MySQL is an open-source relational database management system (commonly known as RDBMS or simply RDB). It is a widely used tool that stores structured data in rows and columns in tables so it can be used with other stored data sets.
When working with a MySQL database, developers and database managers must perform a variety of tasks, including developing and running queries, maintaining objects, troubleshooting, and more. Without a graphical user interface (GUI), these responsibilities can quickly become difficult to handle.
MySQL GUIs were built to make it easier to administer these databases graphically rather than typing structured query language (SQL) instructions. Designing, creating, and administering databases is easier and more convenient using GUIs.
Best GUI tools for MySQL
Without relying on SQL commands, the following tools employ a visual interface to help, manage, and maneuver relational databases:
- MySQL Workbench
- BeeKeeper Studio
- phpMyAdmin
- dbForge Studio for MySQL
- Navicat for MySQL
- DBeaver
- SQLyog
- DronaHQ
MySQL Workbench
Oracle’s MySQL Workbench is a compelling GUI tool from the same firm that developed and maintains MySQL. Because of this, users can be confident that it will work with all future MySQL iterations and features.
MySQL Workbench allows you to define and manage connection parameters, database-server connections, and combined query executions. A Table Editor is also included, which allows users to change columns, indexes, inserts, options, rights, tables, triggers, and partitioning with ease. Finally, MySQL Workbench allows users to migrate data across MySQL versions or between MySQL and other database systems.
Key features
- Easy to use interface
- Support for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Ability to view server logs and status
Pros
- GPL-licensed and free to download
- Visual query and schema builder
- Because this is the only SQL client maintained and developed by MySQL, you can be confident that it will have all of the latest features to mirror MySQL’s server updates
- Using an EverSQL plugin, it is possible to optimize SQL queries directly from the IDE (integrated development environment)
Cons
- Some users have reported system crashes
- Large queries are sometimes unable to be halted and must be killed by force
- In some instances, the application as a whole must be terminated
Price
The Community Edition of MySQL Workbench is free to use. However, some customers may opt to purchase MySQL Workbench in Standard, Enterprise, or Cluster Carrier Grade Editions. Pricing for these ranges from US$2,140.00 to US$64,200.00.
BeeKeeper Studio
BeeKeeper Studio is an open-source SQL editor for relational querying that works with a range of database types, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite. BeeKeeper can be used whether or not the user is connected to the internet. This is ideal for businesses that need flexibility across the databases they use and where they use them.
BeeKeeper provides quick responsive engagement with tab navigation without switching between windows, thereby enhancing work efficiency. BeeKeeper is also dedicated to privacy, so it minimizes the amount of data it collects on its users.
Key features
- Modern user interface
- Provides auto-completion of SQL queries
- Works offline and connects through firewalls
- Windows, macOS, and Linux are all supported
Pros
- Support for multiple database types, including MySQL and PostgreSQL
- With a big community of contributors and followers, it is free and open-source
- It’s simple to switch between tabs
- We experienced no lags or problems when using the software
- Allows you to save and name queries for future use
Cons
- It can’t be used as an all-in-one database IDE because some databases aren’t supported currently
- Advanced database management features such as SQL dump restoration and data migration are not yet available
- There is presently no support for plugins, and there are no community enhancements available
Price
BeeKeeper is free to use. However, customers may choose to purchase a license for the Ultimate Edition of BeeKeeper Studio for US$99.
phpMyAdmin
phpMyAdmin is another popular PHP-based, web-based MySQL administration tool. This software is simple to set up and use, and it’s free. The application can be used by database administrators and architects to perform jobs ranging from simple to complicated, such as creating multi-format database visualizations.
It has basic features that allow users to develop usable websites without having to know MySQL. It also offers advanced features such as multi-server administration and query-by-example (QBE) to support more sophisticated use cases. Users can perform common operations via the GUI, or they can execute direct instructions for more complex SQL statements.
