desktop app — heavier resource use than native clients
- AI chat, data compare, and import/export are Premium-only features
Supported Databases
Amazon RedshiftAmazon DynamoDBPlatforms
Zero trust unified data security platform with web-based SQL IDE
Best for: Enterprises that need governed, auditable web-based access to many database engines from a single platform
Key differentiator: Zero trust web-based SQL IDE with built-in data masking, auditing, and SSO across relational, NoSQL, and cloud warehouse engines
Pros
- Browser-based access — no local install required, works from any computer
- Zero trust access controls with passwordless authentication and SSO integration
- Fine-grained data masking, row-level security, and full audit logging
- Covers relational, NoSQL, and cloud data warehouse engines from one IDE
- Deployable as SaaS or self-hosted on Windows, Linux, Docker, or Kubernetes
Cons
- Pricing starts at $40/user/month — no free tier
- Closed-source commercial product
- No standalone desktop builds — web interface only
Supported Databases
Amazon AuroraAmazon RedshiftAmazon DynamoDBPlatforms
The universal database tool
Best for: Database professionals working across many SQL engines who want visual explain plans, schema diagrams, and a polished SQL editor in one desktop app
Key differentiator: Broad first-class engine coverage paired with visual explain plans, schema references diagrams, and a drag-and-drop query builder
Pros
- Free edition with a non-expiring perpetual license
- First-class support for a wide range of relational, NoSQL, cloud, and warehouse engines
- Visual explain plans and ER-style references diagrams for query and schema analysis
- Drag-and-drop visual query builder alongside a context-aware SQL editor
- AI assistant for query explanation, error analysis, and in-editor suggestions
Cons
- Java-based desktop app with bundled JRE — larger install footprint than native clients
- Advanced features (AI, Git integration, scheduled monitoring, premium drivers) gated behind the Pro subscription
- No mobile, tablet, or browser-based version — desktop only
Supported Databases
Amazon DynamoDBAmazon RedshiftPlatforms
The SQL IDE for your terminal
Best for: Developers who live in the terminal and want a fast keyboard-driven SQL IDE for DuckDB and other databases
Key differentiator: Full SQL IDE that runs in the terminal with a pluggable adapter system across many databases
Pros
- Runs entirely in the terminal — works over SSH and inside tmux
- Ships with DuckDB and SQLite adapters out of the box
- Pluggable adapter system covers Postgres, MySQL/MariaDB, ODBC, BigQuery, Trino, Databricks, Snowflake, and more
- Keyboard-driven workflow with data catalog, query editor, and results pane
- Customizable themes and key bindings
Cons
- Terminal UI — no native mouse-first GUI features like drag-and-drop or rich charts
- Adapters install as separate Python packages and require a Python toolchain
- Non-SQL data models (graph, document) use the same SQL editor surface
Supported Databases
Amazon RedshiftPlatforms
Free database client for people who work with MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, SQLite, Interbase and Firebird
Best for: Developers who want a free, lightweight client for MySQL, MariaDB, and other major SQL databases
Key differentiator: Tiny native Windows binary written in Delphi — fast startup and low memory footprint with no runtime dependencies
Pros
- Free and open source under GPL-2.0-or-later
- Lightweight — installer under 30 MB, no Java runtime required
- Portable Windows build runs without installation
- Long-running project with steady release cadence
- Supports SSH tunnels and SSL connections out of the box
Cons
- macOS and Linux builds rely on Lazarus/FreePascal port — UI feels less native than the Windows build
- No support for NoSQL, vector, or graph databases
- Interface is dense and traditional Win32-style
Supported Databases
Platforms
Secure, collaborative database management platform and SQL editor
Best for: Teams that need governed, auditable browser-based SQL access to relational and cloud warehouse databases
Key differentiator: Browser-based SQL editor with shared snippets, role-based access control, and audit trails — no client install required
Pros
- Browser-based — no local install, runs from any modern browser
- Shared SQL snippets that auto-update across team members
- Role-based access control with audit trails on logins and data source changes
- Two-factor authentication and SSL/TLS encrypted connections
- Direct server connections without exposing databases to the public internet
Cons
- Pricing starts at $49/user/month — no free tier
- Closed-source commercial product
- Web-only — no standalone desktop builds
Supported Databases
Amazon RedshiftAmazon AuroraPlatforms
AI-native cross-platform SQL IDE for SQL Server, Postgres, MySQL, and Oracle
Best for: Developers working across SQL Server, Postgres, MySQL, and Oracle who want a modern cross-platform IDE with AI tooling
