PopSQL is a collaborative SQL editor focused on team query sharing in the cloud, but not everyone needs or wants a cloud-dependent solution, and some prefer more privacy-focused or local-first options.
If you’re looking for alternatives to PopSQL that prioritize local operation with optional collaboration features, here are several excellent open source options.
Beekeeper Studio Community Edition
Available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux - download here
Beekeeper Studio is a modern SQL editor and database manager that works locally first, making it an excellent alternative to PopSQL for users who want privacy and offline functionality.
I chose Beekeeper Studio when I wanted something like PopSQL but without requiring constant internet connection. - Data Analyst
Beekeeper Studio supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, SQL Server, and more in a clean, intuitive interface. Its Community Edition offers robust query editing, auto-completion, and query history without requiring any cloud account or internet connection.
For teams that still want collaboration features, Beekeeper Studio’s Ultimate Edition includes workspace sharing capabilities while maintaining a local-first approach that respects privacy.
All of Beekeeper Studio’s code is made available through the GPLv3 license, ensuring the Community Edition remains truly free and open source.
If you’re looking for a PopSQL-like experience without the cloud dependency, Beekeeper Studio offers the perfect balance of functionality and privacy.
Beekeeper Studio Links
- Compare Beekeeper Studio and PopSQL
- Download the free community edition
- Download the ultimate edition
- Source code on Github
DBeaver Community Edition
Available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux
DBeaver is a comprehensive database tool that offers a feature-rich alternative to PopSQL with a local-first approach. While it doesn’t focus on team sharing like PopSQL, it provides extensive database management capabilities.
DBeaver supports virtually any database with JDBC connectivity and offers advanced features like metadata editing, ER diagrams, data export/import, and a powerful SQL editor with code completion. For users who need depth of features over collaboration, DBeaver is an excellent choice.
DBeaver Links
SQLPad
Self-hostable web app
SQLPad is an open source, self-hostable web application that provides collaborative SQL editing similar to PopSQL, but with the privacy and control of hosting it yourself. It’s an excellent middle-ground between cloud services and completely local applications.
SQLPad supports multiple database types and offers features like query saving, charting, and user authentication. By self-hosting, teams can collaborate on SQL queries without sending their data through third-party servers, maintaining both collaboration and privacy.
SQLPad Links
Falcon
Available for MacOS (open source)
Falcon is a modern, open source SQL editor for macOS that offers a clean, native experience for Apple users. While it lacks PopSQL’s collaboration features, it provides a streamlined, local SQL editing experience with excellent usability.
Falcon supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, and other database types with features like auto-completion, query history, and result visualizations. Its focus on simplicity and performance makes it a good choice for individual macOS users who don’t need the collaborative aspects of PopSQL.
Falcon Links
Azure Data Studio
Available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux
Azure Data Studio is Microsoft’s free, cross-platform database tool based on VS Code. While initially focused on SQL Server, it now supports other database types through extensions.
Azure Data Studio offers a modern code editor experience with version control integration, extensibility, and notebook functionality. For teams already using Git for collaboration, it provides an excellent way to work with SQL in a familiar development environment.
Azure Data Studio Links
Wrap-up
Beekeeper Studio offers the best combination of modern interface, privacy-first approach, and optional team features for those looking for a PopSQL alternative. Its balance of functionality without cloud dependency makes it an excellent choice for most users.
Depending on your specific needs, whether it’s self-hosting for team collaboration, deep feature sets, or integration with development environments, each of these alternatives provides a unique approach to SQL editing and database management outside of the cloud-first model.
Beekeeper Studio Is A Free & Open Source Database GUI
Best SQL query & editor tool I have ever used. It provides everything I need to manage my database. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mit
Beekeeper Studio is fast, intuitive, and easy to use. Beekeeper supports loads of databases, and works great on Windows, Mac and Linux.
