At a glance
| Supported databases | MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQLite, SQL Server, Oracle (native); MongoDB, Redis, ClickHouse, Elasticsearch, Firebird, DuckDB and others via plugins |
| Query editor | Plain SQL command window; run SQL from text or an uploaded file |
| Data import and export | Export to SQL or CSV; import SQL files and CSV |
| SSH and connection security | No passwordless logins; rate-limited login; CSRF and XSS protections and a strict Content Security Policy; IP allowlist or web server password recommended |
| Deployment | One PHP file on any web server with PHP 5.4 or later |
| Licensing | Free; Apache License 2.0 or GPL 2 |
Adminer is the lightest way to get a browser interface onto a database server you already run PHP on: upload one file and log in. It is actively maintained with frequent security releases in 2026, so keep it updated, restrict who can reach it, and remove it when you no longer need it.
Overview
Adminer describes itself as database management in a single PHP file. It natively supports MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQLite, MS SQL and Oracle, works with CockroachDB, and reaches Elasticsearch, MongoDB, Redis, Firebird, ClickHouse, DuckDB and others through plugins. It needs PHP 5.4 or later with sessions enabled; version 6.3.0 (3 November 2026) raised the minimum from PHP 5.3.
The project is developed by Jakub Vrana and released often: the 6.x series began with 6.0.0 on 7 August 2026, and 6.0.0, 6.0.1, 6.0.2, 6.1.1 and 6.3.0 all list security fixes, including several GitHub security advisories in 6.0.2 and 6.1.1. Adminer refuses connections without a password, rate-limits login attempts, and its site recommends extra protection such as an IP allowlist or web server password.
Key features
- Single PHP file deployment with no other installation
- SQL command window that runs statements typed in or loaded from a file
- Browse, search, sort, aggregate and edit table data, including blobs
- Create and alter tables, indexes, foreign keys, views, triggers, procedures and functions
- Export structure and data to SQL or CSV, and CSV import in all drivers
- User and privilege management, process list and server variables
- Plugin system for extra drivers, login methods such as one-time passwords, and interface changes
Pros and cons
Pros
- Nothing to install beyond one PHP file
- Covers more engines than phpMyAdmin, including PostgreSQL, SQLite, SQL Server and Oracle
- Free for any use, with no paid tier
- Actively maintained, with security fixes released promptly in 2026
Cons
- A web-exposed admin tool is an attack surface; the project itself notes past security bugs and asks users to update when prompted
- Basic SQL editor compared with desktop IDEs
- NoSQL and some engines need plugins rather than built-in drivers
Pricing
Adminer is free for commercial and non-commercial use under the Apache License or GPL 2. There is no paid edition; the project accepts sponsorship and donations.
Pricing checked on the vendor's official page on 7 November 2026. Prices change; confirm before buying.
Who it is best for
Developers and administrators who need occasional browser access to a MySQL, PostgreSQL or SQLite database on a server that already runs PHP.
Who should look elsewhere
- Daily development work with a richer editor, completion and diagrams: see SQL IDEs.
- Teams that want a managed multi-user web client with user administration: see CloudBeaver.
Verdict
Adminer remains one of the simplest multi-engine web clients, and its 2026 release pace shows it is well maintained. Its convenience depends on careful operation: keep it current, put it behind access controls, and delete it from servers where it is no longer needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Adminer still maintained?
Yes. Adminer 6.3.0 was released on 3 November 2026, following 6.2.0 in October and the 6.0 and 6.1 releases from August to October 2026, several of which contained security fixes.
Is Adminer safe to use on a production server?
Adminer blocks passwordless logins, rate-limits login attempts and protects against XSS, CSRF and other attacks, but it is still a web-facing admin tool. Its site recommends restricting access by IP or a web server password, updating whenever a new version is announced and deleting the file when it is no longer needed.
Which databases does Adminer support?
MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQLite, MS SQL and Oracle out of the box, plus CockroachDB. Plugins add Elasticsearch, MongoDB, Redis, Firebird, ClickHouse, DuckDB and others.
Sources
Checked November 2026.
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