Overview
Navicat is a commercial graphical database client made by PremiumSoft. It ships as single database editions for MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle, SQLite and MongoDB, and as Navicat Premium, which can connect to several of those engines at the same time from one window.
The tool wraps a clean visual interface around connecting to servers, browsing and editing data, running SQL, and managing objects. Beyond the basics it adds data modeling, a data transfer and synchronization engine, import and export, and a scheduler for automated tasks, which is why teams often pick it for day to day database work across mixed environments.
Key features
- Polished visual GUI for browsing and editing tables, views and objects
- SQL editor with code completion and visual query building
- Data modeling and diagramming for designing schemas
- Data transfer, structure and data synchronization between databases
- Import and export across many formats plus a task scheduler
- Navicat Premium connects to several database engines at once
Pros and cons
Pros
- Polished, approachable interface that suits both new and experienced users
- Broad engine support, with one Premium license covering many databases
- Strong data modeling, transfer and synchronization tools
- Built in scheduling for backups and recurring jobs
- Cross platform on Windows, macOS and Linux
Cons
- Commercial and not cheap compared with free clients
- The feature packed interface can feel cluttered
- Full multi engine support only comes with the pricier Premium edition
- Less extensible than open source clients with plugin ecosystems
Pricing
Navicat Premium Lite is free, and Navicat says it may be used commercially, but it leaves out features such as the query builder, ER diagrams, modelling, synchronisation and backup. The paid editions are sold per user, as a perpetual licence with one year of maintenance or as a monthly or yearly subscription, with a free trial. There are also single-engine products such as Navicat for MySQL.
Who it is best for
Developers and DBAs who want a polished, all in one commercial client for working across several database engines and are willing to pay for it.
Verdict
Navicat is one of the most polished commercial database clients around, and Navicat Premium is a genuine convenience if you jump between MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle and others in a single day. The modeling, data transfer and scheduling tools are strong. The catch is cost and clutter: it is not cheap, and the dense interface can feel busy next to leaner editors. If budget matters, a free option like DBeaver covers similar ground, while DataGrip is the better fit if you live in a JetBrains workflow.
Navicat how-to guides
- Navicat Pricing Explained (2026)
- How to Download & Install Navicat (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- How to Connect Navicat to MySQL
- How to Connect Navicat to PostgreSQL
- How to Connect Navicat to SQL Server
- Navicat ER Diagram Tutorial
- How to Import CSV in Navicat
- How to Export Query Results to Excel/CSV in Navicat
- Navicat Keyboard Shortcuts Cheat Sheet
Frequently asked questions
Is Navicat free?
Partly. Navicat Premium Lite is free, and Navicat says it may be used commercially, but it leaves out many features of the paid editions. Navicat Premium and the single-engine products are commercial, sold as a perpetual licence or a subscription, with a free trial. See Navicat pricing explained.
What databases does Navicat support?
Navicat connects to MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle, SQLite and MongoDB. Single database editions target one engine, while Navicat Premium can connect to several of them at the same time.
What is a good free alternative to Navicat?
DBeaver is the closest free, cross platform, multi database alternative. If you use JetBrains tools, DataGrip is another strong option, though it is also paid. See the DBeaver review to compare.
How we research reviews and what star ratings mean: our editorial method.