If you’re tired of wrestling with command-line database tools or squinting at terminal windows, you’ve come to the right place. Managing databases doesn’t have to feel like deciphering ancient code – modern GUI tools can make your life so much easier.
Whether you’re a solo developer building the next big app, a student learning the ropes, or part of a team managing enterprise databases, there’s a perfect tool waiting for you. We’ve tested and researched the latest options available in 2025, focusing on what actually works well on macOS (especially those shiny new Apple Silicon Macs).
From completely free options that’ll get the job done to premium tools with all the bells and whistles, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. No marketing fluff – just honest insights about which tools are worth your time and money.
Top Universal/Multi-Database Tools
1. TablePlus – Best Overall Native Experience
Pricing: Free version with limitations, $59 one-time license
Supported Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, SQL Server, Redis, MongoDB, Oracle, MariaDB, CockroachDB, Vertica, Cassandra
macOS Compatibility: Native Apple Silicon support, excellent performance
Key Features:
- Beautiful, modern native macOS interface
- Multiple tabs and windows
- Smart query editor with syntax highlighting
- Inline editing of table data and query results
- Quick data filtering and search
- Plugin system for extensibility
- Real-time collaboration features
Best for: Developers who want a premium, polished experience with excellent macOS integration
Download: tableplus.com
2. DBeaver Community – Best Free Option
Pricing: Free (Community Edition), Enterprise Edition available
Supported Databases: 80+ databases including all major SQL and NoSQL databases
macOS Compatibility: Java-based, works on Apple Silicon via JVM
Key Features:
- Most comprehensive database support
- Entity-relationship diagrams
- Advanced SQL editor with autocomplete
- Data export/import in multiple formats
- Schema comparison and synchronization
- Plugin ecosystem
Best for: Users who need broad database support and don’t mind a more complex interface
Download: dbeaver.io
3. DataGrip (JetBrains) – Most Powerful for Developers
Pricing: $8.90/month individual, $19.90/month business
Supported Databases: PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server, SQLite, H2, Sybase, DB2, HyperSQL, Apache Derby, Amazon Redshift, Google BigQuery, Apache Hive, Apache Cassandra, MongoDB, Redis
macOS Compatibility: Java-based, excellent Apple Silicon support
Key Features:
- Intelligent code completion and analysis
- Advanced refactoring tools
- Version control integration (Git, SVN, etc.)
- Database diff and migration tools
- Performance profiling and optimization suggestions
- Integration with other JetBrains IDEs
Best for: Professional developers who want IDE-level features and don’t mind subscription pricing
Download: jetbrains.com/datagrip
4. Beekeeper Studio – Best Modern Free Alternative
Pricing: Free version, Pro version in development
Supported Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, SQL Server, CockroachDB, Oracle, Amazon Redshift
macOS Compatibility: Native Electron app with good performance
Key Features:
- Clean, modern interface inspired by Slack/VS Code
- Cross-platform consistency
- Fast query performance
- Easy data editing
- Export capabilities
- Growing plugin ecosystem
Best for: Users who want a modern, free tool with good performance
- pgAdmin: pgadmin.org
5. Navicat Premium – Enterprise-Grade Multi-Database Solution
Pricing: Monthly subscription $69, Yearly $699, Perpetual license $1,299
Supported Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MariaDB, SQL Server, Oracle, SQLite, Redis, Snowflake
macOS Compatibility: Native macOS application with Apple Silicon support
Key Features:
- Comprehensive database administration suite
- Data modeling and ER diagram tools
- Advanced data synchronization and migration
- Built-in AI assistant for query optimization
- Business intelligence and reporting tools
- Team collaboration features
- Visual query builder and designer
- Automated backup and scheduling
Best for: Enterprise teams and professionals who need comprehensive database management with advanced features and collaboration tools
Download: navicat.com
Database-Specific Tools
Postico – PostgreSQL Specialist
Pricing: $59 one-time purchase
Database: PostgreSQL only
macOS Compatibility: Native macOS app, optimized for Apple Silicon
Key Features:
- Beautiful native macOS design
- Excellent PostgreSQL-specific features
- Advanced data visualization
- JSON editing support
- SSH tunnel support
Download: eggerapps.at/postico
Sequel Pro – MySQL Classic (Note: Limited Updates)
Pricing: Free, open source
Database: MySQL only
macOS Compatibility: Native macOS (older codebase, limited Apple Silicon optimization)
Status: Limited active development, consider alternatives for new projects
Download: sequelpro.com
MySQL Workbench – Official MySQL Tool
Pricing: Free
Database: MySQL only
macOS Compatibility: Cross-platform, available for Apple Silicon
Key Features:
- Official MySQL development tool
- Database design and modeling
- Server administration tools
- Performance monitoring
Download: mysql.com/products/workbench
pgAdmin – Official PostgreSQL Tool
Pricing: Free, open source
Database: PostgreSQL only
macOS Compatibility: Web-based interface, runs locally
Key Features:
- Comprehensive PostgreSQL administration
- Web-based interface accessible via browser
- Advanced query tool
- Server management features
| pgAdmin | Full-featured | N/A | Free |
Download: pgadmin.org
Pricing Comparison (2025)
Tool | Free Version | Paid Version | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
DBeaver | Full-featured | Enterprise features | One-time/Subscription |
Beekeeper Studio | Full-featured | Pro features coming | Free/Future paid |
TablePlus | Limited | $59 one-time | Freemium |
DataGrip | 30-day trial | $8.90/month | Subscription |
Postico | No free version | $59 one-time | Paid |
MySQL Workbench | Full-featured | N/A | Free |
Sequel Pro | Full-featured | N/A | Free |
Navicat Premium | 14-day trial | $69/month, $699/year, $1,299 perpetual | Enterprise subscription |
Performance on Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3)
Native Performance (Excellent): TablePlus, Postico, MySQL Workbench (native version)
Optimized Cross-Platform (Very Good): DataGrip, DBeaver (recent versions), Beekeeper Studio
Legacy/Compatibility Mode (Good): Sequel Pro (via Rosetta 2), pgAdmin (web-based, performance varies)
Recommendations by Use Case
For Individual Developers: Free options include DBeaver Community or Beekeeper Studio. Premium option is TablePlus ($59 one-time).
For Professional Development Teams: Small teams should consider TablePlus. Large teams benefit from DataGrip (with JetBrains subscription) or Navicat Premium for enterprise features.
For Database-Specific Work: PostgreSQL users should choose Postico or pgAdmin. MySQL users can select TablePlus or MySQL Workbench.
For Learning/Education: Best starter tool is Beekeeper Studio. Most educational is DBeaver (shows database internals).
2025 Trends and Considerations
Key Trends: Apple Silicon Optimization means most tools now support M1/M2/M3 chips natively. Modern UI/UX focuses on clean, intuitive interfaces. Cloud Database Support provides better integration with AWS RDS, Google Cloud SQL, etc. AI Integration brings AI-powered query suggestions to some tools. Collaboration Features include real-time sharing and team features.
Selection Criteria for 2025: Apple Silicon Support is essential for optimal performance. Active Development ensures regular updates and bug fixes. Security Features include SSL/TLS support and credential management. Export/Import Capabilities support modern formats. Documentation Quality provides good learning resources.
Download Links
- TablePlus: tableplus.com
- DBeaver: dbeaver.io
- DataGrip: jetbrains.com/datagrip
- Beekeeper Studio: beekeeperstudio.io
- Postico: eggerapps.at/postico
- MySQL Workbench: mysql.com/products/workbench
- Navicat Premium: navicat.com
