TOP 10 MySQL GUI Tools for Efficient Database Management on Windows [2025]

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 $199.95; 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. MySQL IDE: 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.

Within dbForge Studio for MySQL, you'll get 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.

Pros

• MySQL Editor, with a powerful coding assistance module to double your coding speed
• AI Assistant, an AI-powered feature for SQL query writing, optimization, troubleshooting, and conversion of plain language to SQL
• Versatile tools for data management and migration
• Tools for schema and data comparison and synchronization
• Integrated version control
• Integrated debugging and visual query-building tools
• User and session managers
• Automation of recurring tasks through the command-line interface
• Personalized professional support and comprehensive documentation

Cons

• The free Express edition offers limited functionality
• No native support for macOS and Linux (can be launched via CrossOver and/or Wine)
• The interface is available exclusively in English

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, enables the construction of complex queries, and aids in writing SQL code with context-sensitive suggestions. Additionally, it streamlines user account management, supports database backup and recovery operations, and assists in data migration.

Pros

• Availability across multiple platforms
• Intelligent code auto-completion
• Advanced capabilities for data modeling
• Comprehensive database administration and monitoring tools
• Efficient database connection management
• Modules for server configuration and monitoring
• Large, supportive community

Cons

• The sophisticated user interface may require additional time to learn
• 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.

Pros

• Comprehensive data viewing and editing tools
• Tab-based, user-friendly interface for query writing and object design
• SQL editor with code completion and a library of code snippets
• Capabilities for database schema and data comparison, along with 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 substantial volumes of test data
• Cloud synchronization of settings for easy sharing
• Flexible license transferability between different operating systems
• Availability of a dark theme

Cons

• Supports MySQL only; MariaDB is supported in a separate solution, Navicat for MariaDB
• 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 of server performance, and troubleshooting possible issues.

Pros

• Efficient management of user privileges
• User-friendly connection manager
• Connection to multiple servers using the command-line interface
• Diverse data export options, including SQL, CSV, HTML, XML, LaTeX, Wiki Markup, and PHP Array
• Enhanced security through SSH
• Encrypted server-client connections
• Bulk table editing
• Comprehensive text search across all tables and databases

Cons

• HeidiSQL has limited functionality in comparison to other well-known IDEs
• There are occasional performance and compatibility issues
• HeidiSQL 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.

Pros

• Intuitive construction of SQL queries using visual tools
• Visual database design facilitated by entity-relationship (ER) diagrams
• Features for comparing and synchronizing database schemas and table data
• Professional SQL editor with coding assistance and diverse data views
• Data import and export to all popular formats
• Advanced security features to ensure data protection

Cons

• The process for requesting a trial version can be complex
• Cloud storage support is only available in the Ultimate edition
• Advanced features are 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.

Pros

• Advanced capabilities in code autocompletion, debugging, and refactoring
• Schema management through intuitive visualization tools
• Generation of data reports with charts
• Version control (only via Git)
• Customizable user interface, including various options and dark themes
• The ability to extend default features with plugins

Cons

• DataGrip offers only subscription-based options
• The features are limited compared to other IDEs
• There are no features for user management and session monitoring
• It is not possible to 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, and searching and editing data. The smart and intuitive graphical user interface offers numerous customization options.

Pros

• Intelligent SQL editor for efficient coding
• Advanced security features, including SSH and TLS support
• Configurable shortcuts to enhance user experience
• Extensibility through Java-based plugins
• High performance
• Availability of a dark theme
• Active community on GitHub contributing to continuous improvements

Cons

• TablePlus is not as feature-rich as most of its counterparts
• The documentation is rather limited
• There is no free trial
• There are restricted pricing options, offering only a perpetual license

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.

Pros

• SQL editor equipped with auto-complete options
• Query editor and visual query builder for simplified query design
• Database-specific code snippets
• Useful keyboard shortcuts and warnings
• Data editors tailored to specific databases
• Basic administration features for MySQL Server
• Visual report designer and editor

Cons

• There is no personalized technical support
• The documentation is rather limited
• Valentina Studio has a complex and sophisticated installation process
• The complicated user interface is potentially challenging for new users

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.

Pros

• Data editor capable of inserting, editing, and deleting records
• Data import and export to SQL, CSV, and XML formats
• User permission management (down to the table level)
• Search across all tables and databases
• Comprehensive documentation and a Wiki page for user support
• Active and engaged community
• Availability in 72 languages

Cons

• There are some security vulnerabilities inherent in web-based applications
• Performance issues may occur, particularly with large databases or complex queries
• phpMyAdmin may increase server load, particularly with large databases or complex queries
• It also has limited functionality compared to more 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.

It 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. Adminer is maintained by an active team committed to its stability and the regular introduction of new features.

Pros

• Easy-to-use single-page application
• Data transfer with support for all popular data types
• Support for extensions that boost its functionality
• Printing of database schemas
• Event management tools
• Various themes for user interface customization
• Availability in 43 languages

Cons

• The feature set is limited
• There can be occasional performance issues, particularly with complex tasks or large databases

Comparative table of top 10 MySQL GUI tools

Feature	dbForge Studio	MySQL Workbench	Navicat	HeidiSQL	DBeaver	DataGrip	TablePlus	Valentina Studio	phpMyAdmin	Adminer
Coding Assistance
Code Snippets
Debugger
Visual Query Builder
Database Designer
Schema Compare
Data Compare
Data Import/Export
Source Control
Data Generator
Backup and Restore
User Management
Connection Management
Data Visualization
Data Reporting
Documenter

All GUI clients summary

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 auto-completion, 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 in this article.
• Compatibility: Ensure the tool 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 fully functional free trial, which gives you access to all its advanced features under your workload.

Being one of the global leaders in creating GUI-based database management software, Devart consistently monitors the market and conducts thorough research on the most functional and user-friendly solutions for diverse database management systems. Our previous blog articles have focused on reviews of these systems, such as the best MySQL GUI tools for Linux and for macOS, the best GUI tools for PostgreSQL for Windows and for macOS, the most popular Git GUI clients for Windows, and the most functional GUI solutions for Oracle – you are welcome to have a look at these reviews for more information about the modern tools that simplify the lives of database specialists every day.