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Best SQL Query Tools in 2026

Whether you are exploring data, running recurring queries, or working with teammates, SQL tools can vary in the ways they support that work. Compared on AI query assistance, deployment options, SQL notebooks, scheduled queries, and team query sharing, the entries also include query history retention, free plans, and paid-from pricing. Outerbase Studio, Beekeeper Studio, and DBeaver are among the tools to compare, alongside Apache Drill and DataGrip. Consider where the software needs to run and whether saved history, notebooks, or collaboration matter most to your workflow.

• 31 apps
• Research read 23 Sept 2026
• How the order is worked out

1. 1

   Beekeeper Studio

   Free plan Open source APIExtensionLinux+2

   Beekeeper Studio combines SQL editing, table work, and schema exploration in a desktop app, with optional cloud and AI features on higher plans.

   9.2 Free plan · paid from $9/user/mo (annual) · 14-day trial Visit site
2. 2 D

   DBeaver

   Free plan Open source APIExtensionLinux+4

   DBeaver offers a free desktop edition alongside paid editions and server products with different capabilities.

   9.1 Free plan · 14-day trial Visit site
3. 3

   Outerbase Studio

   Free plan Open source AndroidAPIExtension+6

   Outerbase Studio offers database browsing and editing, SQL organization, and local-first workflows at no cost.

   8.8 Free plan Visit site
4. 4 A

   Apache Drill

   Free plan APILinuxMac+2

   Apache Drill offers in-place SQL queries across varied data sources, with options for BI tools and custom applications.

   7.7 Open source Visit site
5. 5 A

   Apache Hue

   Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1

   Hue brings SQL editing, result handling, and data discovery into a self-hosted open-source tool. Check that its documented connectors and deployment options match your environment.

   7.6 Free plan Visit site
6. 6

   DataGrip

   Free plan LinuxMacWindows

   DataGrip brings database connections, SQL assistance, data editing, and query workflows together in a desktop IDE.

   7.4 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
7. 7

   DbVisualizer

   Free plan LinuxMacWindows

   DbVisualizer offers a free desktop edition alongside Pro licenses, with broad JDBC connectivity and database tools.

   7.3 Free plan · paid from $199/user/yr · 21-day trial Visit site
8. 8 E

   Execute Query

   Free plan LinuxMacWindows

   Execute Query covers core database browsing and editing tasks across three desktop platforms. Its listed last update is old, so users should weigh that detail when considering it.

   7.3 Free plan Visit site
9. 9 M

   Mode

   by Mode

   Free plan APILinuxMac+2
   7.3 Free plan Visit site
10. 10

    HeidiSQL

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    HeidiSQL offers broad database support and data export options at no cost.

    7.2 Free plan Visit site
11. 11

    Hex

    by Hex

    Free plan APIWeb

    Hex brings notebooks, data connections, app building, and conversational tools into one hosted platform.

    7.1 Free plan · paid from $36/user/mo · 14-day trial Visit site
12. 12 M

    mycli

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    mycli brings useful SQL editing, history, and output options to a free command-line client for several MySQL-compatible systems.

    7.1 Free plan Visit site
13. 13

    Redash

    Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1

    Redash provides query, dashboard, and sharing tools as self-hosted software. Its former hosted service is unavailable, so plan for deployment and infrastructure if you choose it.

    7.1 Open source Visit site
14. 14 M

    MotherDuck

    Free plan APIWeb

    Choose MotherDuck if you need a serverless DuckDB warehouse with queryable data sharing, isolated compute, or integrated pipelines and visualizations.

    7.0 Free plan · paid from $250/mo · 7-day trial Visit site
15. 15 S

    SQuirreL SQL Client

    Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1

    SQuirreL combines SQL editing, table browsing, and plugin extensions in a free desktop client. Check driver availability and the Java requirement before installing.

    7.0 Free plan Visit site
16. 16

    TablePlus

    Free plan iPhoneLinuxMac+1

    TablePlus combines broad database support with inline editing and a feature-rich SQL editor.

    7.0 Free plan · paid from $79/user Visit site
17. 17 S

    SQL Workbench/J

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    SQL Workbench/J focuses on SQL execution and data movement across databases, with a broad list of tested systems.

    6.9 Free plan Visit site
18. 18 S

    SQLPad

    Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1

    SQLPad provides a broad database query interface with history, exports, authentication choices, and role controls at no listed cost.

    6.8 Free plan Visit site
19. 19 V

    Valentina Studio

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Valentina Studio offers database editing and design tools across multiple platforms, with a free edition and paid options.

    6.8 Free plan · paid from $79.99 Visit site
20. 20 Q

    Querybook

    Free plan APISelf-hostedWeb

    Querybook combines collaborative SQL notebooks with query discovery, scheduling, and a broad list of documented engines.

    6.7 Open source Visit site
21. 21 D

    dbForge Studio for MySQL

    by Devart

    Free plan WindowsMacLinux

    Choose dbForge Studio for MySQL if you need a desktop tool for one of its supported databases, with visual editing and export options.

    6.6 Free plan · paid from $9.95/user/mo · 30-day trial Visit site
22. 22

    CloudBeaver

    Free trial LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2

    CloudBeaver Enterprise combines browser-based database access, editing and query tools with self-managed deployment options.

    6.5 From $1,025/yr · 14-day trial Visit site
23. 23

    Oracle SQL Developer

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Oracle SQL Developer offers a free desktop toolkit with multiple database connections and practical query, editing, history, tunneling, and export features.

    6.5 Free plan Visit site
24. 24 W

    WinSQL

    Free plan Windows

    WinSQL offers a free tier and driver-based connections alongside query, migration, comparison, and export tools. Review the paid-edition features and license scope before choosing a plan.

    6.5 Free plan · paid from $99 · 30-day trial Visit site
25. 25

    Amazon Redshift

    Free trial APIWeb

    Choose Amazon Redshift if you need cloud SQL analytics across warehouses and data lakes, with streaming ingestion and a broad set of listed BI and ETL integrations.

    6.3 From $0.54 Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

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