TablePlus Alternatives for Mac: DataGrip, DBeaver, Beekeeper Studio, and Sequel Ace Compared

TablePlus is one of the best-known database clients for Mac because it feels fast, native, and practical. It gives developers a clean way to connect to PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, SQL Server, Redis, Snowflake, Oracle on macOS, Cassandra, and other databases without turning every query into a terminal session.

But TablePlus is not the only good database GUI for Mac users. DataGrip is the JetBrains-style database IDE for heavy SQL work. DBeaver is the broad free and open-source option, with paid editions for enterprise and cloud workflows. Beekeeper Studio is a friendly cross-platform SQL client with a useful free Community edition and paid tiers. Sequel Ace is the free Mac-native choice if your world is mostly MySQL and MariaDB.

This guide compares TablePlus alternatives for Mac across database support, query workflow, safe editing, import and export, SSH and security posture, AI features, team needs, setup effort, and current pricing.

Quick Verdict

Choose TablePlus if you want the best balance of Mac-native speed, clean UI, broad database support, direct table editing, safe mode, SQL preview, SSH tunneling, and one-time licensing.

Choose DataGrip if you want the strongest SQL IDE. It is the better fit when schema-aware completion, inspections, refactoring-style help, version control, query history, explain plans, and JetBrains AI matter more than a lightweight native Mac feel.

Choose DBeaver if you want the broadest free starting point or a path into enterprise database tooling. Community is free and open source, while paid editions add cloud, NoSQL, security, automation, dashboards, and team-oriented features.

Choose Beekeeper Studio if you want a friendlier modern database GUI with a generous Community edition, paid lifetime-access behavior, optional cloud workspaces, broad database support, and a cleaner learning curve than heavier IDEs.

Choose Sequel Ace if you only need MySQL or MariaDB on Mac. It is free, open source, Mac-native, lightweight, and still the spiritual successor to Sequel Pro for many MySQL users.

Feature Comparison

Feature	TablePlus	DataGrip	DBeaver	Beekeeper Studio	Sequel Ace
Best for	Mac users who want a fast, native, polished database client	Developers who want a full database IDE	Users who need broad database support, open-source tooling, or enterprise options	Developers and analysts who want a clean SQL GUI with free and paid tiers	MySQL and MariaDB users who want a free Mac-native client
Mac experience	Native-feeling and minimal, with macOS-focused design	Cross-platform JetBrains IDE feel	Cross-platform desktop app, less Mac-native but powerful	Cross-platform desktop app with a modern simple UI	Mac-only app from the App Store, lightweight and familiar
Database coverage	PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, SQL Server, Redshift, Oracle on macOS, Snowflake, Cassandra, Redis, Vertica, MongoDB beta, and more	Relational and NoSQL databases through JetBrains data-source support	Community supports many JDBC databases; PRO adds more SQL, NoSQL, Big Data, and cloud sources	Community supports common databases; paid tiers broaden support to Oracle, Cassandra, ClickHouse, DuckDB, DynamoDB, MongoDB, and more	MySQL and MariaDB
SQL editor	Strong, fast, and practical with highlighting and autocomplete	Deepest: schema-aware completion, inspections, quick fixes, dialect help, history, and IDE tooling	Strong, especially in PRO, with SQL editor, visual query builder, plans, import/export, and data tools	Good everyday SQL editor with approachable query and table workflows	Good for MySQL/MariaDB queries and common table work
Table editing	Excellent spreadsheet-like editing, generated SQL preview, commit/discard workflow	Strong, but more IDE-like	Strong data editor and in-line editing	Strong data browsing and editing	Solid for MySQL/MariaDB tables
Safe production workflow	Safe mode, connection colors, tags, generated SQL preview, and direct local credential storage	Strong inspections and IDE warnings, but production safety depends on workflow discipline	Read-only modes, credentials security, access controls in paid editions, and enterprise features	Read-only mode on paid tiers, local-first design, and optional cloud workspace controls	Simple and direct, but fewer broad safety systems than paid multi-database tools
Import and export	CSV, JSON, SQL export and SQL/CSV import workflows	Many import/export formats, including CSV, JSON, HTML, Markdown, Excel, and custom formats	Strong import/export and migration tools, especially in paid editions	Import/export in paid tiers, with Community limits	Useful MySQL/MariaDB export and query-result workflows
SSH and secure connections	Built-in native SSH, TLS, credentials in Keychain, direct database connections	SSH support through JetBrains data-source tooling	SSH, SSL, SSO and advanced security in paid products	SSH and TLS/SSL in all tiers; opt-in cloud workspaces; local workspace by default	SSH, socket, and local connections for MySQL/MariaDB
AI features	Not the main reason to choose it	JetBrains AI can help write, fix, optimize, and translate SQL	DBeaver PRO lists AI capabilities for SQL and visual query builder workflows	Paid tiers include AI integration	No built-in AI focus
Current pricing snapshot	Free limited use; Basic license is $99 one-time for 1 device with 1 year of updates/support; Standard is currently $129 for 2 devices; Team starts at $79/seat with 3 seats; also available through Setapp	Free for non-commercial use; commercial individual monthly pricing currently lists $10.90/month, with a 30-day trial and annual subscriptions available	Community is free and open source; paid Lite is $113/year or $12/month, Enterprise is $255/year or $26/month, Ultimate is $510/year	Community is free; Indie is $9/month billed yearly, Professional is $14/month billed yearly, Business is $18/month billed yearly; 14-day paid-feature trial	Free on the Mac App Store

