Julia Lutsenko
I'm a technical writer with a strong foundation in linguistics, and I enjoy diving deep into technical topics, researching thoroughly, and shaping information in a way that feels accessible and useful to the reader.
The ongoing debate between users of GUI-powered tools and devotees of command-line utilities centers on the respective strengths of both approaches. The biggest strength of the former is, naturally, the smooth and easy experience of interaction with databases, which makes GUI tools so attractive to both beginners and seasoned professionals alike.
In this comparison, we'll explore the most popular Windows-compatible GUI tools for MySQL. We'll focus on key factors for choosing the optimal tool for the most common MySQL-related tasks, examine the pros and cons of each, and help you decide which one best fits your needs and requirements.
Best visual database management tools for MySQL
We have reviewed the most popular Windows-compatible GUI tools for MySQL. Here, we offer you an in-depth comparison of their functionality. We focus on key factors for choosing the optimal tool for the most common MySQL-related tasks, examine the pros and cons of each, and possibly we'll help you decide which one best fits your needs and requirements.
dbForge Studio for MySQL
Pricing: The basic Express edition is free of charge; the subscription-based license starts from $9.95/month; the yearly subscription starts from $99.95 for the Standard edition; the perpetual license starts from $299.95 for all paid editions.
A free trial is provided for 30 days.
Installation: Available on Windows, Linux (via compatibility solutions), and macOS (via compatibility solutions).
dbForge Studio for MySQL is an all-in-one integrated development environment (IDE) designed to handle a wide range of tasks, including SQL development, database design, management, operations and administration, data management, analysis and reporting, and automation, all within a single application. It stands out as a highly functional solution favored by MySQL and MariaDB experts. dbForge Studio for MySQL supports both on-premises and cloud-based environments.
The rich functionality and customizability, coupled with advanced automation capabilities, position the Studio as a top choice for individual MySQL professionals as well as for entire teams whose CI/CD cycles involve the development and deployment of MySQL and MariaDB databases.
dbForge Studio for MySQL offers Source Control, an advanced feature that allows version-controlling database schemas and static data, compatible with Git, Mercurial, Apache Subversion, TFVC, Perforce, and other major version control systems.
Key pros |
Key cons |
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✅ MySQL Editor with many coding assistance features ✅ Integrated AI Assistant for SQL coding, including conversion of natural-language to SQL ✅ Versatile tools for data management and migration ✅ Schema and data comparison and synchronization ✅ Integrated version control ✅ Integrated debugging and visual query-building tools ✅ User and session managers ✅ Task automation through the command-line interface ✅ Professional support and comprehensive documentation |
❌ The free Express edition offers limited functionality ❌ No native support for macOS and Linux (requires CrossOver and/or Wine) ❌ The interface is available exclusively in English |
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MySQL Workbench
Pricing: Free.
Installation: Available on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
MySQL Workbench is a premier GUI tool for MySQL professionals, offering robust features that comprehensively address typical database tasks for both MySQL and MariaDB, without any cost.
This tool stands out as one of the top administration utilities for MySQL across various environments. It provides tools for visual database design and construction of complex queries, and aids in writing SQL code with context-sensitive suggestions. Besides, it offers user account management, supports database backup and recovery operations, and assists in data migration.
Key pros |
Key cons |
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✅ Availability across multiple platforms ✅ Intelligent code autocompletion ✅ Advanced capabilities for data modeling ✅ Database administration and monitoring tools ✅ Efficient database connection management ✅ Modules for server configuration and monitoring ✅ Large, supportive community |
❌ Sophisticated user interface ❌ Task configuration processes can be intricate ❌ The tool tends to be resource-intensive |
Navicat
Pricing: The subscription-based license starts from $14.99/month; the perpetual license starts from $139.00; a free trial is provided for 14 days.
Installation: Separate versions for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Navicat for MySQL is an advanced solution for database development and administration in MySQL and MariaDB environments, compatible with both on-premises and cloud-based systems. This multi-functional tool provides an Explorer-like GUI, simplifying a wide range of database tasks, including data management, database and object design, SQL coding and editing, data migration, and more.
Key pros |
Key cons |
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✅ Comprehensive data viewing and editing tools ✅ Tab-based, user-friendly interface ✅ SQL editor with code completion and code snippets ✅ Database schema and data comparison and synchronization ✅ Efficient data transfer across different databases ✅ Tools for visual database design and data modeling ✅ Data analysis tools with charts for visualizing patterns ✅ Data generator for creating high-quality test data ✅ Cloud synchronization of settings for easy sharing ✅ Flexible license transferability between operating systems ✅ Availability of a dark theme |
❌ No MariaDB support ❌ The trial period is comparatively limited ❌ The documentation may be insufficient ❌ Advanced features are reserved for premium editions |
HeidiSQL
Pricing: Free, open-source software.
Installation: Windows-native software (fully compatible with Windows 10 and 11, with some issues on Windows 7 and 8); also runs on Linux with Wine.
