MariaDB started as a fork of MySQL, and for years any MySQL GUI worked with it. That is less true now. MariaDB has added features MySQL does not have, such as system-versioned tables and sequences, and MySQL's own tools no longer promise to support it. Picking a MariaDB GUI today means checking that it actually understands MariaDB, not just the MySQL protocol.
Below are nine MariaDB GUI tools, grouped by who they serve, with the point where each one stops.
What a MariaDB GUI needs to do
- Connect over TLS and through an SSH tunnel, since most MariaDB servers are not exposed to the internet.
- Browse databases, tables, views, stored procedures and triggers.
- Edit rows in a grid with type checking, and preview the SQL before it runs.
- Run queries with autocomplete and show
EXPLAINoutput. - Handle MariaDB-specific objects such as sequences and system-versioned tables without errors.
- Import and export CSV and SQL dumps.
What none of the desktop and web clients do is give people outside engineering a narrow, safe view of the data. Each person needs a MariaDB account with grants. The first tool on this list takes a different approach.
The nine MariaDB GUI tools at a glance
| Tool | Type | Platforms | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jet Admin | Web app builder | Browser; cloud or self-hosted | Free plan; paid tiers |
| HeidiSQL | Desktop | Windows | Free, open source |
| DBeaver | Desktop, multi-database | Windows, macOS, Linux | Free Community; paid PRO |
| phpMyAdmin | Web, self-hosted | Any server with PHP | Free, open source |
| Adminer | Web, single PHP file | Any server with PHP | Free, open source |
| DataGrip | Desktop IDE | Windows, macOS, Linux | Paid; free for non-commercial use |
| TablePlus | Desktop, multi-database | macOS, Windows, Linux | Free trial with limits; paid license |
| Beekeeper Studio | Desktop, multi-database | Windows, macOS, Linux | Open source Community; paid tiers |
| MySQL Workbench | Desktop, MySQL-focused | Windows, macOS, Linux | Free |
For teams working on MariaDB data
1. Jet Admin
Jet Admin connects to MariaDB and builds an app on it: tables with search and filters, record detail pages, forms that check types and required fields before a row is written, and dashboards that read live from the database. You describe the app you need and Jet generates the screens, then you adjust them in a visual editor or in code. Jet queries MariaDB in place and keeps no second copy of your data.
The reason to choose it over a desktop client is who can use it. An operations lead who needs to update order statuses, or a support agent who needs to look up a customer, signs in to the app and sees only the tables and fields their role allows. You connect MariaDB once, with one scoped database user, instead of creating accounts and grants for every person. Granular permissions, SSO and audit logs are on the Business plan and above; unlimited users are on every plan, including Free.
Where it stops: it is not for schema design, index tuning or reading query plans. Keep HeidiSQL or DBeaver for that work.
Desktop clients
2. HeidiSQL
HeidiSQL is free, open source and closely associated with MariaDB; the MariaDB installer for Windows offers it as an optional component. It is fast, handles SSH tunnels well, and covers everyday work: browsing and editing data, a query editor with autocomplete, user management, and exporting tables or whole databases.
Where it stops: it is built for Windows. It runs on macOS and Linux only through Wine, which is not a comfortable daily setup.
3. DBeaver
DBeaver has a dedicated MariaDB connection type and runs on every desktop platform. You get a schema browser, SQL editor with autocomplete, an editable result grid, ER diagrams, and data transfer between databases, which helps when you migrate between MariaDB and Postgres.
Where it stops: it is heavier and slower to start than native clients, and some advanced features are in the paid PRO editions.
4. DataGrip
DataGrip supports MariaDB as its own data source with schema-aware completion, refactoring and query plan views. It is the strongest option for developers who write a lot of SQL and keep it in version control.
Where it stops: it is a paid IDE for commercial use and more tool than occasional users need.
5. TablePlus
TablePlus is a native client that opens instantly and stays responsive on large tables. It supports MariaDB alongside most common databases and stages edits until you commit them, which makes accidental changes rare.
Where it stops: the free version limits tabs and connections, so daily use means buying a license.
6. Beekeeper Studio
Beekeeper Studio is a cross-platform SQL editor with a clean, modern interface and an open source Community edition. It covers MariaDB querying, table browsing and editing, and CSV and JSON export well.
Where it stops: administration features such as user management and server monitoring are limited.
7. MySQL Workbench
MySQL Workbench still connects to MariaDB for basic querying and data editing, and many teams keep using it out of habit. Oracle develops it for MySQL, however, and it does not officially support MariaDB. It shows compatibility warnings, and features tied to MariaDB-specific objects can fail.
Where it stops: for anything beyond simple queries on MariaDB, a tool that supports it officially is safer.
Web-based tools
8. phpMyAdmin
phpMyAdmin is the long-standing web interface for MySQL and MariaDB, and many hosting control panels include it by default. It handles browsing, editing, imports, exports and user management through a browser.
Where it stops: it is a common target for automated attacks, so it should never be exposed publicly without extra protection. Every user still logs in with a database account.
9. Adminer
Adminer is a single PHP file that gives you most of what phpMyAdmin does, with a smaller footprint. Drop it on a server, open it in a browser, and you can manage MariaDB and several other databases.
Where it stops: like phpMyAdmin, it exposes full database access through a web page and needs to be locked down and removed when you are done.
Which MariaDB GUI to use
- People outside engineering need to view or edit MariaDB data: Jet Admin.
- You are on Windows and want the standard free client: HeidiSQL.
- You need one free client on macOS or Linux, or across several databases: DBeaver.
- You write a lot of SQL and keep it in a repository: DataGrip.
- You want a fast native app: TablePlus, or Beekeeper Studio for an open source option.
- You need browser access on a server you control: phpMyAdmin or Adminer, kept behind a VPN.
Frequently asked questions
Does MariaDB have its own GUI?
MariaDB does not develop its own desktop GUI, but its Windows installer includes HeidiSQL as an optional component. On other platforms, DBeaver is the most common free choice.
Can I use MySQL Workbench with MariaDB?
For basic queries and data editing, usually yes. MySQL Workbench does not officially support MariaDB, so expect compatibility warnings, and use a tool with official MariaDB support for administration and MariaDB-specific features.
What is the best free MariaDB GUI for Mac?
DBeaver Community is the most complete free option on macOS. Beekeeper Studio's Community edition is a lighter open source alternative.
Is phpMyAdmin safe for MariaDB?
It is safe when it is kept up to date and not exposed to the public internet. Put it behind a VPN or IP allowlist, use strong database credentials, and remove it from servers that do not need it.
How do I give non-technical users access to MariaDB data?
Avoid giving them database accounts and a SQL client. Build an internal tool on top of MariaDB that shows only the tables and fields they need and validates what they enter. Jet Admin connects with one scoped database user and handles roles in the app.
Start with who needs the data
For the people who administer MariaDB, HeidiSQL or DBeaver will cover almost everything. For everyone else who needs the data, a database client is the wrong tool. Connect MariaDB to Jet Admin and give them an app with only what their role allows.