DearSQL vs DbGate
Native C++ app vs an open-source Electron client.
Native C++ app vs an open-source Electron client.
Architecture & Performance
| feature | DearSQL | DbGate |
|---|---|---|
| architecture | native (C++/ImGui) | Electron (Node.js) |
| startup time | instant | slower (Electron) |
| memory usage | low | higher (Chromium) |
Database Support
| feature | DearSQL | DbGate |
|---|---|---|
| SQLite | yes | yes |
| DuckDB | yes | yes |
| PostgreSQL | yes | yes |
| MySQL / MariaDB | yes | yes |
| MongoDB | yes | yes |
| Redis | yes | yes |
| Oracle | yes | yes |
| MSSQL | yes | yes |
| Redshift | yes | yes (paid) |
| Cassandra | yes | yes |
Platform Support
| feature | DearSQL | DbGate |
|---|---|---|
| macOS | yes | yes |
| Linux | yes | yes |
| Windows | yes | yes |
| web / server edition | no | yes |
Features
| feature | DearSQL | DbGate |
|---|---|---|
| SSH tunneling | yes | yes |
| TLS/SSL | yes | yes |
| syntax highlighting | yes | yes |
| autocomplete | yes | yes |
| inline data editing | yes | yes |
| ER diagrams | no | yes |
| AI assistant | built-in | Premium only |
| app telemetry | crash reports only | opt-in usage analytics |
Pricing
| feature | DearSQL | DbGate |
|---|---|---|
| free tier | yes (10 connections) | yes (open source, unlimited) |
| one-time purchase | $35 | no ($120/yr Premium) |
| NoSQL in free tier | yes | yes |
Ready to try DearSQL?
FAQ
Is DbGate free?
Yes. DbGate Community Edition is free and open source (GPL-3.0) with unlimited connections, and it includes MongoDB and Redis. AI features, Redshift and some advanced settings need DbGate Premium, a subscription at $12/month or $120/year.
How is DearSQL different from DbGate?
DearSQL is a native C++ app rather than Electron, so it starts faster and uses less memory. Its AI assistant (Claude Code, Codex, Gemini CLI, Cursor or your own API key) is included in a $35 one-time license instead of a yearly subscription.
Is DearSQL a good DbGate alternative?
If you want a lighter native app and AI without a subscription, yes. If you need a fully free open-source tool, a web/server edition, or ER diagrams, DbGate Community is a strong choice.
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* Last checked against DbGate's own pages: editions, pricing, changelog. Got a correction? let us know.