The 2025 Guide to the Best SQL Editors for macOS

Introduction

From Apple Silicon‑optimized binaries to Swift‑native UIs, the Mac database ecosystem has never looked sharper. Whether you’re a full‑stack engineer, a data analyst, or a DBA on the go, there’s a macOS SQL editor tuned to your workflow. Below you’ll find release facts, nitty‑gritty pros & cons, and pricing notes so you can pick the right fit without scouring Reddit.

1. TablePlus

• Initial macOS release: December 2017
• Creator: TablePlus Inc.

TablePlus is the darling of the Mac dev community—a Swift/Objective‑C native app with lightning‑fast tab switching and a minimalist toolbar.

Pros

• Apple Silicon native; snappy even on M1 Air.
• Built‑in SSH tunnel, safe mode, and inline cell editing.

Cons

• Free tier caps at two tabs & two windows.
• No ER diagramming or query explain visuals.

2. JetBrains DataGrip

• First release: April 2016
• Creator: JetBrains s.r.o.

DataGrip brings IntelliJ‑grade smarts to SQL: refactor‑aware rename, live code inspections, and Git integration—all packaged in a universal macOS installer.

Pros

• Context‑aware completion for 20+ dialects.
• Version‑controlled database projects.

Cons

• Subscription pricing (~$9.90/mo).
• JVM memory footprint >1 GB with large workspaces.

3. Galaxy SQL Editor (Browser, Desktop Wrapper Q1 2026)

• Public beta: May 2025
• Creator: Galaxy Team

Galaxy’s SQL editor is a modern reimagination of the data exploration experience. AI copilot writes and refactors queries, while Collections enable team sharing & endorsements.

Pros

• Context‑aware AI autocomplete for MySQL, Postgres, ClickHouse.
• Super fast, doesn't crash, has all the most important dev features

Cons

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

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4. Sequel Ace (Open Source)

• Forked from Sequel Pro: July 2020
• Creator: Community maintainers (Swift)

Sequel Ace revives the classic Sequel Pro UI with modern Swift code, Apple Silicon support, and iCloud‑sync connection favorites.

Pros

• 100 % free on the Mac App Store.
• Touch ID unlock and dark mode.

Cons

• MySQL/MariaDB only—no Postgres.
• Occasional crash reports on older macOS.

5. DBeaver Community Edition

• Open‑sourced: 2011
• Creator: Serge Rider & community

DBeaver CE runs smoothly on macOS thanks to SWT‑Cocoa bindings, offering ER diagrams, data generator, and multi‑DB support.

Pros

• Supports almost every JDBC database.
• Dark theme & customizable shortcuts.

Cons

• Java runtime required (~400 MB).
• UI density can feel Eclipse‑y.

6. Postico 2

• Latest RC: Feb 2025
• Creator: Egger Apps GmbH

Postico is a Swift‑native PostgreSQL & CockroachDB client praised for its macOS‑first UX and tiny footprint.

Pros

• Blazing start‑up (<1 sec on M2 Pro).
• Inline row editing and favorites sidebar.

Cons

• Postgres‑only.
• Paid after 14‑day trial (€39 license).

7. Beekeeper Studio

• Open‑sourced: 2020
• Creator: Beekeeper Studio Ltd.

Beekeeper’s Electron shell is surprisingly efficient on Apple chips, offering encrypted creds, SQL auto‑save, and tab restore.

Pros

• Gorgeous dark & light themes.
• Works offline—portable .dmg.

Cons

• Heavy installer (~220 MB).
• Advanced filtering still maturing.

8. Navicat Lite for macOS

• First macOS build: 2009
• Creator: PremiumSoft CyberTech Ltd.

Navicat Lite (the free SKU) offers basic query editing and data import/export for MySQL & Postgres.

Pros

• Polished UI with native menu bar.
• Import wizard handles Excel/CSV easily.

Cons

• Feature‑gated: no visual query builder in Lite.
• Nag screen promotes paid Premium.

9. OmniDB (Browser‑Based)

• Latest release: v3.0‑beta May 2025
• Creator: 2ndQuadrant → EDB

OmniDB launches a local Python server, then opens a browser UI—works seamlessly in Safari or Chrome on macOS.

Pros

• PL/pgSQL debugger and visual explain.
• Runs on Apple Silicon via Homebrew.

Cons

• Setup via Python venv may intimidate newbies.
• UI theme feels dated.

10. Valentina Studio Free

• First released: 2012
• Creator: Paradigma Software Inc.

Valentina Studio Free supports MySQL, Postgres, SQLite, Valentina DB, and MariaDB with visual schema view and report designer.

Pros

• Cross‑platform Qt GUI with dark theme.
• Built‑in SQL beautifier.

Cons

• Some key features (DIFF, Data Transfer) paywalled.
• Color palette polarizing.

11. SQLPro Studio (macOS)

• First release: 2015
• Creator: Hankinsoft Development Inc.

SQLPro Studio offers native Swift performance, multi‑tab interface, and iCloud sync across Mac & iOS.

Pros

• Apple‑centric UX with system accent colors.
• Supports Postgres, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, and Oracle.

Cons

• Subscription model ($79/yr or $7/mo).
• No ER diagrams.

12. Azure Data Studio (macOS)

• macOS support since: 2018
• Creator: Microsoft

ADS brings notebook‑centric workflows to SQL Server, Postgres, and MySQL on macOS via extensions.

Pros

• Jupyter‑style notebooks and built‑in terminal.
• Git integration for SQL notebooks.

Cons

• Electron resource use (400 MB RAM idle).
• Some extensions (MySQL) still preview.

Conclusion

macOS users can finally choose an SQL editor that matches the platform’s polish—be it TablePlus for speed, DataGrip for brains, Sequel Ace for pure MySQL love, or Galaxy for AI‑powered collaboration across multiple databases. Grab a couple, test your muscle memory, and may your queries be fast and your fans stay quiet.