Key differentiator: AI-native SQL IDE with MCP server integration, SQL Notebooks, and a free personal tier across Mac, Windows, and Linux
Pros
- Free Personal tier with unlimited connections — no account required
- Native builds for Apple Silicon, Intel Mac, Windows, and Linux
- AI Workspace with MCP server integration and Claude Code CLI support
- SQL Notebooks compatible with the .ipynb format
- Local-first architecture with read-only defaults for AI agents
Cons
- Closed-source proprietary product
- Built on Electron — heavier resource use than native apps
- Advanced features (schema compare, execution plan visualization) gated to paid Pro tier
Supported Databases
Platforms
Comprehensive database development and management tool
Best for: Developers and DBAs who manage multiple SQL and NoSQL databases and want data modeling, BI, and backup tooling in one application
Key differentiator: Single application that bundles database management with data modeling, BI dashboards, and cloud-synced collaboration
Pros
- Single application connects to multiple SQL and NoSQL databases simultaneously
- Built-in data modeling, BI, and reporting tools
- Cloud sync for connections, queries, and snippets via Navicat Cloud
- Backup, restore, and scheduled task automation
- Free Navicat Premium Lite tier for basic administration
Cons
- Premium price point with the Enterprise tier starting at $79.99/month or $1,299 perpetual
- Closed-source proprietary license
- Dense UI with a steep learning curve for new users
Supported Databases
Platforms
Bringing MySQL administration to the web
Best for: Web developers and sysadmins who need browser-based MySQL or MariaDB administration on a PHP host
Key differentiator: PHP-based web admin UI shipped by default with cPanel, XAMPP, and most shared hosting stacks
Pros
- Free and open source under GPL
- Browser-based — runs anywhere PHP runs, no client install
- Bundled by default with cPanel, XAMPP, MAMP, and most shared hosts
- Localized into 96 languages
- Covers schema editing, queries, imports, exports, and user management
Cons
- MySQL and MariaDB only
- Requires a PHP-capable web server to host
- Server-rendered web UI with limited keyboard-driven workflows
- Security depends on the deployment — exposed installs are a common attack target
Supported Databases
Platforms
Native macOS MySQL client for viewing, editing, and managing databases
Best for: macOS developers and DBAs who manage MySQL or MariaDB and prefer a native Mac app over cross-platform tools
Key differentiator: Built exclusively for macOS with native Mac UI conventions, shipped as a one-time purchase rather than a subscription
Pros
- Native macOS app — uses standard Mac UI conventions and shortcuts
- One-time purchase with one year of updates included
- Editors for triggers, events, functions, procedures, indexes, and foreign keys
- Database structure comparison and synchronization
- Built-in CSV/Tab data file editor with regex replacement
- SSH tunneling and SSL connection support
Cons
- macOS only — no Windows or Linux builds
- Limited to MySQL and MySQL-compatible engines — no PostgreSQL or SQLite
- Closed-source proprietary license
Supported Databases
Platforms
Self-hosted, AI-powered database GUI you open from a URL
Best for: Developers who want a browser-based SQL editor they can self-host on their own infrastructure
Key differentiator: Browser-based SQL GUI deployed via Docker in minutes, with a one-time license and private-repo source access for buyers
Pros
- Self-hosted via Docker — your credentials and data stay on your infrastructure
- AI SQL generation with bring-your-own-key for OpenAI, Claude, or Gemini
- Schema-aware autocomplete and EXPLAIN visualizer with index suggestions
- AES-256-GCM credential encryption and built-in SSH tunnel support
- One-time lifetime license — no subscription or per-seat fees
Cons
- Source-available via private GitHub repo for buyers — not OSI-approved open source
- Limited to relational SQL engines — no NoSQL, vector, search, or graph support
- Requires Docker self-hosting — no native desktop builds
Supported Databases
Platforms
Query, edit, browse, and manage databases
Best for: Developers and DBAs who connect to many heterogeneous databases and want a single perpetually licensed JDBC-based client
Key differentiator: One JDBC/ODBC-driven client covering 40+ database engines under a perpetual license
Pros
- Connects to 40+ databases out of the box, plus any JDBC or ODBC source
- Perpetual license — pay once, keep using indefinitely
- Cross-platform — Windows, macOS, Linux, and Solaris builds
- Built-in query builder, visual table editors, import/export, and data search
- Bundled HSQLDB engine for zero-configuration local databases
Cons
- Java Swing UI feels dated next to native or Electron-based GUIs
- No free version — only a 30-day trial
- Closed-source proprietary product
Supported Databases
Amazon AuroraAmazon DynamoDBAmazon KeyspacesAmazon RedshiftAmazon SimpleDBPlatforms
MySQL/MariaDB database management for macOS
Best for: macOS developers who want a free native GUI for MySQL and MariaDB
