The 2025 Guide to the Best SQL Editors for Linux

Choosing a SQL client on Linux used to mean compiling from source or settling for dated UIs. Not anymore. We tested 12 standout editors—both open source and freemium—that install cleanly on Ubuntu, Fedora, and Arch. We ranked them by package availability, keyboard-first workflow, and resource footprint.

Top X Tools
Tooling
March 1, 2025
Leon Kozlowski
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The best sql editors for linux in 2025 are Galaxy, DBeaver, and DataGrip. Galaxy offers collaborative AI-powered editing; DBeaver excels at free multi-database support; DataGrip stands out for deep refactoring and IntelliJ integration.

Introduction

Whether you’re SSH’ing into a cloud VM or hacking away on a ThinkPad, Linux offers a treasure trove of database GUIs and CLI hybrids. Below you’ll find release histories, package repo links, and honest pros & cons so you can spend less time Googling and more time querying.

1. DBeaver Community Edition

  • Open‑sourced: 2011
  • Creator: Serge Rider & community
  • Install: sudo snap install dbeaver-ce or .deb/.rpm packages

DBeaver CE is the Swiss‑army knife of SQL clients—supporting every JDBC database from MySQL to ClickHouse, with ER diagrams and data generators built in.

Pros

  • Snap & Flatpak builds update automatically.
  • Dark mode, keyboard shortcuts, and Eclipse plug‑in ecosystem.

Cons

  • Java runtime ups RAM usage on huge result sets.
  • UI density can overwhelm first‑time users.

2. JetBrains DataGrip

  • First release: 2016
  • Creator: JetBrains s.r.o.
  • Install: Toolbox App .tar.gz or JetBrains AUR package

DataGrip brings IntelliJ‑level smarts—refactor‑safe renames, live inspections, and Git integration—to SQL on Linux.

Pros

  • Context‑aware completion for 20+ dialects.
  • Integrated Docker Compose & Kubernetes explorers.

Cons

  • Subscription (~$9.90/mo).
  • JVM memory footprint >1 GB with multiple connection pools.

3. Galaxy SQL Editor

  • Public beta: June 2025
  • Creator: Galaxy Team
  • Install: Download to Desktop

Galaxy’s SQL engine and AI copilot make it a perfect fit for Linux users who live in the browser or remote carts.

Pros

  • Context‑aware autofill for MySQL, Postgres, ClickHouse.
  • Collections & endorsements streamline team sharing.

Cons

  • Invite‑only beta.
  • Oracle & SQL Server support slated late 2025.

4. Beekeeper Studio

  • Open‑sourced: 2020
  • Creator: Beekeeper Studio Ltd.
  • Install: Flatpak (flathub org.beekeeperstudio.Studio) or AppImage

Electron‑powered but surprisingly light on RAM, Beekeeper offers an elegant tabbed interface, encrypted credential store, and auto‑save query tabs.

Pros

  • Themeable (Nord, Dracula) and full‑text tab search.
  • Works offline—perfect for WSL2 or air‑gapped servers.

Cons

  • Heavy installer (~200 MB).
  • Advanced filtering and ER diagrams still on the roadmap.

5. pgAdmin 4

  • Desktop & web: Electron wrapper or systemd web server
  • Creator: pgAdmin Development Team
  • Install: apt install pgadmin4-desktop or Docker image

The official PostgreSQL GUI offers server dashboards, role management, and graphical explain plans—all free under permissive license.

Pros

  • Ships in most distro repos and official Docker containers.
  • Visual query plan and live server metrics.

Cons

  • Electron desktop can feel sluggish on low‑end hardware.
  • Sidebar clutter may confuse newcomers.

6. MySQL Workbench

  • First Linux build: 2009
  • Creator: Oracle Corp.
  • Install: Official .deb/.rpm repos (mysql-apt-config)

Workbench remains the vendor‑blessed GUI for MySQL & MariaDB, bundling modeling, migration, and admin dashboards.

