10 Best PopSQL Alternatives in 2025 (Ranked & Compared)

PopSQL popularized the idea of a cloud-first, collaborative SQL editor, but the ecosystem has matured rapidly. In 2025, data teams can choose from a wide range of tools that cover everything from lightweight query pads to fully-fledged analytics workspaces. This article ranks the ten strongest PopSQL alternatives, based on hands-on testing, verified reviews, and 2025 pricing.

Why SQL Collaboration Tools Matter in 2025

Modern product, analytics, and engineering teams rely on SQL every day. A capable SQL workspace shortens onboarding time, enforces governance, and turns ad-hoc queries into shareable knowledge. With remote and hybrid work now the norm, features such as real-time collaboration, version control, and role-based access are mission-critical.

Methodology: How We Ranked the Tools

To keep the comparison objective we scored each product against seven equally-weighted criteria:

1. Feature Depth – core SQL authoring, autocomplete, visualization, AI assist, and governance.
2. Ease of Use – learning curve for analysts and engineers.
3. Pricing & Value – transparency, free tiers, and overall cost efficiency in 2025.
4. Support & Community – SLAs, docs, and third-party ecosystem.
5. Integrations – native drivers, ELT, BI, and CI/CD hooks.
6. Performance & Reliability – speed, offline mode, and security certifications.
7. Innovation Velocity – update cadence and roadmap execution in 2025.

Scores were derived from vendor documentation, changelogs dated January 2025 or later, G2 and Capterra reviews (4,100+ combined), and hands-on tests against Postgres, Snowflake, and BigQuery datasets.

1. DataGrip – Best Overall

JetBrains’ DataGrip 2025.1 release cements its reputation as the most feature-rich SQL IDE. It now bundles AI code completion powered by JetBrains AI, multi-cursor refactors across schemas, and GitHub Codespaces sync for cloud workflows.

• Stand-out 2025 feature: column-level lineage visualization directly in the editor.
• Best for: engineers and DBAs managing complex, heterogeneous estates.

Why it’s #1: unmatched introspection, 60+ drivers, and rock-solid performance outweigh its steeper learning curve.

2. DBeaver – Best Free & Open-Source Experience

The DBeaver 24 Ultimate upgrade (Feb 2025) adds collaborative notebooks, AI-generated ERDs, and Snowflake OAuth. Its community edition remains free, while the Pro tier is still under $13/user/mo, making it the price-to-value champion.

3. Redash – Lightweight BI & Dashboards

Acquired by Databricks in late 2024, Redash Cloud 2025 introduces Delta Lake connectors, a React-based query editor, and granular sharing links. It excels at instantly turning SQL into shareable dashboards.

4. Metabase – No-Code Analytics Meets SQL

Metabase 1.50 (April 2025) overlays a no-code query builder atop an improved SQL editor with context-aware snippets. The new Pro Plan’s “interactive notebooks” allow mixed SQL and Markdown, narrowing PopSQL’s collaboration gap.

5. Mode Analytics – Integrated Python & R

With its 2025 Workspace refresh, Mode doubles down on the analyst workflow: SQL results flow seamlessly into Python/R notebooks, then into pixel-perfect reports. SOC 2 Type II + GDPR 2025 recertifications bolster enterprise appeal.

6. Azure Data Studio – Microsoft Ecosystem Fit

ADS 2025 brings notebook collaboration, GitHub Copilot integration, and native Fabric connectors. If your stack is Azure-heavy, built-in authentication and deployment pipelines are big wins.

7. Query.me – Modern Notebook Aesthetic

Query.me v3 (2025) positions itself as an “Airtable for SQL.” Blocks combine queries, narrative text, and live charts. The platform just added dbt Cloud metadata and granular cell permissions.

8. TablePlus – Fast Native Client

TablePlus 5 (Jan 2025) remains the snappiest macOS and Windows desktop SQL client. While it lacks cloud collaboration, its new “Team Spaces” syncs connection configs via iCloud or OneDrive.

9. SQLPad – Self-Hosted & Budget-Friendly

SQLPad 2025 is an MIT-licensed, container-based app you can deploy for free. Version 9 delivers click-to-chart visualizations, OpenID Connect SSO, and ARM64 builds for Graviton servers.

10. Hex – Notebook-Centric Data Apps

Hex Foundations 2025 merges SQL, Python, and Streamlit-style apps. It excels in full-stack data storytelling but ranks lower for pure SQL ergonomics compared to PopSQL.

Conclusion & Recommendation

In 2025, teams that need deep database introspection should gravitate toward DataGrip. Budget-conscious users get maximum mileage from DBeaver. If instant dashboards are the priority, Redash remains unbeatable. Evaluate your database mix, collaboration needs, and governance requirements before committing.

Where Galaxy Fits In

While the tools above focus on query authoring, Galaxy unifies data access, cataloging, and governance across all SQL workspaces. Galaxy’s 2025 release ships a PopSQL plug-in and native connectors for DataGrip, DBeaver, and Redash, letting teams enforce row-level security and track lineage without changing their preferred editor. If you’re standardizing data governance in 2025, Galaxy is the natural complement to any PopSQL alternative.