Key features
- Keeps track of database and table changes
- Interact in 80 different languages, including right-to-left and left-to-right languages
- Ability to run several servers at the same time
Pros
- Tables, databases, fields, views, and indexes are all supported by MySQL methods like browse and drop
- Data can be imported and exported in a variety of formats
- Predefined functions and formats are used to transform stored data
- Because it is web-based, it may be accessed from almost any computer
- Easy to set up and use
Cons
- It can’t be used with any database because it only supports MySQL and MariaDB
- Although it supports traditional servers and systems, its development does not keep pace with current industry requirements
Price
phpMyAdmin is free to use.
dbForge Studio for MySQL
dbForge Studio is a multi-purpose GUI tool in an IDE. It provides a wide range of features and capabilities for MySQL database development and management.
With dbForge Studio, users can create and run queries, evaluate table data using a straightforward interface, design and debug stored routines, automate database object management, and much more. Its sophisticated coding functionality also allows you to develop and edit code profiles, resulting in clean, standardized code. The CRUD Generator can also generate result scripts for DELETE, INSERT, SELECT, and UPDATE queries to a SQL file.
Key features
- Creates, executes, and troubleshoots queries
- The backup wizard allows for scheduled database backups
- Automated database maintenance and analysis
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface for both novice and advanced users
- Built-in query profiler allows you to profile and compare your query to others
- Create your own unique queries and database schema by dragging and dropping
- Syntax completion and checker are excellent
- Options for the full database user and privilege management
- Allows for the storage of code snippets
- Large SQL files are supported without opening them
Cons
- No free version; higher price point than many alternatives
- JSON viewer is too simplistic in some ways (for example, no way to collapse or expand blocks of data)
- When a large number of connections are opened, users claim that the auto-complete feature stops working in some circumstances
Price
- Standard: US$179.95
- Professional: US$299.95
- Enterprise: US$399.95
Navicat for MySQL
Navicat for MySQL is a powerful GUI tool for MySQL that automatically saves and shares your connection settings, models, and queries to the Navicat Cloud at any time. You can write and edit a query with Query Builder with only a limited SQL knowledge without worrying about the syntax.
Navicat provides the ability to connect to a MySQL database via an SSH (Secure Shell) tunnel. SSH tunneling allows sturdy authentication and encrypted mechanisms where hosts can communicate remotely with one another without compromising security. It also facilitates data movement by supporting a wide range of data formats.
Key features
- Microsoft Excel, TXT, XML, JSON, and other formats are available for data export
- Offers data generation and visualization tools
- Windows, macOS, and Linux are all supported
Pros
- The user interface is intuitive and simple to use
- If you don’t have the default port open for remote connections, you can use an SSH tunnel to access the MySQL database
- Schedule database jobs such as backups, restores, and report generation
- Data can be imported from ODBC, Microsoft Excel and Access, DBF, TXT, CSV, XML, and JSON files
- Visual schema and query builder
- The subscription edition allows team members to collaborate and share searches, connections, and more
Cons
- The professional version has a high price tag
- Wine is used to run the IDE on Linux, which slows it down
- Some use cases necessitate the opening of a new tab/window, which consumers describe as a time-consuming operation
Price
- Standard: US$179.99 per year
- Enterprise: US$215.88 per year
- Perpetual: US$349.00 per license
DBeaver
Developers and database administrators alike utilize DBeaver since it’s an open-source, cross-platform GUI tool for SQL databases. With this platform, you can easily do full-text searches of your data to generate filtered tables and displays using the GUI.
The method of connecting it to your local database is fairly simple, and you don’t need any prior CLI experience to use it.
This program can import and export data in a variety of file formats, including CSV, HTML, XML, JSON, XLS, and XLSX. This tool can also be used to create ER (Entity-Relationship) diagrams for a database or schema.
Key features
- Data analytical charts allow visual representation of the query
- Mock Data Generator (available in Enterprise Edition) generates valid data for testing in a much easier way
- Visual Query Builder makes complex database designs easier and very useful to understand relationships among tables
Pros
- DBeaver may connect to any database that has a JDBC driver, including MariaDB, Sybase, SQLite, Oracle, SQL Server, DB2, MS Access, Firebird, Teradata, and Apache Hive
- Table Editor makes it easy to alter tables, columns, indexes, triggers, options, privileges, inserts, and partitioning to create multiple data views
- Support for Windows, Linux, and macOS
Cons
- Can be slow when dealing with large data sets
- Occasionally buggy
- Sometimes large queries must be killed by force
- In some instances, the application as a whole must be terminated
Price
- Free
- Lite Edition: US$10 (monthly subscription) to US$99 (perpetual license)
- Enterprise Edition: US$23 (monthly subscription) to US$230 (perpetual license)
- Ultimate Edition: Starting at US$440 for a perpetual license
SQLyog
SQLyog is a database management application with a visual data design and comparison tool. You can connect to your database using SQLyog easily.
