HeidiSQL

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

What HeidiSQL is

HeidiSQL is free desktop client software for connecting to databases and editing their data and structures. It supports MariaDB, MySQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Interbase, Firebird, ProxySQL, and Redshift. Users can manage multiple connections in one window, including connections through SSH tunnels or SSL settings. Database work includes creating and editing tables, views, stored routines, triggers, and scheduled events. The query editor offers customizable syntax highlighting and code completion, and can reformat SQL. HeidiSQL imports text files and exports table rows in formats including CSV, HTML, XML, SQL, LaTeX, Textile, PHP, Markdown, and JSON. It can also export directly between servers or databases. Builds are available for Windows, Linux, and macOS, including Linux x64 and arm64 packages and a macOS arm64 app bundle; Windows x64 also has a portable edition. HeidiSQL requires a database server or SQLite file to connect to. Its requirements page describes running it through Wine as unstable and points users to the native Linux version instead.

Who it suits

HeidiSQL suits users who need a free desktop client for one of its supported database systems. It may fit users who want to edit database objects, work with SQL, or export data in the listed formats.

What it does well

Supports nine listed database systems
Manages multiple connections in one window
Imports text files and exports rows in many formats
Available for Windows, Linux, and macOS
Offers a Windows x64 portable download

What to know first

Requires a database server or SQLite file
Running through Wine is described as unstable

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Free	Free software; connects to supported databases	Free

As heidisql.com lists them, read 8 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Open the HeidiSQL website and go to its downloads.
Choose the build for Windows, Linux or macOS.
On Windows, choose the installer or portable x64 download.
Install or open HeidiSQL, then connect to an available supported database server or SQLite file.

Verdict

HeidiSQL offers broad database support and data export options at no cost. It requires a database server or SQLite file, and the listed Wine limitation makes its native Linux build the stated alternative for Linux users.

Questions

How much does HeidiSQL cost?

The Free plan costs nothing.

Which databases does HeidiSQL support?

It lists MariaDB, MySQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Interbase, Firebird, ProxySQL and Redshift.

Which operating systems have downloads?

Downloads are offered for Windows, Linux and macOS. Linux x64 and arm64 packages and a macOS arm64 app bundle are available.

Can I use HeidiSQL without installing it on Windows?

A Windows x64 portable download is available alongside the installer.

Can HeidiSQL connect over SSH?

Yes. It supports SSH tunnels, as well as SSL settings.

Who made HeidiSQL?

The site names Ansgar Becker as its author and says he invented it in 2002.

Facts from HeidiSQL's own pages

Client requirement: HeidiSQL is a client application and requires an available database server or SQLite database file to connect to. · heidisql.com, 8 Oct 2026
Connections: It supports multiple connections in one window and connections through an SSH tunnel or SSL settings. · heidisql.com, 8 Oct 2026
Cross database export: HeidiSQL can export from one server or database directly to another server or database. · heidisql.com, 8 Oct 2026
Database objects: Users can create and edit tables, views, stored routines, triggers and scheduled events. · heidisql.com, 8 Oct 2026
Database support: The site lists MariaDB, MySQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Interbase, Firebird, ProxySQL and Redshift as supported systems. · heidisql.com, 8 Oct 2026
Data import and export: It imports text files and exports table rows as CSV, HTML, XML, SQL, LaTeX, Textile, PHP, Markdown or JSON. · heidisql.com, 8 Oct 2026
Founded: 2002 · heidisql.com, 28 Sept 2026
Headquarters: Neuenkirchen, Germany · heidisql.com, 28 Sept 2026
Maker and location: The site names Ansgar Becker as the author and lists his address in Neuenkirchen, Germany. · heidisql.com, 8 Oct 2026
Origin: The site says HeidiSQL was invented in 2002 by Ansgar. · heidisql.com, 8 Oct 2026
Platform builds: The downloads page offers builds for Windows, Linux and macOS, including Linux x64 and arm64 packages and a macOS arm64 app bundle. · heidisql.com, 8 Oct 2026
Platform limitation: The requirements page says running HeidiSQL through Wine is currently quite unstable and suggests its native Linux version as an alternative. · heidisql.com, 8 Oct 2026
Portable edition: A Windows x64 portable download is available alongside the installer. · heidisql.com, 8 Oct 2026
Purpose: HeidiSQL is database client software for connecting to databases and editing their data and structures. · heidisql.com, 8 Oct 2026
Security settings: The client supports SSH tunnels and SSL settings, including SSL certificate verification options documented for command-line connections. · heidisql.com, 8 Oct 2026
SQL tools: The query editor offers customizable syntax highlighting and code completion, and can reformat SQL. · heidisql.com, 8 Oct 2026
Support: The help page directs users who cannot find an answer to register in the forum and post a question. · heidisql.com, 8 Oct 2026

Where HeidiSQL stands on Freedom251

Database Client Software#17 of 53
SQL Query Tools#10 of 31