Alternatives to HeidiSQL
A long-running Windows client for MariaDB, MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, SQLite and Firebird, small and quick. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
HeidiSQL
A long-running Windows client for MariaDB, MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, SQLite and Firebird, small and quick.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as HeidiSQL.
DBeaver Community
One database client for more than a hundred databases, with a proper SQL editor and ER diagrams.
DBeaver Community runs on macOS as well and supports over a hundred drivers with ER diagrams, but it is Eclipse-based, heavier and slower to start.
Beekeeper Studio
A SQL client that is pleasant to look at and works the same on Windows, macOS and Linux.
Beekeeper Studio offers the same features on Windows, macOS and Linux with a modern interface, but it is Electron-based and uses more memory.
TablePlus
Native database client for many engines with a clean interface.
TablePlus is a native client that also runs on macOS and iOS, but it is closed source and its free tier limits tabs and connections.
DbGate
One database client for MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MongoDB, SQLite, Redis and a dozen more, on desktop or as a web app.
DbGate adds macOS, NoSQL engines and a self-hosted web mode, with schema compare and a visual query designer, but it is heavier as an Electron app.
DataGrip
Multi-database IDE with an intelligent SQL console and schema navigation.
DataGrip provides schema-aware SQL completion and data comparison across platforms including macOS, but it is a closed-source paid subscription with no free tier.
phpMyAdmin
Web-based administration for MySQL and MariaDB.
phpMyAdmin handles MySQL and MariaDB administration through a web browser on a server, instead of a desktop app, and must be protected if publicly reachable.
Also worth comparing
These listings name HeidiSQL as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
DB Browser for SQLite
Opens a SQLite file in a spreadsheet-like window so you can look at the data without writing SQL.
HeidiSQL is a small native client that handles SQLite plus MySQL, PostgreSQL and others, but has no macOS build.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Adminer
Database management in a single PHP file.
pgAdmin
The standard open-source administration tool for PostgreSQL.
usql
Use one command-line interface for many database systems.
Mariabackup
MariaDB's bundled hot physical backup tool.