HeidiSQL is a widely used, user-friendly GUI tool tailored for managing databases across major database management systems such as MySQL and MariaDB. While it may not offer the advanced features of some other IDEs, HeidiSQL adequately handles essential database tasks. These include creating and editing queries and database objects, managing database users, monitoring server performance, and troubleshooting possible issues.
Key pros |
Key cons |
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✅ Efficient management of user privileges ✅ User-friendly connection manager ✅ Connection to multiple servers using CLI ✅ Diverse data export options (SQL, CSV, HTML, XML, LaTeX, Wiki Markup, PHP Array) ✅ Enhanced security through SSH ✅ Encrypted server-client connections ✅ Bulk table editing ✅ Comprehensive text search across all tables and databases |
❌ Limited functionality compared to other well-known IDEs ❌ Occasional performance and compatibility issues ❌ Lacks extensive documentation and support |
DBeaver
Pricing: Free (Community edition); the subscription-based license starts from $11/month; the perpetual license starts from $110 (Lite); a free trial is provided for 14 days.
Installation: Available on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
DBeaver is one of the most popular and versatile IDEs that supports multiple database management systems, including MySQL and MariaDB. Its accurate, user-friendly GUI and a range of features, available across various editions, meet the professional needs of database specialists. DBeaver covers a comprehensive range of tasks from database development and design to user management and database administration.
Key pros |
Key cons |
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✅ Intuitive construction of SQL queries using visual tools ✅ Visual database design with ER diagrams ✅ Comparing and synchronizing schemas and table data ✅ SQL editor with diverse data views ✅ Data import and export to all popular formats ✅ Advanced security features for data protection |
❌ The process for requesting a trial version can be complex ❌ Cloud storage support only in the Ultimate edition ❌ Advanced features available only in paid editions ❌ Personal support is restricted to paid users |
DataGrip
Pricing: The subscription-based license starts from $10.90/month; a free trial is provided for 30 days.
Installation: Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
DataGrip is a well-regarded GUI client tailored for database specialists working with MySQL/MariaDB and other prominent database management systems. It boasts an accurate and customizable interface along with a solid range of features, including the basic version control feature (with Git support). Specifically, DataGrip's strengths lie in creating and executing queries, validating SQL code, and analyzing query performance.
Key pros |
Key cons |
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✅ Code autocompletion, debugging, and refactoring ✅ Schema management through intuitive visualization tools ✅ Generation of data reports with charts ✅ Version control (Git only) ✅ Customizable user interface, including dark themes ✅ Extendable functionality through plugins |
❌ Subscription-based pricing only ❌ Limited features compared to other IDEs ❌ No user management or session monitoring features ❌ Cannot manage multiple databases concurrently |
TablePlus
Price: Starts from $89.00 per user, one-time purchase.
Installation: Separate versions for macOS, Windows, and iOS; the Linux version is currently in beta.
TablePlus is a GUI-based software solution crafted for database developers. It is a versatile toolset supporting a range of popular relational database management systems, including MySQL and MariaDB, as well as a few NoSQL databases. TablePlus excels in standard tasks such as writing and constructing SQL queries as well as searching and editing data. The smart and intuitive graphical user interface offers numerous customization options.
Key pros |
Key cons |
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✅ Intelligent SQL editor for efficient coding ✅ Advanced security features including SSH and TLS ✅ Configurable shortcuts ✅ Extensible via Java-based plugins ✅ High performance ✅ Availability of a dark theme ✅ Active GitHub community contributing improvements |
❌ Not as feature-rich as many competitors ❌ Limited documentation ❌ No free trial ❌ Restricted pricing: perpetual license only |
Valentina Studio
Pricing: There is a free edition; the perpetual license starts from $99.99.
Installation: Available on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Valentina Studio is a multi-database GUI solution compatible with MySQL, MariaDB, and other widely used database management systems. It offers a range of useful functionalities, including database modeling, query building, schema comparison and synchronization, data editing and import, data reporting, and fundamental database administration features.
Key pros |
Key cons |
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✅ SQL editor with autocompletion ✅ Query editor and visual query builder ✅ Database-specific code snippets ✅ Useful keyboard shortcuts and warnings ✅ Data editors tailored to various databases ✅ Basic administration tools for MySQL Server ✅ Visual report designer and editor |
❌ No personalized technical support ❌ Limited documentation ❌ Complex and sophisticated installation process ❌ Complicated interface that may overwhelm beginners |
phpMyAdmin
Pricing: Free.
Installation: Web-based, requires a web server and PHP installed and configured.
phpMyAdmin is a web-based GUI tool used for managing MySQL databases, accessible from any operating system through a web browser. Known for its straightforward design, phpMyAdmin offers robust functionality. Many database professionals prefer it for routine tasks like creating, editing, and managing databases and their objects, handling user accounts, and importing and exporting data.
Key pros |
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✅ Data editor for inserting, editing, and deleting records ✅ Import/export to SQL, CSV, XML ✅ User permission management at table level ✅ Search across all tables and databases ✅ Comprehensive documentation and Wiki ✅ Active and engaged community ✅ Available in 72 languages |
❌ Some security vulnerabilities inherent in web apps ❌ Possible performance issues with complex queries ❌ May increase server load with heavy operations ❌ Limited functionality compared to advanced MySQL IDEs |
Adminer
Pricing: Free, open-source application.