TablePlus

TablePlus is still the default pick for many Mac developers because it is fast and focused. The official docs describe it as a modern native tool for managing multiple databases, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, SQL Server, Redshift, Oracle on macOS, CockroachDB, Snowflake, Cassandra, Redis, Vertica, MongoDB beta, and compatible systems using the same protocols.

The everyday appeal is not only the database list. TablePlus makes common work feel direct: open a connection, browse tables, edit cells, write a query, filter rows, preview generated SQL, then commit or discard changes. The toolbar includes quick actions for previewing generated SQL, committing changes, discarding edits, switching workspaces, opening objects, and using safe mode.

That safe-editing workflow matters if you occasionally touch staging or production data. Connection colors and tags help separate local, testing, development, staging, and production environments. Safe mode can warn before sending queries or ask for a password before sending queries, depending on the level you choose.

TablePlus also has a strong privacy posture for a desktop database client. Its docs say the app connects directly from your computer to your database, does not send or store your database content on TablePlus servers, and stores credentials on the device. For Mac users, credentials are kept in Keychain.

The tradeoff is that TablePlus is not trying to be a full JetBrains-style IDE or a large enterprise platform. If you want deep inspections, SQL refactoring behavior, huge driver ecosystems, dashboards, task automation, or team collaboration, DataGrip or DBeaver may fit better. If you only use MySQL, Sequel Ace may be enough.

TablePlus currently has a free limited mode with 2 active tabs, 2 active windows, and 2 advanced filters at a time. Paid licenses are one-time purchases with one year of updates/support: Basic is $99 for 1 device, Standard is currently $129 for 2 devices, and Team starts at $79/seat with 3 seats. TablePlus is also available through Setapp, which can make sense if you already use several apps in the Setapp catalog.

Choose TablePlus if you want a database client that feels like a polished Mac app first and a database tool second.

DataGrip

DataGrip is the TablePlus alternative for people who want a database IDE, not just a client. JetBrains positions it as a cross-platform IDE for relational and NoSQL databases, with an intelligent query console, schema-aware completion, on-the-fly analysis, quick fixes, local query history, import and export in many formats, version-control integration, customizable UI, and JetBrains AI.

That makes DataGrip especially strong for developers who spend a lot of time writing SQL. Completion understands table structure, foreign keys, and database objects. Inspections can flag unresolved objects or suspicious SQL before you run it. Query history helps recover work. Version-control integration makes more sense when SQL files, migrations, and database scripts live beside application code.

