DBeaver is a popular database GUI due to its extensive database support and robust feature set, but it’s not for everyone.
Thankfully the open source ecosystem of SQL GUIs is strong and healthy, so there are plenty of alternative choices.
Beekeeper Studio Community Edition
Available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux - download here
Beekeeper Studio’s strong focus on usability and design is unique among open source database GUIs and makes it an excellent alternative to DBeaver.
I switched to Beekeeper Studio when I found DBeaver too frustrating to use: design not great, difficult to manage my queries - Long
Beekeeper Studio supports multiple databases including MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, SQL Server, and more. What sets Beekeeper Studio apart is its clean, intuitive interface combined with powerful features like auto-complete, query formatting, native-tabs, and a privacy-first policy with no telemetry or tracking.
Beekeeper Studio also has a commercial ‘ultimate’ edition with more features like full import/export, backup & restore, and support for more databases like Oracle and Cassandra.
Plus - Beekeeper Studio Community Edition is provided through the GPLv3 license, so it’s truly free (libre) and free (gratis).
If you find DBeaver’s UI hard to stomach, Beekeeper Studio is the GUI for you. Obviously we’re biased, but try it yourself and we think you’ll agree.
Beekeeper Studio Links
- Compare Beekeeper Studio and DBeaver
- Download the free community edition
- Download the ultimate edition
- Source code on Github
HeidiSQL
Windows Only
Created in 2002, HeidiSQL is a well respected and mature GUI for managing MySQL, MariaDB, Microsoft SQL, and PostgreSQL databases on Microsoft Windows. It offers a robust set of features including a graphical interface for managing databases and data visually.
HeidiSQL allows for connecting to multiple servers, managing user permissions, and executing SQL queries directly, making it a practical choice for engineers who need a reliable and versatile tool.
HeidiSQL Links
Sequel Ace (formerly Sequel Pro)
MacOS Only
Sequel Ace is a fork of Sequel Pro. It shines as a simple macOS database management tool for MySQL (and MariaDB).
Sequel Ace is specifically built for macOS and continues the legacy of Sequel Pro as a straight up and easy to use database management app.
Features like query autocompletion, syntax highlighting, and direct import/export with CSV and Excel make Sequel Ace an excellent choice for Mac users looking for a powerful yet straightforward database management solution for MySQL.
Sequel Ace Links
SQuirreL SQL
Available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux
SQuirreL SQL is an open-source Java-based SQL client that provides an UI to connect to databases via the JDBC (Java Database Connectivity) interface.
Like DBeaver, it is compatible with a lot of database engines such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQL Server, among others. Being based on Java and JDBC is a benefit for driver compatibility.
It has a bunch of similar features to DBeaver, and has a very similar interface, thanks to similar underpinnings (Java).
SQuirreL SQL Links
Adminer
Web based
Adminer stands out with its unique approach to database management by being delivered as a single PHP file.
It provides support for managing MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, MS SQL, and Oracle databases, plus more via community plugins.
Adminer is simple to deploy and has a bunch of community plugins that provide extras like new database compatibility, and custom theming.
Adminer is really positioned as an alternative to PHPMyAdmin, which is also a web-based SQL GUI based on PHP.
Adminer Links
Wrap-up
Beekeeper Studio was created out of frustration with other open source tools and their lack of focus on usability. We think that this makes Beekeeper Studio the best open source SQL GUI on the market, although obviously we’re biased 🙃.
Regardless of what you want out of an open source GUI, all of the projects listed are mature, quality pieces of software built by passionate and talented developers. You can’t really go wrong.
Beekeeper Studio is the SQL editor and database manager of your dreams
Tried a few tools. Beekeeper was the only one that I found that felt right. Most had a very 1990's feel to them - Allan
I built Beekeeper Studio because, like Allan, I wanted something more intuitive and modern than all the existing clunky apps I could find. My customers agree - they love using Beekeeper and they tell me every day! Give it a try, I bet you'll like it too.
