Introduction
It's no secret that MySQL is one of the most popular and widely used open source databases, but for developers working with Mac OSX, finding the right client to manage their databases can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are some great MySQL clients available for Mac users that offer robust features and reliable performance.
Top MySQL clients for Mac
Sequel Ace
Since its release in 2017, Sequel Ace has quickly become one of the top MySQL clients for Mac users. Developed by the same team that created the popular macOS GUI database application, Sequel Pro, this powerful client offers an intuitive user interface and advanced query building tools to help developers manage their databases quickly and easily. I've been using Sequel Ace for over two years now and it's one of the best MySQL clients I've used so far.
Pros:
- Easy to use user interface
- Advanced query building tools
- Supports multiple databases and tables
- Automation of common tasks
Cons:
- Limited compatibility with other database systems
- Still in development, so features may be missing or incomplete.
TablePlus
TablePlus is a fully featured database management tool released in 2018 by TablePlus Inc. It provides an intuitive UI and a comprehensive set of features that allows developers to manage multiple databases with ease.
Pros:
- Intuitive UI with drag and drop capabilities
- TablePlus supports multiple databases, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite and more.
- It offers extensive query building tools, including syntax highlighting.
- Automatic code completion to save time and avoid mistakes.
- Support for importing and exporting data.
- Ability to view and edit multiple databases at the same time.
- Support for SSH tunnelling for secure connections.
Cons:
- TablePlus is not free, requiring a paid license after the 14 day trial period ends.
- Limited support for SQL Server and Oracle databases.
- Does not support MongoDB.
admintableplus.com
Querious
Querious is an advanced MySQL client that was specifically designed for Mac OSX. It was released in 2014 by Panic, Inc., a developer of software and apps for the Apple platform.
Pros:
- Intuitive UI and powerful query building tools
- Support for multiple database connections
- Ability to export data in a variety of formats
- Built in SSH tunneling capabilities
- Version control support
Cons:
- Not as widely used as other mysql clients
- Limited support for non-MySQL databases
- No integrated debugger or profiler tools.
- Limited free version
Datagrip
Datagrip is an advanced database client developed by JetBrains released in 2016. It's designed for developers who need to manage multiple database types for their projects. Datagrip provides a wide range of powerful features.
Pros:
- Comprehensive set of features
- Supports multiple database types
- Real-time query building and execution
- Syntax highlighting, code formatting and completion
- Autocomplete suggestions
- Export data in various formats
Cons:
- Expensive compared to free solutions
- May be too feature-rich for casual users
- Requires a bit of learning to get the most out of it.
JetBrains
DBeaver
DBeaver is a free, universal database management tool designed for developers who need to manage multiple database types. It was first released in 2011.
Pros:
- Intuitive GUI-based interface
- Multiple database connection support
- Syntax highlighting and query building tools
- Data import/export capabilities
- Access to MySQL's powerful command line tools
- Ability to export queries in various formats.
Cons:
- Not as comprehensive as some of the other MySQL clients available
- Can be difficult to set up in certain environments.
- Limited support for some databases.
- Can be complex for novice users.
- Free version has limited features.
NaviCat
NaviCat is a powerful MySQL client designed for Mac OS X, first released in 2006. It offers an array of features that make it a great choice for developers.
Pros:
- Intuitive GUI-based interface
- Syntax highlighting and query building tools
- Multiple database connection support
- Data import/export capabilities
- Quickly export queries in various formats
Cons:
- More expensive than some other options on the market
- Limited customisation options
- Lack of advanced features such as version control and command-line access.
Conclusion
With so many great MySQL clients available for Mac OSX, it can be difficult to make the right choice. That's why we've highlighted the key features of the best MySQL clients for Mac OSX so you can make an informed decision.