Best Free SQL Client in 2026

Compare the top free SQL IDEs and database clients. Professional-grade features without the price tag — for SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and more.

Free forever • No account required • Mac, Windows, Linux

Free SQL Client Comparison: 2026 Edition

A side-by-side comparison of what you get for free with each SQL tool.

Free tier feature comparison as of February 2026. Based on publicly available product information.
Feature (Free Tier)Jam SQL StudioDBeaver CESSMSHeidiSQLTablePlus
PlatformMac, Win, LinuxMac, Win, LinuxWindows onlyWindows onlyMac, Win, Linux
Unlimited Connections 2 tabs
SQL Server Support
PostgreSQL Support
MySQL / MariaDB Support
IntelliSense / AutocompleteBasicBasic
Built-in Charting Pro only
AI Agent Support (MCP)
Claude Code CLI Integrated
Table Explorer / Data EditingLimited
Data Export (CSV/JSON/XLSX)CSV onlyLimited
Modern Dark ModePartial
No Account Required

Why Jam SQL Studio's Free Tier Stands Out

Get professional SQL development features without paying a cent or creating an account.

1

Unlimited Connections, All Engines

Connect to SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, and SQLite with no connection limits. Full IntelliSense and query execution for every database engine — no artificial restrictions in the free tier.

2

Free AI Agent Support

The only free SQL client with built-in AI agent support. The MCP server works with Claude Desktop, Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, and other AI tools — included in the free tier.

3

Free Charting

Create bar, line, pie, area, and scatter charts directly from query results. Export as SVG or PNG. Most competitors charge extra for charting features.

4

Cross-Platform, No Java Required

Works natively on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Unlike DBeaver, there's no Java runtime to install. Fast startup times and low memory usage across all platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about free SQL clients.

What is the best free SQL client in 2026?

Jam SQL Studio offers the most complete free tier: unlimited connections across 5 database engines, IntelliSense, charting, AI agent support, and cross-platform availability. DBeaver Community is strong for maximum database variety. SSMS is best for free SQL Server administration on Windows.

Is Jam SQL Studio really free forever?

Yes. The Personal tier is free forever with no account required. It includes unlimited connections, IntelliSense, query execution, table explorer, data editing, charting, and AI agent support. Pro features (execution plans, schema compare, data compare) are available through paid subscriptions starting at $9.99/month.

What free SQL tools work on Mac, Windows, and Linux?

Jam SQL Studio and DBeaver Community both offer free cross-platform support for Mac, Windows, and Linux. SSMS is Windows-only. HeidiSQL is Windows-only.

Do I need a Java runtime for free SQL tools?

DBeaver requires Java (bundled in their installer). Jam SQL Studio, SSMS, and HeidiSQL do not require Java. Jam SQL Studio is built on Electron with native database drivers for fast performance.

Download Jam SQL Studio Free

No account required. No credit card. Free forever for personal use.

Comparing Other SQL Tools?

See how Jam SQL Studio compares to other popular database tools.

vs Azure Data Studio vs DBeaver vs SSMS Best SQL Client for Mac Best SQL Client for Windows SQL Server Management Tool