In this post, we are going to have a quick review of three popular database tools: HeidiSQL, SQLyog, TablePlus; and also compare the pros and cons of each tool.

1. HeidiSQL

HeidiSQL provides a powerful graphical interface for managing tables, logs, and users of a MySQL database, as well as Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL.

  • Supported Platforms: HeidiSQL was built for the Windows platform, and it only works on Windows.

  • Supported Drivers: Initially, HeidiSQL offered support for MySQL, then extended to MS SQL Server, and now it also includes PostgreSQL support.

  • Pricing: HeidiSQL is a free and open-source client. Its codebase was originally taken from Ansgar Becker’s own MySQL-Front 2.5 software. Anyone can download and use the app for free with no limitation, but it also accepts the donation.

HeidiSQL

Pros:

  • It’s lightweight.
  • Connect to multiple servers in one window
  • Free to use – Licensed under GNU GPL.
  • Portable. Alongside the possibility of downloading the installer and source code, a portable version of the software is available.
  • Full database user management and privileges management options.
  • Write queries with customizable syntax-highlighting and code-completion
  • Data synchronization. HeidiSQL can compare and synchronize your data and structure between local and remote databases.
  • SSH tunneling support

Cons:

  • Low stability. HeidiSQL is known to have a lot of bugs that result in frequent crashes
  • It’s only available for Windows and it doesn’t look like a cross-platform is coming anytime soon
  • No built-in debugger included
  • Low DPI display. The author attempted to add the high DPI but dropped it eventually.

2. SQLyog

For those Windows users, SQLyog is among the most popular solutions for MySQL database management.

  • Supported Platforms: SQLyog works on Windows only.

  • Supported Drivers: SQLyog was built specifically for MySQL and currently, it only supports MySQL and the drop-placement MariaDB.

  • Pricing: SQLyog has a community version, mostly aimed at software developers and free for personal use but it has a limited set of feature. The commercial version has a 14-day trial period. After that, you will need to purchase for $299/user.

SQLyog

Pros:

  • It’s feature rich
  • Visual Query Builder and Schema Designer
  • Migration Tools to Copy Database to different Host/Database.
  • SSH Tunneling and SSL Connections
  • Smart Autocomplete
  • User management
  • Database diagnostics to quickly check, repair, analyze and optimize your databases.
  • The commercial version includes some advanced features such as Database Synchronization Wizard, Visual Data Comparison Wizard, Scheduled Backups/Scheduled Jobs and Query Profiler

Cons:

  • The UI is a little clumsy, the icon design doesn’t always communicate the purpose of the feature.
  • Only supports MySQL. If you work with more database other than MySQL and MariaDB, it’s a huge drawback.
  • Only works on Windows
  • It’s pricey.

3. TablePlus

With a native build and a lightweight size, TablePlus offers a fast and easy solution for managing multiple databases.

With a native build and a lightweight size, TablePlus offers a fast and easy solution for managing multiple databases on Mac and Windows.

  • Supported platforms: TablePlus is built native for each platform. It started out with a native version for Mac, then another version for Windows, and a version for Linux was introduced recently as an alpha release. It also has an iOS version.

  • Supported Drivers: TablePlus supports a handful of relational databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Microsoft SQL Server, Amazon Redshift, MariaDB, CockroachDB, Vertica, Oracle; and two popular NoSQL databases: Cassandra and Redis.

  • Pricing: TablePlus has a free version with full set of features which you can download and use forever, but there are some usage limitations. If you use it heavily, the license costs $59 to remove all those limitations.

TablePlus

Pros:

  • Native build for each platform so it’s fast, lightweight, and stable.
  • Clean and simple interface.
  • Multiple drivers support
  • Multiple conditions data filter
  • Queries history and keyword binding favorite.
  • Streaming results and async loading to show queries results faster and doesn’t block the UI.
  • Very quick inline editing for table data and structure, you also can edit query results directly.
  • Smart query editor with highlight syntax, instant autocomplete, SQL reformat.
  • A plugin system to extend the app.
  • Quick support. TablePlus releases new updates regularly and responds to users’ requests almost immediately.

Cons:

It currently lacks of some advanced features such as ER Diagram, database compare tool to Diff and Sync, etc.

4. Conclusion

Go with HeidiSQL if you:

  • Prefer the old-fashioned design with loads of buttons in the UI.
  • Work on Windows only
  • Need a tool that is feature rich.

Go with SQLyog if you:

  • Only work on Windows
  • Only work with MySQL
  • Are comfortable with the cost

Go with TablePlus if you:

  • Are a fan of native experience
  • Work with multiple databases
  • Want a modern design with better usability
  • Want quick support & development cycle.