Overview
HeidiSQL is a free, open source database client for Windows, created by Ansgar Becker and maintained as a community project. It started as a MySQL tool and now also connects to MariaDB, SQL Server and PostgreSQL, making it a handy day to day client for anyone working with those engines.
The appeal of HeidiSQL is that it is small, fast and practical. It installs quickly, starts instantly and gives you a clean grid for browsing and editing data, a SQL editor with syntax highlighting, and straightforward tools for exports and structure changes. It is native to Windows and does not ship a macOS or Linux build, though many people run it on Linux under Wine.
Key features
- Connect to MySQL, MariaDB, SQL Server and PostgreSQL from one interface
- Fast data grid for browsing, filtering and inline editing of rows
- SQL query editor with syntax highlighting and code completion
- Table and structure editors for columns, indexes and foreign keys
- Export data and structure to SQL files, CSV or another server
- Bulk table operations, user management and a session manager
Pros and cons
Pros
- Completely free and open source
- Very lightweight and fast, even on older hardware
- Simple, practical interface for quick edits and data browsing
- Handy export and structure tools out of the box
Cons
- Native to Windows only, with no first party macOS or Linux build
- Fewer advanced and enterprise features than heavyweight IDEs
- Interface can feel dense and dated to newcomers
- Support for non MySQL engines is less polished than for MySQL and MariaDB
Pricing
Free and open source under the GPL, with no paid tiers. Native to Windows, and it runs on Linux through Wine.
Who it is best for
Windows users who work mostly with MySQL or MariaDB and want a fast, free client for quick edits, data browsing and exports.
Verdict
HeidiSQL is one of the best free clients you can put on a Windows machine, especially if MySQL or MariaDB is your main engine. It is fast, practical and asks nothing of you in return. The trade offs are that it is native to Windows only and does not match the depth of a full IDE, so if you need a cross platform tool or heavier features you might look at DBeaver or Beekeeper Studio. For everyday MySQL work on Windows, it is hard to beat.
Frequently asked questions
Is HeidiSQL free?
Yes. HeidiSQL is free and open source under the GPL, with no paid tiers or feature restrictions.
Does HeidiSQL run on macOS or Linux?
HeidiSQL is a native Windows application and does not have an official macOS or Linux build. Many people run it on Linux using Wine, and on macOS you would usually pick a cross platform client such as DBeaver or Beekeeper Studio instead.
Which databases does HeidiSQL support?
HeidiSQL connects to MySQL, MariaDB, SQL Server and PostgreSQL. Support is strongest for MySQL and MariaDB, which is where the tool began.