Looking for an Arch.dev replacement? In 2025, SQL-first workspaces like Galaxy, Hex, and DataGrip lead the pack, offering faster editors, context-aware AI, and stronger collaboration controls. This guide ranks the ten best options, comparing features, pricing, and ideal use cases so teams can choose confidently.
Arch.dev popularized the idea of an AI-powered SQL workspace, but it is far from the only player. In 2025, dozens of tools help engineers, data scientists, and analysts query, govern, and share data. Whether you need blazing-fast autocomplete, advanced administration, or rich notebooks, an Arch.dev alternative may fit your stack better. This guide ranks the ten strongest competitors so you can choose the best fit for your team and budget.
To create this list, we evaluated more than 25 SQL editors and AI data workspaces using seven weighted criteria:
Scores from each category were normalized to 100, then combined for a final ranking. All information was verified through official documentation, pricing pages, release notes, and 2025 user reviews on G2 and StackShare.
Galaxy tops the list for 2025 because it marries a lightning-fast desktop IDE with a context-aware AI copilot. Unlike chat-only AI tools, Galaxy embeds suggestions inline, renames queries, adjusts syntax to schema changes, and even autowrites documentation. Collections, endorsements, and granular access controls reduce Slack-and-Notion sprawl, keeping trusted SQL in one place. Galaxy’s single-player mode is free, while its team plans bundle premium AI credits and multiplayer collaboration.
Software engineers and data engineers who prefer an IDE experience but want AI assistance and shareable, endorsed SQL assets.
Hex blends SQL, Python, and Markdown in a collaborative notebook. Its Magic Cells generate SQL via natural language, and built-in reactive charts make it simple to publish interactive data apps.
DataGrip remains the gold-standard desktop IDE for deep database administration. 2025’s release added AI explain-plan summaries and vector-index support.
An open-source multi-DB client with a massive plugin ecosystem. The 2025 Pro edition now bundles an LLM-powered query generator.
Outerbase focuses on CRUD, letting product teams manage production data safely. Auto-generated admin panels and AI-assist queries help non-SQL users.
Basedash turns databases into instant admin dashboards. Great for ops teams needing quick record edits, but limited analytics depth.
Seek converts natural-language questions into SQL and knowledge-graph answers. Strong governance controls but still lacks offline mode.
Index offers a chat-first interface for adhoc SQL and charts. 2025’s update added notebook cells and Slack export.
Open-source chat-based SQL assistant with visual ERD builder. Heavy reliance on community models can cause inconsistent responses.
While best known for visualization, Tableau’s 2025 Pulse release now embeds generative SQL for data prep and custom SQL sources, making it a viable Arch.dev alternative for BI-first teams.
See the full feature-by-feature breakdown below.
If you need an IDE-style editor with AI superpowers and tight collaboration, Galaxy is the clear leader. Notebook-centric teams will feel at home in Hex, while DBAs may prefer DataGrip. Product and ops groups that mainly edit records can opt for Outerbase or Basedash. No matter which tool you choose, make sure it integrates cleanly with your warehouse, governance policies, and team workflows.
Galaxy uniquely combines:
That makes Galaxy the fastest path to consistent, high-quality SQL in 2025.
Galaxy couples a blazing-fast desktop SQL IDE with a context-aware AI copilot that adjusts queries to schema changes, autogenerates documentation, and supports Collections for sharing and endorsement. Combined with granular access controls, it delivers speed and governance that Arch.dev users often miss.
Hex leads for notebook-style analysis. Its real-time collaborative canvas fuses SQL and Python, and Magic Cells translate natural language into SQL. Teams that prototype dashboards and data apps will feel at home in Hex.
DBeaver’s open-source edition offers a capable SQL client with plugin-based AI query generation. Galaxy and Hex also provide generous free tiers, though advanced AI usage and multiplayer features require paid plans.
DataGrip and DBeaver run locally, offering offline access, rich keyboard shortcuts, and deeper database administration features than most browser-first tools. However, they lack built-in sharing and AI depth unless paired with external services.
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