Alternatives to MySQL Workbench

Oracle's desktop application for developing SQL, administering MySQL servers and analysing query performance. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as MySQL Workbench.

  • DBeaver Community

    One database client for more than a hundred databases, with a proper SQL editor and ER diagrams.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    DBeaver is Apache-2.0 open source and covers more than a hundred databases with ER diagrams, but it is heavy and lacks MySQL-specific performance reports.

  • HeidiSQL

    A long-running Windows client for MariaDB, MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, SQLite and Firebird, small and quick.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsLinux

    HeidiSQL is a small, fast, open-source native client for MySQL and MariaDB, but it is Windows-first with no macOS build.

  • Sequel Ace

    A free, open-source macOS app for managing and querying MySQL and MariaDB databases.

    FreeOpen sourcemacOS

    Sequel Ace is a free MIT-licensed native macOS app for MySQL and MariaDB, but it runs only on macOS.

  • SQLyog

    A Windows GUI for developing, managing and backing up MySQL and MariaDB databases.

    PaidProprietaryWindows

    SQLyog is a paid Windows-only GUI for MySQL and MariaDB with schema and data synchronization, scheduled backups and a visual query builder.

  • Navicat Premium

    A commercial desktop client for building, querying and managing many database engines from one application.

    PaidProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinux

    Navicat Premium manages MySQL and many other engines with modeling and sync tools, but it requires a paid licence after the trial.

  • DataGrip

    Multi-database IDE with an intelligent SQL console and schema navigation.

    PaidProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinux

    DataGrip adds schema-aware completion and schema comparison across many databases, but it is a paid subscription with no free tier.

  • TablePlus

    Native database client for many engines with a clean interface.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinuxiOS

    TablePlus is a native multi-engine client with a safe mode for changes, but it is closed source and the free tier limits tabs and connections.

  • dbForge Studio

    A family of commercial database IDEs for SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle and PostgreSQL.

    PaidProprietaryWindows

    dbForge Studio offers a dedicated commercial MySQL edition with an AI Assistant, but it runs on Windows only and is paid after the trial.

Also worth comparing

These listings name MySQL Workbench as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.

  • phpMyAdmin

    Web-based administration for MySQL and MariaDB.

    FreeOpen sourceWebSelf-hosted

    MySQL Workbench is Oracle's free desktop app for MySQL with user management and performance reports, but it is not open source and not web-based.

  • Querious

    A native macOS client for viewing, editing and managing MySQL and compatible databases.

    PaidProprietarymacOS

    MySQL Workbench is Oracle's free cross-platform tool with user, grant and server management and performance reports, but it is not a native Mac app.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.