MySQL Connector/ODBC vs Devart ODBC Driver: Full Feature Comparison

In general, ODBC drivers are connectors that allow applications to connect to specific database management systems or cloud services in order to access their data. And when it comes to MySQL, the go-to option is often the stock MySQL ODBC driver (a.k.a. MySQL Connector/ODBC), a free and open-source solution and quite an obvious first choice. But then there's Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL, a high-performance alternative with enterprise-grade features.

First off, Devart ODBC Driver delivers a huge number of integrations. Second, it fully supports standard ODBC API functions and data types, enabling quick and secure access to live MySQL/MariaDB data. That being said, only you can decide which driver is a better choice for your particular project. However, we can help you by pinpointing the specifics of either option and providing a detailed feature-by-feature comparison.

How does Devart ODBC Driver stack up against standard database vendor drivers?

Features
Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL
MySQL Connector/ODBC
Compliance with ODBC 3.52
Yes
Yes
Direct connection to the data source without client software
Yes
No
Full compliance with ODBC API and data types
Yes
No
Compatibility with the latest server versions
Yes
Yes
SSL-protected communication without third-party libraries
Yes
No
SSH-protected communication
Yes
No
HTTP/HTTPS tunneling
Yes
No
Verified compatibility with multiple BI and ETL tools
Yes
No
Fast parallel bulk data loading
Yes
Yes
Auto-installation in a few clicks
Yes
No
Support for 32-bit and 64-bit applications
Yes
Yes
Availability on Windows, Linux, and macOS
Yes
Yes
Unicode support: different languages and data types
Yes
Yes
Nightly builds with the most recent changes and hotfixes
Yes
No
Dedicated support team of software engineers
Yes
No
Active community
Yes
No
ODBC 2.x behavior emulation
Yes
No
Support for popular programming languages
Yes
Yes
Advanced login
Yes
No
Convenient GUI on Linux and macOS
Yes
No
Connection pooling
Yes
Yes
Premium support
Yes
No
Open source code
No
Yes
Cost
Paid (with multiple licensing options and bulk discounts)
Free

Key insights

Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL

Pros:

  • Integration with 200+ ODBC-compliant tools
  • Cross-platform availability
  • Higher performance with advanced optimization
  • Advanced data conversion
  • Secure connectivity (via SSL, SSH, and HTTP/HTTPS tunneling)
  • Official vendor support
  • Regular maintenance and updates
  • Comprehensive documentation

Cons:

  • Closed-source nature
  • No free edition (only a free 30-day trial)

MySQL Connector/ODBC

Pros:

  • Free and open-source nature
  • Large community
  • Cross-platform availability
  • Regular updates

Cons:

  • No advanced security features
  • No official support service
  • Limited batch processing capabilities

Ready to get started?

Free 30-day trial

Get your 30-day trial

Download a FREE 30-day trial version and explore the full functionality of Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL.

Flexible licensing and pricing options

Enjoy bulk discounts

We offer flexible purchasing options to meet your budget. Also, if you need multiple licenses, you will get a bulk discount.

Support with product and purchasing questions

Need a hand?

If you need any help or have questions about our tools or purchasing options, feel free to get in touch with our team.

FAQ

Is Devart ODBC Driver faster than the official MySQL ODBC driver?

Yes, it is, especially when it comes to batch operations. See the performance comparison chart for reference.

Why would I pay for Devart ODBC Driver if there is a free one instead?

That's the usual free-vs-paid discussion that eventually boils down to whether the free product satisfies your requirements. If it doesn't, you start looking for something more advanced.

When it comes to Devart ODBC Driver, the first thing worth mentioning is that you pay for better firepower, which includes exceptional performance and additional secure connectivity features. Second, you pay for the service and auxiliary materials that come with the Driver, including responsive priority support, delivery of nightly builds with the most recent changes and hotfixes, and comprehensive documentation.

Does Devart ODBC Driver support SSH and HTTPS tunneling?

Yes, it does. Devart ODBC Driver generally boasts broader secure connectivity than the stock driver for MySQL.

Which driver offers better performance in high-load environments?

Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL is your best bet for high-load environments due to its excellent performance.

Can I use Devart ODBC Driver on macOS?

Yes, Devart ODBC Driver is available on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Is Devart ODBC Driver worth it for enterprise applications?

Yes. High performance, simple installation, and dedicated support service make Devart ODBC Driver an optimal choice for enterprise applications.

Which driver should I use for cloud-based MySQL?

Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL is perfectly compatible with both on-premises and cloud-based MySQL databases. It also supports lots of related databases and cloud services, including MariaDB, Microsoft Azure Database for MySQL, Google Cloud for MySQL, Amazon RDS for MySQL, and Amazon Aurora.