This platform encrypts all of your data, from SQL statement formatting to rapid data retrieval. If you don’t have the default port open for remote connections, you can use an SSH tunnel to access the MySQL database. These features are valuable for preserving your system’s security while using the tool.
SQLyong enables users to schedule backups, automate data exports and synchronization, and import external data from any ODBC source to MySQL.
SQLyong, however, is not compatible with Mac OS X or Linux—it’s available to download for Windows only. If you are a Linux or Mac OS X user, this product is not for you.
Key features
- Schema Optimizer and Index Analyzer allow you to analyze what data are stored in the table
- Use an SSH tunnel to well manipulate your MySQL server even supposing the MySQL port is blocked or remote access is not allowed
- Execution of multi-threaded query with an option to execute multiple queries at the same time
Pros
- Modern, innovative, and customizable user interface
- Create a visual representation of the schema tables, constraints, and queries
- Backups, restores, email notifications, and other tasks can be scheduled
- Fast and consistent
- Data and schema synchronization tools that work well.
- A good data comparison tool is included in the Ultimate version
Cons
- The professional version has a high price tag
- Some users have reported program problems on occasion
- Support for databases other than MySQL is lacking
- There is no native Linux or Mac support
- There is no support for dragging and dropping between multiple tabs
Price
- SQLyog Ultimate: US$299 per user
- SQL Diagnostic Manager for MySQL: US$399 per server per year
DronaHQ
DronaHQ is a low-code development platform that allows you to build MySQL GUIs, Admin Panels, Dashboards, and custom apps without advanced coding experience.
You can create full-featured MySQL GUIs, perform CRUD operations, connect to anything with a REST or GraphQL API, view data in tables, charts, and JSON viewers, and automate tasks using a WYSIWYG UI editor and pre-built UI controls. With DronaHQ, you can rapidly examine, update, and analyze information by creating interactive GUI tools on the platform, whether you prefer lists, tables, or charts.
Key features
- Connecting to a MySQL database instantly provides an intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quickly creating custom MySQL frontends
- Visual builder is simple to use. Reusable controls such as charts, table grids, lists, detailed views, buttons, form fields, and custom UI controls save even more time when it comes to creating the perfect user interface
Pros
- In just a few clicks, you can connect to MySQL and almost anything else via a REST or GraphQL API
- When you need server-side filtering based on criteria defined at run time, use this visual query builder to query your SQL/NoSQL databases
- You may access your database GUIs from any end-user portal – web, tablet, or mobile
- All (usage-based) price levels allow for an unlimited number of users
- You can grant role-based access permissions to restrict who has view rights, edit rights, delete permissions, and so on if you need to share the tool/app with more end-users
Cons
- Because DronaHQ was not created with MySQL in mind, it lacks some capabilities such as real-time query debugging
- Only approximately 50 DB (database) connectors are available now, but more are on the way
Price
- Developer: Free
- Starter:US$100 per month (billed annually)
- Business:US$500 per month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
How to choose the right MySQL GUI tool
The top MySQL GUI tools can be used to help database administrators and architects reduce manual tasks, improve performance, and boost productivity. To select the right tool for your organization, consider your company’s budget and needs to narrow down your list.
If you only need to do some basic queries, MySQL Workbench is the way to go. If you are interested in extended functionalities like automating database object management, scheduling database backups, and query building options, dbForge Studio or Navicat for MySQL might be the best option. Or, If you need to create database GUIs and custom apps of your own, DronaHQ might be a better choice for you.
Once you’ve picked the best option for your organization, dig deeper into customer reviews from users who have needs similar to yours. This will give you the best idea of how that particular product will work before committing and investing in that MySQL GUI tool.
