The 2025 Guide to the Best MySQL‑Compatible SQL Editors

Introduction

MySQL may run everywhere, but a good SQL editor for MySQL can make or break your workflow. We researched release histories, pricing models, and user feedback to bring you an up‑to‑date list of standout tools. Below each entry you’ll find a quick profile followed by Pros and Cons bullets so you can decide in minutes.

1. Galaxy

• First released: May 2025
• Creator/Owner: Garrett Wolfe and the Galaxy Team (TBA!)

Galaxy is the Cursor for software engineers, data practitioners, and more. Galaxy is a modern SQL editor with features like an AI copilot, sharing and collaboration, access control and security, and much more. One of the first databases we integrated with at Galaxy was MySQL!

Pros

• Built for the modern developer with a focus on superior UI, UX, speed, and reliability
• Has a context aware AI copilot, sharing and collaboration
• Database agnostic, has a free tier for single player :)

Cons

• Is a newer product and is still building!

2. MySQL Workbench

• First released: September 2005 (en.wikipedia.org)
• Creator/Owner: MySQL AB (now Oracle) (en.wikipedia.org)

MySQL’s own flagship GUI bundles data modeling, query editing, admin dashboards, and migration wizards in one cross‑platform application. It remains the default choice for many DBAs and architects.

Pros

• 100% free and maintained by Oracle; rapid updates match new server versions. (mysql.com)
• Native visual schema design & forward engineering save hours.

Cons

• Heavyweight (written in C++/Qt); can feel sluggish on lower‑end laptops.
• No built‑in Git or AI autocomplete, unlike newer rivals.

3. DBeaver Community & Ultimate

• First released: 2010 (open‑sourced 2011) (en.wikipedia.org)
• Creator: Serge Rider + community (en.wikipedia.org)

DBeaver is a Java‑based universal client with plug‑ins for nearly every DB under the sun. The free Community Edition handles MySQL flawlessly, while Ultimate adds data‑generation, analytics, and AI chat.

Pros

• Cross‑platform (Eclipse SWT) with dark mode and ER diagrams.
• Massive JDBC driver library lets you jump between MySQL, PostgreSQL, Snowflake, and more in one window.

Cons

• Java footprint means high RAM usage on big result sets.
• UI still inherits some Eclipse quirks newcomers find confusing.

4. HeidiSQL

• First released: April 2006 (en.wikipedia.org)
• Creator: Ansgar Becker (open source) (en.wikipedia.org)

HeidiSQL is a Windows‑first lightweight alternative famous for its speed and small installer (<20 MB). It supports MariaDB and PostgreSQL alongside MySQL and ships portable builds.

Pros

• Blazing‑fast query execution and session restore.
• Free, MIT‑licensed, and scriptable via command line.

Cons

• Windows‑centric; macOS requires Wine.
• Limited visual ER modeling compared to Workbench.

5. TablePlus

• First released: December 2018 (macOS build 38) (tableplus.com)
• Creator: TablePlus Inc.

TablePlus delivers a polished native interface (Swift/Objective‑C on macOS, Rust/Electron on Windows/Linux) with tabbed connections, inline edit, and safe mode to prevent destructive queries.

Pros

• Snappy startup and live‑preview table editing.
• Built‑in SSH tunnel and native Keychain credential storage.

Cons

• Commercial license after a free trial; limits to 2 windows in free tier.
• No diagramming features; geared toward developers rather than DB architects.

6. JetBrains DataGrip

• First released: October 2016 (jetbrains.com)
• Creator: JetBrains s.r.o.

DataGrip brings JetBrains’ IntelliJ DNA to databases: smart code completion, refactor‑aware rename, and version control integration. MySQL, MariaDB, and Percona are first‑class citizens.

Pros

• Context‑aware SQL autocompletion and live query analysis.
• IntelliJ plug‑in ecosystem plus Git, Docker, and Kubernetes integrations.

Cons

• Subscription pricing ($9.90/mo individual) may deter hobbyists.
• JVM‑based; memory consumption higher than native apps.

