Top macOS Database Tools for Developers in 2025

As a macOS developer, choosing the right database tool can significantly impact your productivity. In 2025, with Apple Silicon Macs becoming the standard, finding a native, performant database client is more important than ever.

This guide reviews the top database management tools for macOS developers, focusing on native apps, Apple Silicon support, and features that matter most to developers.

What to Look For in a macOS Database Tool

Before diving into specific tools, here are the key criteria developers should consider:

• Apple Silicon support - Native M1/M2/M3 builds for maximum performance
• Multi-database support - Work with multiple database types from one app
• SQL editor quality - Syntax highlighting, auto-completion, formatting
• Visual tools - ER diagrams, schema designers, query builders
• Performance - Fast queries and responsive UI
• macOS integration - Keychain, shortcuts, native feel
• Price - Free vs. paid, value for money

1. SQL Data Builder (Free)

Best For: Developers who need a free, comprehensive database tool for macOS

Overview

SQL Data Builder is a completely free, native macOS application that supports 7+ database types. It's designed specifically for macOS with dedicated builds for both Intel and Apple Silicon processors.

Key Features

• Native Apple Silicon support - Optimized builds for M1, M2, and M3 Macs
• 7+ database types - MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, MongoDB, MariaDB, SQL Server, and more
• Visual database designer - Create schemas without writing SQL
• Advanced SQL editor - Syntax highlighting, auto-completion, formatting
• ER diagram generation - Automatic relationship visualization
• Visual query builder - Build complex queries without code
• Import/export - Support for CSV, JSON, SQL formats
• macOS Keychain integration - Secure credential storage

Pros

• Completely free with no limitations
• True native macOS app with excellent performance
• Supports more database types than most free alternatives
• Visual tools make it accessible for all skill levels
• Regular updates and active development

Cons

• Fewer advanced features than premium paid tools
• Community support instead of dedicated support team

2. TablePlus (Paid)

Best For: Developers who want a modern, polished paid database client

Overview

TablePlus is a popular native macOS database client known for its clean interface and modern design. It supports multiple databases and offers both free trial and paid licenses.

Key Features

• Support for 15+ database types
• Native Apple Silicon support
• SQL editor with smart features
• Multiple tabs and windows
• SSH and SSL connections

Pricing

Starts at $99 for a single license. Free tier has limitations on tabs and windows.

3. DBeaver (Free & Paid)

Best For: Enterprise developers needing advanced features

Overview

DBeaver is a powerful, cross-platform database tool built on Java. While not purely native to macOS, it's free and feature-rich.

Key Features

• Support for 80+ databases
• ER diagrams and visual query builder
• Data transfer and migration tools
• SQL editor with advanced features

Pros

• Free community edition available
• Extremely comprehensive feature set
• Supports almost every database type

Cons

• Java-based, so not truly native
• Slower startup and performance vs. native apps
• Can feel overwhelming for simple tasks

4. Postico (Paid - PostgreSQL Only)

Best For: PostgreSQL specialists on macOS

Overview

Postico is a beautiful, native PostgreSQL client exclusively for macOS. It focuses solely on PostgreSQL and does it extremely well.

Key Features

• PostgreSQL-specific optimizations
• Beautiful, native macOS interface
• SQL query editor
• Table structure editor

Pricing

$59 for a single license. Limited free trial available.

Limitation

Only supports PostgreSQL - if you work with multiple database types, you'll need additional tools.

5. Sequel Ace (Free - MySQL Only)

Best For: MySQL developers looking for a free native macOS app

Overview

Sequel Ace is a free, open-source MySQL/MariaDB database manager for macOS. It's the successor to the popular Sequel Pro.

Key Features

• Free and open-source
• Native macOS app
• Query editor and data viewer
• Import/export functionality

Limitation

Only supports MySQL and MariaDB - no support for PostgreSQL, SQLite, or other databases.

Comparison Table

Which Tool Should You Choose?

Choose SQL Data Builder If You:

• Need a completely free solution with no limitations
• Work with multiple database types (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, MongoDB, etc.)
• Want native Apple Silicon performance
• Value visual tools alongside SQL editing
• Prefer a clean, Mac-native interface

Choose TablePlus If You:

• Can budget $99 for a database tool
• Need support for many database types
• Want the most polished paid option
• Value premium support

Choose DBeaver If You:

• Need enterprise features
• Work with exotic database types
• Don't mind Java-based applications
• Need the most comprehensive feature set

Choose Database-Specific Tools If You:

• Only work with one database type
• Want specialized features for that database
• Prefer focused, specialized tools

Apple Silicon Considerations

If you're running an M1, M2, or M3 Mac, native Apple Silicon support is crucial for:

• Performance - Native apps run significantly faster
• Battery life - Native apps use less power
• Memory efficiency - Better resource management
• Responsiveness - No Rosetta translation overhead

Both SQL Data Builder and TablePlus offer native Apple Silicon builds. DBeaver runs through Rosetta translation, which impacts performance.

For Beginners vs. Advanced Developers

Beginners Should Consider:

• SQL Data Builder - Visual tools make learning easier
• TablePlus - Clean interface, not overwhelming

Advanced Developers Might Prefer:

• DBeaver - Maximum features and flexibility
• SQL Data Builder - Combines visual and advanced features

Cost Analysis

For budget-conscious developers or teams:

• Best Free Option: SQL Data Builder (full features, no limitations)
• Best Value Paid Option: TablePlus ($99 one-time)
• Enterprise Option: DBeaver Enterprise ($60-200/year per user)

Conclusion

The best database tool for macOS developers in 2025 depends on your specific needs:

For most developers, SQL Data Builder offers the best combination of features, performance, and price (free). It's truly native, supports multiple databases, and includes both visual tools and advanced SQL editing.

For developers with budget, TablePlus provides a polished, premium experience worth the $99 investment.

For enterprise teams, DBeaver's comprehensive feature set justifies its complexity and performance trade-offs.

For specialists, database-specific tools like Postico (PostgreSQL) or Sequel Ace (MySQL) offer optimized experiences for single database types.

Start with SQL Data Builder - it's free, native, and comprehensive enough for most development workflows. You can always add specialized tools later if needed.