The other reason to choose DataGrip is consistency. If you already live in IntelliJ IDEA, WebStorm, PyCharm, GoLand, or another JetBrains IDE, DataGrip will feel familiar. Keymaps, themes, project structure, database tool windows, inspections, and plugins follow a style many developers already know.

The tradeoff is weight. DataGrip can feel like a lot of app if all you need is quick table browsing and a few edits. It is also subscription-oriented for commercial work. JetBrains now offers DataGrip free for non-commercial use, but commercial development needs a paid license.

Current DataGrip pricing lists a free non-commercial license, a 30-day trial, and commercial individual monthly pricing at $10.90/month before taxes. Annual subscriptions are also available, and JetBrains notes that yearly subscriptions include a perpetual fallback license.

Choose DataGrip if serious SQL authoring, IDE ergonomics, inspections, and JetBrains tooling matter more than having the lightest Mac-native app.

DBeaver

DBeaver is the broadest option in this comparison. The Community edition is free and open source, tested for macOS, Windows, and Linux, and supports many databases through JDBC. If your priority is "connect to almost anything without paying first," DBeaver is the strongest TablePlus alternative to try.

Community is already useful for everyday work: SQL editing, database browsing, data transfer, ER diagrams, export/import, and a wide database ecosystem. It is not as Mac-native or minimal as TablePlus, but it is powerful and widely used.

DBeaver becomes more commercial and enterprise-focused in the paid editions. The current PRO feature page highlights advanced security, master password and credentials encryption, SAML/SSO/Okta/Kerberos, cloud authentication, SQL and NoSQL support, cloud database support, native AWS/GCP/Azure features, S3 browsing, AI assistance, ERD edit mode, mock data generation, schema and data comparison, execution plans, task automation, scheduling, report export, and technical support.

That breadth is the reason DBeaver can be better than TablePlus for teams with complicated data estates. If you need one tool that crosses PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server, MongoDB, Cassandra, Redis, cloud warehouses, cloud storage, and enterprise identity systems, DBeaver has a clearer path than most lightweight clients.

The tradeoff is complexity. DBeaver can feel busy, especially if you are coming from a clean Mac app like TablePlus or Sequel Ace. Some users will gladly accept that for the free Community edition or enterprise depth. Others will prefer TablePlus or Beekeeper Studio because they make routine work feel calmer.

DBeaver Community is currently free and open source. Current individual paid pricing lists Lite at $113/year or $12/month, Enterprise at $255/year or $26/month, and Ultimate at $510/year. The official site also exposes a partner program for co-sell, co-marketing, and consulting, but Apps.Deals does not currently have an approved DBeaver tracking link, so this post uses the official product links.

Choose DBeaver when breadth, free access, and enterprise upgrade paths matter more than Mac-native polish.

Beekeeper Studio

Beekeeper Studio sits between TablePlus and DBeaver. It is friendlier than a heavy IDE, broader than Sequel Ace, and more open in spirit than many commercial database clients.

The docs describe Beekeeper Studio as a desktop database manager and SQL GUI for Mac, Windows, and Linux, with full feature parity across supported operating systems. Its supported database list includes PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, SQL Server, Redshift, CockroachDB, MariaDB, TiDB, BigQuery, Redis, Oracle, Cassandra, Firebird, LibSQL, ClickHouse, DuckDB, MongoDB, Trino/Presto, SurrealDB, DynamoDB beta, and more depending on edition.

The free Community edition is useful because it is not a tiny trial. Beekeeper's pricing page currently says Community includes the same core UX, common database support, unlimited connections, and no tab limits. Paid tiers add broader database support, import/export, JSON sidebar, read-only mode, AI integration, multi-device support, email support, cloud workspaces, SSO cloud database auth, and air-gapped support depending on plan.

Security is a clear part of Beekeeper's positioning. Its trust page says the app connects directly from your computer to your database, with no proxy servers by default. Query results and database contents stay on your machine. Cloud workspace sync is opt-in and syncs connection settings, folders, saved queries, and preferences, not query results or database contents.