Installation: Web-based, requires a web server and PHP installed and configured.
Adminer, often chosen as an alternative to phpMyAdmin, is favored by many for its cleaner interface, enhanced performance and security, and superior support for MySQL and MariaDB. This PHP-based tool is designed for a range of MySQL database management tasks.
Adminer enables users to connect to database servers, create and manage databases and tables, write and execute SQL statements, monitor server performance, and manage database users. The solution is maintained by an active team committed to its stability and the regular introduction of new features.
Key pros |
Key cons |
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✅ Easy-to-use single-page application ✅ Data transfer with support for many data types ✅ Support for extensions to expand functionality ✅ Ability to print database schemas ✅ Event management tools ✅ Customizable UI via various themes ✅ Available in 43 languages |
❌ Limited feature set ❌ Occasional performance issues with complex tasks |
Comparative table of top 10 MySQL GUI tools
| Feature | dbForge Studio | MySQL Workbench | Navicat | HeidiSQL | DBeaver | DataGrip | TablePlus | Valentina Studio | phpMyAdmin | Adminer |
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| Visual Query Builder | |
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| Database Designer | |
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All GUI clients summary
| Tool | Best for | Trial info | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dbForge Studio for MySQL | SQL development, database design, management, operations and administration, data management, analysis and reporting, and automation. | 30 days | From $9.95/month | Overview |
| MySQL Workbench | Visual database design, construction of complex queries, writing SQL code. | No trial, free software | Free | Overview |
| Navicat | Data management, database and object design, SQL coding and editing, data migration. | 14 days | From $14.99/month | Overview |
| HeidiSQL | Creating and editing queries and database objects, managing database users, monitoring server performance, and troubleshooting possible issues. | No trial, free software | Free | Overview |
| DBeaver | Database development and design, user management and database administration. | 14 days | From $11/month | Overview |
| DataGrip | Creating and executing queries, validating SQL code, and analyzing query performance. | 30 days | From $10.90/month | Overview |
| TablePlus | Writing and constructing SQL queries, and searching and editing data. | Not available | From $89.00 per user | Overview |
| Valentina Studio | Database modeling, query building, schema comparison and synchronization, data editing and import, data reporting, and fundamental database administration. | Free edition | From $99.99 | Overview |
| phpMyAdmin | Creating, editing, and managing databases and their objects, handling user accounts, and importing and exporting data. | No trial, free software | Free | Overview |
| Adminer | Creating and managing databases and tables, writing and executing SQL statements, monitoring of server performance. | No trial, free software | Free | Overview |
Why use a MySQL GUI tool?
GUI tools offer numerous advantages. Their primary benefit is streamlining daily workflows for users by providing them with convenient and intuitive interfaces. The standard tasks covered by a typical MySQL GUI tool are roughly as follows:
- SQL coding assistance: Enhances the speed and quality of SQL coding through smart autocompletion, syntax validation, refactoring, and formatting. Includes a snippet library with reusable code fragments.
- Visual query building: Enables constructing complex queries visually, with no coding required.
- Data migration: Simplifies configuring and running regular data import/export tasks with automation options.
- Schema and data comparison: Helps quickly identify differences in database schemas and actual data.
- Test data generation: Generates realistic dummy data for safe and efficient testing.
- Data analysis and reporting tools: Includes report designers with graphs, diagrams, pivot tables, and automated export in various formats.
- Integrated source control: Compatible with major version control systems, allowing the implementation of DevOps practices (featured in dbForge Studio for MySQL).
Overall, employing GUI solutions for MySQL database management and administration, especially advanced IDEs, can significantly boost your performance and eliminate lots of routine tasks.
Making the right choice: Tips for choosing MySQL and MariaDB GUI tools
If you're a database professional working with MySQL and MariaDB, you'll need efficient and accurate tools for your tasks. Here's how to make an informed choice:
- Functionality: The tool must meet your specific functional needs. We've compiled a list of the most functional tools.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the solution is compatible with your environment—your DBMS (on-premises or cloud-based), OS, and system resources.
- Price: This review covers both free and paid solutions, detailing features, benefits, and limitations. Free tools may lack advanced capabilities or support, while paid options often include flexible pricing plans.
- Support and documentation: Look for comprehensive documentation, useful tutorials, active communities, and reliable support from the vendor.
Depending on your specific work scenario, other factors may also be significant. Start by defining your goals and constraints, and then assess how well the selected tools align with your needs.
Conclusion
The use of professional GUI tools in database management is an established trend. These tools offer significant advantages, and we can expect the emergence of new solutions alongside continuous enhancements to existing popular systems.
dbForge Studio for MySQL stands out as one of the top choices for MySQL and MariaDB professionals. This comprehensive tool offers a wide range of features, from coding assistance to version control, all within a single application. To fully gauge its capabilities, you can take advantage of the 30-day free trial, which gives you access to all its advanced features.