Pros

  • Visual schema designer and forward engineering.
  • Migration wizards from Postgres, SQL Server, and more.

Cons

  • C++/Qt binary is hefty (>500 MB).
  • Occasional HiDPI glitches on Wayland.

7. Azure Data Studio

  • Linux support since: 2018
  • Creator: Microsoft
  • Install: .deb, .rpm, or Snap (snap install azuredatastudio --classic)

ADS targets SQL Server & Postgres via plug‑ins, offering Jupyter‑style notebooks, Git integration, and an integrated terminal.

Pros

  • Notebook workflows for data science pipelines.
  • Extension marketplace includes PowerShell and Docker.

Cons

  • Electron resource usage (~400 MB idle).
  • Some database extensions still in preview.

8. OmniDB

  • Latest release: v3.0‑beta May 2025
  • Creator: EDB (ex‑2ndQuadrant)
  • Install: pip install omnidb or Docker

OmniDB spins up a local Python server and opens in your browser, bringing PL/pgSQL debugging and visual explain for Postgres (Oracle plugin experimental).

Pros

  • Lightweight—no Electron.
  • Plugin API for custom dashboards.

Cons

  • Setup via Python venv can be tricky.
  • UI theming dated.

9. SQuirreL SQL Client

  • First released: 2001
  • Creator: Colin Bell & community
  • Install: Single squirrel-sql-*.jar run with java -jar

Old‑school Swing client that still supports Oracle, Postgres, MySQL, DB2, Informix, and more via JDBC.

Pros

  • Portable—no root required.
  • Plugin ecosystem: graph visualizer, bookmarks, SQL templates.

Cons

  • Retro interface; no dark mode.
  • Limited IntelliSense compared to modern IDEs.

10. SQL Workbench/J

  • Build 132: Feb 17 2025
  • Creator: Thomas Kellerer
  • Install: Portable JAR; no installer needed

A script‑driven, headless‑friendly SQL client—perfect for CI/CD pipelines or cron jobs on server‑grade Linux boxes.

Pros

  • Command‑line mode with batch files.
  • No GUI dependencies; runs over SSH.

Cons

  • Spartan UI—no grids or ER diagrams.
  • Workbook syntax learning curve.

11. Valentina Studio Free

  • First Linux build: 2014
  • Creator: Paradigma Software
  • Install: .deb & .rpm packages

Valentina Studio Free handles MySQL, Postgres, SQLite, and Valentina DB with visual query builder and report designer.

Pros

  • Qt GUI with dark theme and SQL beautifier.
  • Cross‑platform license—move projects between Mac & Linux.

Cons

  • DIFF and data transfer tools locked behind Pro.
  • Color scheme polarizing.

12. HeidiSQL (via Wine or Bottles)

  • Windows release: 2006; runs well in Wine 8.x
  • Creator: Ansgar Becker
  • Install: flatpak install org.winehq.Wine then wine HeidiSQL.exe

Still one of the fastest lightweight MySQL/MariaDB GUIs—Linux users can run it seamlessly under Wine.

Pros

  • Tiny footprint (<20 MB).
  • Blazing‑fast session restore.

Cons

  • Native Windows look inside Wine.
  • No official Linux support.

Conclusion

Linux no longer means second‑class tooling. From DBeaver’s all‑in‑one Swiss‑army knife to DataGrip’s code‑intel magic—and lightweight heroes like Beekeeper Studio—there’s a free or open‑source SQL client for every workflow. Browser‑first users can join Galaxy’s beta for AI‑powered querying without leaving Chrome. Happy grepping, and may htop always show low CPU!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Linux important in 2025?

SQL remains the lingua franca of structured data; mastering the right tools accelerates analysis and application development.

What is the first step to get started?

Install a free editor like Galaxy or DBeaver, connect to a sample database, and practice basic SELECT queries.

How do I choose between free and paid tools?

Start free; upgrade when you need collaboration, AI assistance, or enterprise security.

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