Key differentiator: Free, native macOS client focused exclusively on MySQL and MariaDB, distributed through the Mac App Store
Pros
- Free and open-source — distributed via Mac App Store and Homebrew
- Native macOS app — Apple Silicon and Intel support
- Community-maintained continuation of a long-standing macOS MySQL client
- Built-in SSH tunnel support for remote connections
- Query editor with syntax highlighting, table content editing, and structure browsing
Cons
- macOS only — no Windows or Linux builds
- Limited to MySQL and MariaDB — no other database engines
- Objective-C codebase with slower feature pace than newer GUIs
Supported Databases
Platforms
A simple and lightweight SQL client desktop with cross database and platform support
Best for: Developers who want a free, no-frills SQL client for everyday queries across common relational databases
Key differentiator: Minimal, MIT-licensed Electron SQL client with JSON-based connection configuration
Pros
- Free and MIT-licensed under active community development
- Cross-platform Electron build runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux
- Covers core relational databases plus Cassandra in a single client
- Lightweight UI focused on connection management and SQL execution
- Configuration is plain JSON — easy to version-control and share
Cons
- Feature set limited to basic SQL execution and result browsing
- Built on Electron — heavier resource use than native apps
- No advanced visual schema designer or data modeling tools
Supported Databases
Amazon RedshiftPlatforms
Simple, powerful database manager for macOS, iOS, and Windows
Best for: Developers on Apple and Windows platforms who want a native, non-Electron client for relational databases
Key differentiator: Native cross-platform SQL client spanning macOS, Windows, and iOS under a single license
Pros
- Native applications on macOS, Windows, and iOS — no Java or Electron
- Single subscription license covers all three platforms
- Cloud provider connection helpers for AWS RDS, Azure, and Heroku
- Built-in SSH tunneling and multiple concurrent result sets
- Available on Mac App Store, Microsoft Store, and iOS App Store
Cons
- SQL-only — no NoSQL, vector, search, or graph database support
- No Linux build
- Lifetime license is single-platform (macOS or Windows, not both)
Supported Databases
Amazon RedshiftPlatforms
Powerful MySQL and MariaDB GUI with schema and data sync, query builder, and scheduled backups
Best for: Windows users managing MySQL or MariaDB who need visual schema design, sync, and scheduled backups
Key differentiator: Native MySQL and MariaDB GUI with schema/data sync, scheduled backups, and tunneling, with no .NET or Java runtime dependencies
Pros
- Free GPL-licensed Community Edition for MySQL and MariaDB
- Schema and data synchronization across servers
- Visual query builder and schema designer
- Scheduled backups with notifications
- Built-in SSH and HTTP tunneling
Cons
- Windows-only native build (Linux/Unix via Wine)
- Scope limited to MySQL and MariaDB
- Community Edition lacks sync, scheduled backups, and tunneling
Supported Databases
Platforms
Modern, native, and friendly GUI tool for relational databases
Best for: Developers who want a fast, native desktop GUI across SQL and a handful of NoSQL engines
Key differentiator: Native desktop performance with a multi-tab workflow and inline diff review before committing changes
Pros
- Native UI with fast, responsive performance
- Multi-tab workflow with split view
- Built-in SSH tunnel and TLS support
- Inline editing with diff review before commit
- Companion iOS app included with desktop license
Cons
- Free version caps tabs, windows, and advanced filters at two each
- Perpetual license includes only one year of updates
- Oracle support is macOS only; Snowflake is macOS and Windows only
Supported Databases
Amazon RedshiftPlatforms
Universal data management tool for SQL, document, and analytics databases
Best for: Database administrators and developers who want a free native multi-database GUI with optional paid reporting and forms
Key differentiator: Free, native cross-platform GUI bundled with an integrated visual Report Designer and Forms Designer in the Pro tier
Pros
- Free edition works fully on Mac, Windows, and Linux with no expiration
- Visual schema, diagram, data, and SQL editors out of the box
- Covers relational, document, and analytical engines from one tool
- Pro tier adds Report Designer, Forms Designer, and data modeling
- Native cross-platform builds — not Electron
Cons
- Closed-source, proprietary license
- Pro features (reports, forms, advanced modeling) gated behind paid tier
- UI feels dated compared to current design conventions
Supported Databases
Platforms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free MariaDB GUI client?
Does MariaDB have a GUI?
What's the best MariaDB GUI for Linux?
What's the best MariaDB GUI for Mac?
Can I use a MySQL GUI with MariaDB?
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