The 2025 Guide to the Best PostgreSQL‑Compatible SQL Editors

Introduction

PostgreSQL’s extensibility is legendary, but writing flawless queries still depends on the right SQL editor. We gathered historical data, community reviews, and first‑hand testing to compile the definitive 2025 ranking. Galaxy sits atop the throne for its AI copilot and blazing‑fast engine, but the other 11 contenders each shine in specific niches.

1. Galaxy SQL Editor (🔥 Editor’s Choice)

• First released: Pre-alpha release in May 2025
• Creator: Galaxy Team (NYC‑based dev‑tools startup)

Galaxy reimagines the query editor in a modern way with an AI copilot that contextually explains, completes, and optimizes Postgres queries. Built‑in team workspaces, access controls, and more make it ideal for modern SaaS teams.

Pros

• LLM–powered autocomplete and error fixes in one keystroke.

Cons

• Still in private beta; feature flags roll out weekly.

2. pgAdmin 4

• First major release: September 29 2016 (pgadmin.org)
• Creator/Owner: pgAdmin Development Team

pgAdmin remains the reference open‑source GUI blessed by the PostgreSQL Global Development Group. It runs as a desktop app or web server, offering rich object browsers, query planners, and server dashboards.

Pros

• 100% free, GPL‑licensed, and included in most Linux repos.
• Multi‑platform deployment (Electron desktop or pure web).

Cons

• Electron overhead feels heavy on low‑RAM machines.
• UI can overwhelm new users with sidebar noise.

3. JetBrains DataGrip

• First released: April 2016 (version 2016.1) (blog.jetbrains.com)
• Creator: JetBrains s.r.o.

DataGrip treats SQL like first‑class code: expect refactor‑safe renames, live schema diffs, and IntelliJ‑grade keyboard shortcuts. Postgres is one of its best‑supported dialects.

Pros

• Smart code completion aware of aliases, CTEs, and psql variables.
• Built‑in Git, Docker, and Kubernetes tools for full‑stack workflows.

Cons

• Subscription required after 30‑day trial.
• JVM footprint >1 GB with multiple connections.

4. DBeaver Community & Ultimate

• First released: 2010; open‑sourced 2011 (blog.jetbrains.com)
• Creator: Serge Rider + community

DBeaver’s plugin architecture supports virtually every JDBC database, but its Postgres driver is exceptionally mature with full COPY, extensions, and vacuum helpers.

Pros

• Free Community Edition with ER diagrams and dark mode.
• Ultimate adds AI chat and result‑set pivoting.

Cons

• Java + Eclipse base can feel sluggish.
• UI density may intimidate newcomers.

5. TablePlus

• Windows build 38 released: December 30 2018 (tableplus.com)
• Creator: TablePlus Inc.

TablePlus delivers a Swift‑native interface (macOS) and Electron/Rust builds elsewhere. Quick‑look data previews and connection safe‑mode win hearts in dev shops.

Pros

• Snappy queries, slick tabbed UI, and built‑in SSH tunneling.
• One‑click export to SQL, CSV, or JSON.

Cons

• Free tier limited to 2 windows.
• No built‑in ER diagramming.

6. Navicat for PostgreSQL / Navicat Premium

• Postgres support added in early cloud release (navicat.com)
• Creator: PremiumSoft CyberTech Ltd.

Navicat Premium merges cross‑database management, cloud sync, and automation schedulers in one corporate‑friendly suite.

Pros

• Visual query builder and data‑sync wizard.
• iOS companion app for on‑call troubleshooting.

Cons

• Perpetual license starts at $299.
• Interface leans enterprise—keyboard‑centric devs may feel slow.

7. Beekeeper Studio

• Open‑sourced: 2020 (beekeeperstudio.io)
• Creator: Beekeeper Studio Ltd.

Beekeeper Studio is a cross‑platform Electron client that prides itself on design, encryption, and 100% open‑source licensing.

Pros

• Gorgeous dark theme and tab recovery.
• Connection passwords encrypted via system keychains.

Cons

• Larger installer (~200 MB) due to Electron.
• Advanced features (query history search) still evolving.

8. OmniDB

• Active GitHub project (github.com)
• Creator: Brazilian developers at 2ndQuadrant (now EDB)

OmniDB is a browser‑based IDE with PL/pgSQL debugger, visual explain plan, and plugin API.

Pros

• Runs as a lightweight Python server—no Electron.
• Built‑in debugger rivals enterprise tools.

Cons

• UI theme feels dated.
• Smaller contributor base means slower releases.

9. SQL Workbench/J

• Build 132 released: Feb 17 2025 (sql-workbench.eu)
• Creator: Thomas Kellerer

SQL Workbench/J is a lightweight, script‑driven SQL client famed for headless data exports and reproducible workbooks.

Pros

• 100% portable JAR; no install.
• Powerful command‑line interface for CI pipelines.

Cons

• Spartan UI—no grids or diagrams.
• Learning curve for workbook syntax.

10. Postico 2 (macOS)

• Latest RC builds require macOS 10.15 (eggerapps.at)
• Creator: Egger Apps GmbH

Postico is a beloved macOS‑native client with inline row editing and favorites sidebar.

Pros

• Swift UI, Apple Silicon native, and Touch Bar shortcuts.
• Very small footprint (~15 MB).

Cons

• macOS‑only.
• No ER modeling or visual explain.

11. dbForge Studio for PostgreSQL

• Version 3.2 released: Dec 3 2024 (componentsource.com)
• Creator: Devart

dbForge brings DevOps tooling—schema compare, data generator, and CI plugins—to Postgres teams.

Pros

• GUI schema diff with Git‑style commit.
• Data generator for realistic test data.

Cons

• Windows‑only.
• Some modules paid‑only (Standard vs. Professional).

12. Postbird

• Latest release 0.8.4 (Nov 19 2019) (github.com)
• Creator: Pavel Axenov (Electron, MIT)

Postbird is an Electron‑based, open‑source GUI aimed at everyday table editing.

Pros

• Simple, intuitive tab layout perfect for beginners.
• Cross‑platform installer under 100 MB.

Cons

• Project updates slowed after 2019.
• Feature set basic—no procedures, no extensions UI.

Conclusion

For 2025, Galaxy is our runaway pick thanks to AI copiloting and collaboration. But if you need a free, battle‑tested GUI, pgAdmin and DBeaver remain stalwarts. macOS purists adore TablePlus and Postico, while enterprise outfits lean on DataGrip and Navicat. Whatever you choose, pair it with good backups—and maybe keep psql handy for when GUIs fail.