The tradeoff is that Beekeeper Studio is not as native-feeling as TablePlus and not as deep as DataGrip for SQL inspection and IDE-style help. It is also moving more advanced features into paid plans, so check the database support table before assuming the free edition covers your exact database.

Beekeeper Studio currently has a free Community edition and a 14-day trial for paid features. Annual pricing currently lists Indie at $9/month billed yearly, Professional at $14/month billed yearly, and Business at $18/month billed yearly. Beekeeper also offers reseller purchasing, but that is not the same as an approved editorial affiliate link for Apps.Deals.

Choose Beekeeper Studio if TablePlus feels too Mac-specific, DBeaver feels too dense, and you want a modern SQL client with a real free tier.

Sequel Ace

Sequel Ace is not trying to beat TablePlus on database coverage. It is the focused choice for MySQL and MariaDB users who want a free Mac app.

That focus is the whole point. Sequel Ace is an unofficial successor to Sequel Pro, the old favorite Mac MySQL client. The current App Store listing describes it as a fast, easy-to-use Mac database management application for working with MySQL and MariaDB. It supports custom queries, built-in filtering, SSH connections, socket connections, local connections, and open-source development through GitHub.

For many WordPress developers, Rails developers with MySQL-backed apps, Laravel users, legacy PHP projects, local MariaDB setups, and simple hosted MySQL workflows, Sequel Ace may be all they need. It opens quickly, uses familiar Mac conventions, and avoids the weight of tools designed for every database platform.

The limitation is obvious: MySQL and MariaDB only. If you use PostgreSQL, SQLite, Redis, Snowflake, SQL Server, BigQuery, or multiple database engines across projects, Sequel Ace is not a TablePlus replacement. It is a narrow tool that is excellent when your narrow use case matches.

Sequel Ace is currently free on the Mac App Store and requires macOS 12 or later. The App Store release history shows active 2026 updates, including fixes and new connection-related improvements.

Choose Sequel Ace if your database life is mostly MySQL or MariaDB and you want the simplest free Mac-native client.

Which TablePlus Alternative Should You Use?

Use DataGrip if SQL itself is the job. It is the best fit for developers who want schema-aware completion, inspections, query history, import/export formats, version control, and AI assistance inside a full IDE.

Use DBeaver if you need maximum database coverage or a serious free option. It is also the clearest path when enterprise authentication, cloud databases, NoSQL, automation, dashboards, and support may matter later.

Use Beekeeper Studio if you want a clean everyday SQL client with an approachable free edition and paid upgrades that still feel indie-friendly.

Use Sequel Ace if you only manage MySQL or MariaDB and want a free Mac app without extra platform weight.

Stick with TablePlus if your priority is the overall Mac experience: fast launch, native feel, safe edits, connection colors, direct credentials, keyboard shortcuts, and enough database coverage for most developer workflows.

Final Verdict

TablePlus is still the best all-around Mac-native database client. It is fast, polished, and careful enough for everyday production-adjacent work, especially if you value safe mode and generated SQL preview.

DataGrip is the best SQL IDE alternative. Choose it when writing, inspecting, refactoring, and maintaining SQL matters more than a lightweight Mac app.

DBeaver is the best broad free alternative. Community is generous, and the paid editions scale toward enterprise data work better than most smaller clients.

Beekeeper Studio is the best friendly cross-platform alternative. It is easier to approach than DBeaver and broader than Sequel Ace.

Sequel Ace is the best free MySQL/MariaDB alternative. It is not broad, but it is exactly right when MySQL is the whole job.

My practical recommendation: start with TablePlus if you want a polished Mac database client, try DataGrip if SQL IDE depth matters, use DBeaver if free breadth is the priority, choose Beekeeper Studio if you want a cleaner cross-platform middle ground, and keep Sequel Ace installed if you work with MySQL or MariaDB often.

Note: Features and prices are current as of July 2026. Database support, free-tier limits, Setapp availability, license terms, update windows, AI features, team controls, macOS requirements, and enterprise plans can change. Verify current details on each developer's official product, pricing, documentation, App Store, or Setapp page before purchasing.

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