Open-source database management tools are critical for organizations handling sensitive data. With transparent codebases that can be audited, modified, and secured to exact specifications, these solutions offer unparalleled control and trust. This article examines the top open-source database management solutions for 2025.
This post is maintained by Bytebase, an open-source database Management Software. We update the post ~2 times per year.
| Update History | Comment |
|---|---|
| 2025/03/04 | Initial version. |
What are the criteria?
When evaluating open-source database management software, several key criteria are essential to consider:
- Open Source: The software should be freely available and modifiable, allowing for community contributions and transparency.
- Multi-database Support: The ability to manage and interact with multiple types of databases is crucial for versatility.
- Cross-platform: Compatibility with various operating systems ensures broader usability and integration.
- Feature-rich: Comprehensive features that cater to diverse database management needs, from basic operations to advanced functionalities.
Beekeeper Studio
Beekeeper Studio is a database manager and SQL GUI. It is a desktop app that is easy to use. It's a visual alternative to command line tools like psql or mysql, while also providing a bunch of useful extra features.
Supported databases
It supports 10+ databases like PostgreSQL, SQLite, MySQL, MariaDB, TiDB, SQL Server and etc.
Pricing
- Beekeeper Studio - The full version of Beekeeper Studio.
- Beekeeper Studio Community Edition - A free and open source version of Beekeeper Studio that supports fewer databases and contains fewer features.
Key Features
- SQL Editor: Quickly iterate on a SQL query, view and visualize results, and share with a colleague.
- Data Browser: A spreadsheet like interface to view, navigate, search, and edit your data.
- Table Creator & Editor: An easy to use no-code interface to create and alter tables, indexes, foreign keys, and more.
- Database Import & Export: Convert data to/from CSVs, JSON, and more.
- Online Sync & Collaboration: Work across multiple devices, or share your connections and queries with others.
Adminer
Adminer is a database management in a single PHP file, while its editor - Admin Editor is both easy-to-use and user-friendly database data editing tool written in PHP. It is suitable for common users, as it provides high-level data manipulation.
Supported databases
It supports 10+ databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, SQLite, Elasticsearch, SimpleDB, Firebird, ClickHouse and etc.
Pricing
Free.
Key Features
- Database Connection and Management
- Index and Foreign Key Managemen
- Data Manipulation and Export
- Process and User ManagementProcess and User Management
HeidiSQL
HeidiSQL is free software for people who work with databases, and aims to be intuitive to use. Once connected, you can edit data and structures in these databases. Invented in 2002 by Ansgar, HeidiSQL is still a popular tool for MariaDB and MySQL, and actively maintained.
Supported databases
It supports 7 databases like MariaDB, MySQL, Microsoft SQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Interbase and Firebird.
Pricing
Free.
Key Features
- Create and edit tables, views, stored routines, triggers and scheduled events.
- Generate nice SQL-exports, compress these afterwards, or put them on the clipboard.
- Export from one server/database directly to another server/database
- Export table rows as CSV, HTML, XML, SQL, LaTeX, Wiki Markup and PHP Array
Bytebase
Bytebase is an all-in-one solution for database development lifecycle management. It replaces fragmented database tools and unifies the workflow in a single place including schema migrations, adhoc changes, just-in-time database access and data masking.
Supported databases
It supports 20+ mainstream databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle, MongoDb and etc.
Pricing
- Bytebase Community Plan - The free version of Bytebase that supports fewer features.
- Bytebase Pro Plan - The pro version of Bytebase that supports more team collaboration features.
- Bytebase Enterprise Plan - The enterprise version of Bytebase that supports more enterprise-level security and compliance features.
Key Features
- Database CI/CD: Batch change, schema synchronization, SQL review, custom approval, 1-click rollback, change history and more.
- GitOps: Manage database schema changes using Git.
- SQL Editor: Query, share results, export data, AI assistant and more.
- Database Permission: Manage database permissions and roles, e.g. just-in-time database access.
- Dynamic Data Masking: Mask sensitive data in your database based on semantic type rules.
- Single Sign-On: Securely sign in to Bytebase using your existing identity provider.
- Terraform Provider: Automate configuration with Terraform.
- API: Automate database management with the Bytebase API.