7. Navicat Premium / Navicat for MySQL

• First released: 2009 (PremiumSoft combined editions) (en.wikipedia.org)
• Creator: PremiumSoft CyberTech Ltd.

Navicat positions itself as the Swiss‑army knife of DB management, offering data migration, report builders, and cloud collaboration.

Pros

• Cross‑database query (join MySQL to Oracle) inside one pane. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Automation scheduler and RESTful server monitoring.

Cons

• Pricey perpetual licenses ($299+).
• UI feels corporate; fewer keyboard shortcuts than rivals.

8. dbForge Studio for MySQL

• Latest version: 10.1 released April 2025 (devart.com)
• Creator: Devart

dbForge Studio targets enterprise workflows with schema compare, data generator, and DevOps CI plug‑ins.

Pros

• Git‑style change tracking for database objects.
• Visual query builder simplifies joins for analysts.

Cons

• Windows‑only.
• Feature matrix is fragmented between Editions (Express vs. Enterprise).

9. SQLyog

• First released: May 2002 (sqlyogkb.webyog.com)
• Creator: Webyog Inc.

One of the earliest dedicated MySQL GUIs, SQLyog remains popular among Windows admins for its tunneling wizard and HTTP sync tools.

Pros

• Extremely stable on older Windows versions.
• Scheduled backups and sync with Amazon RDS.

Cons

• UI design hasn’t changed much since Vista.
• No macOS or Linux builds.

10. Sequel Ace (macOS)

• Forked from Sequel Pro: July 2020 (medium.com)
• Creator: Open‑source maintainers (GitHub) (github.com)

Sequel Ace revitalizes the beloved but abandoned Sequel Pro with modern Swift code, Apple Silicon support, and TestFlight betas.

Pros

• Native macOS UI, iCloud connection sync, and Touch ID.
• Totally free on the App Store.

Cons

• macOS‑only (no Windows/Linux roadmap).
• Occasional crashes reported on older macOS versions. (github.com)

11. phpMyAdmin

• First public release: 1998 (project formalized 2001) (installatron.com, phpmyadmin.net)
• Creator: Tobias Ratschiller; now The phpMyAdmin Project (en.wikipedia.org)

The ubiquitous web‑based admin tool ships with most hosting panels. Its HTTP interface lets you manage MySQL from any browser.

Pros

• Zero install on shared hosting; PHP + Apache is all you need.
• Massive community docs in 95 languages. (en.wikipedia.org)

Cons

• Security hardening required (CSRF, brute force).
• Limited IDE features (no autocomplete, no ER diagrams).

12. Valentina Studio

• First released: 2012 (Paradigma Software) (en.wikipedia.org)
• Creator: Paradigma Software Inc.

Valentina Studio offers visual SQL tools plus integrated report designer connecting to MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and its own Valentina DB engine.

Pros

• Cross‑platform (Qt) with customizable themes.
• Unique built‑in reporting system exports to PDF.

Cons

• Some features gated behind a “Pro” add‑on license.
• UI color scheme polarizes reviews.

13. Toad Edge

• First released: May 2017 (Quest Software) (blog.toadworld.com)
• Creator: Quest Software Inc. (quest.com)

Toad Edge is Quest’s lightweight toolset targeting open‑source DBAs who grew up on Toad for Oracle.

Pros

• Schema compare, DevOps CI plug‑ins, and container‑friendly licensing.
• Works on macOS and Windows; Eclipse RCP base is extensible.

Cons

• Mandatory Quest account sign‑in annoys some testers. (forums.toadworld.com)
• Trialware switches to read‑only after 1 year unless renewed.

Conclusion

Picking the best SQL client for MySQL depends on OS, budget, and workflow. Power users gravitate toward Galaxy and DataGrip; macOS purists love TablePlus and Sequel Ace; enterprise ops still trust MySQL Workbench and Navicat. No matter your choice, Galaxy’s AI‑powered SQL editor can complement or replace any of these when you’re ready for lightning‑fast autocompletion and team‑friendly sharing.