Best MySQL Community Edition Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to MySQL Community Edition? In this comparison, we take a closer look at MySQL Community Edition alongside similar software solutions including MySQL Community Edition, MySQL Server, DBeaver Enterprise Edition, Firebird, DDBAC, PostgreSQL, psqlODBC, LibreOffice, PremiumSoft Navicat Premium, DB Browser for SQLite and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how MySQL Community Edition, MySQL Server, DBeaver Enterprise Edition, Firebird, DDBAC, PostgreSQL, psqlODBC, LibreOffice, PremiumSoft Navicat Premium, DB Browser for SQLite and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
License and Cost
 MySQL Community Edition
|
Free and open-source under GPL license. |
 MySQL Server
|
Open-source under GPL license. |
 DBeaver Enterprise Edition
|
Commercial product with a paid version and free trial. |
 Firebird
|
Open-source under MPL license. |
 DDBAC
|
Commercial with complex licensing and high initial cost. |
 PostgreSQL
|
Open-source with a permissive license. |
 psqlODBC
|
Open-source ODBC driver for PostgreSQL. |
 LibreOffice
|
Free and open-source office suite. |
 PremiumSoft Navicat Premium
|
Commercial product with various pricing plans, including perpetual and subscription licenses. |
 DB Browser for SQLite
|
Free and open-source software. |
 Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2
|
Commercial product with expensive licensing fees. |
Supported Platforms and Operating Systems
|
MySQL Community Edition
|
Supports various operating systems including Linux, MacOS, Windows. |
|
MySQL Server
|
Supports many operating systems including Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, Solaris, Windows. |
|
DBeaver Enterprise Edition
|
Cross-platform support for various OS including Linux, Windows, MacOS. |
|
Firebird
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Cross-platform support including Windows, Linux, MacOS. |
|
DDBAC
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Available for Windows and Linux platforms. |
|
PostgreSQL
|
Supports all major operating systems including Linux, macOS, Windows, Unix-like systems. |
|
psqlODBC
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Supports Linux, macOS, Windows. |
|
LibreOffice
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Supports multiple operating systems including Linux, macOS, Windows. |
|
PremiumSoft Navicat Premium
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Supports Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, iOS. |
|
DB Browser for SQLite
|
Cross-platform support for Windows, Linux, Mac OS X. |
|
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2
|
Requires 64-bit x64 architecture; supports Windows OS (Windows Server versions and Vista). |
Key Features and Capabilities
|
MySQL Community Edition
|
Reliable and scalable database solution with ACID compliance; suitable for beginners; supports SQL and multiple programming languages; lacks some advanced features present in enterprise edition. |
|
MySQL Server
|
Scalable, fast and efficient database management system with GUI tools; supports high-performance transactional processing; requires proper optimization and administration knowledge; supports multiple storage engines. |
|
DBeaver Enterprise Edition
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Provides advanced database administration tools; supports multiple database management systems; includes features like schema compare, collaboration tools, visual query builder; designed for larger teams and enterprises with priority support. |
|
Firebird
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Highly scalable relational database management system; supports various data types including BLOBs; strong security features with access control mechanisms and encryption; supports multiple programming languages; cross-platform but has limited GUI tools. |
|
DDBAC
|
Database access control solution focused on advanced security features such as fine-grained access control and role-based access control; integration with industry-standard APIs and operating systems; steep learning curve and complex licensing; designed for large enterprises prioritizing regulatory compliance (GDPR, PCI-DSS). |
|
PostgreSQL
|
Powerful open source object-relational database system with strong community support; supports JSON, XML data types; robust security including SSL support; replication and streaming replication features; suitable for high availability setups; supports many programming languages. |
|
psqlODBC
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ODBC driver for PostgreSQL enabling access from any ODBC-compliant front-end application; seamless integration but requires some technical expertise; supports all PostgreSQL versions across multiple platforms. |
|
LibreOffice
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Free office productivity suite including database management via Base component; supports many document formats including Microsoft Office formats; includes assistive technologies and digital signatures; active community support. |
|
PremiumSoft Navicat Premium
|
Database development tool supporting multiple database types (MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, etc.); provides advanced querying capabilities, data modeling, synchronization; includes strong security features like password encryption and two-factor authentication; user-friendly interface with customer support services. |
|
DB Browser for SQLite
|
Graphical SQLite database management tool featuring a familiar spreadsheet-like interface with SQL editor support; facilitates import/export functionality (CSV); cross-platform compatibility; easy to use for existing SQLite databases but limited advanced database management capabilities. |
|
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2
|
Feature-rich enterprise-level relational database management system with built-in business intelligence tools (Reporting Services, Analysis Services); supports AlwaysOn Availability Groups for high availability; comprehensive security features and scalable architecture; requires significant hardware resources and has a steep learning curve. |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how MySQL Community Edition stacks up against MySQL Community Edition, MySQL Server, DBeaver Enterprise Edition, Firebird, DDBAC, PostgreSQL, psqlODBC, LibreOffice, PremiumSoft Navicat Premium, DB Browser for SQLite and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
License
|
MySQL Community Edition
|
Shareware |
|
MySQL Server
|
Open Source |
|
DBeaver Enterprise Edition
|
Freeware |
|
Firebird
|
Open Source |
|
DDBAC
|
Freeware |
|
PostgreSQL
|
Open Source |
|
psqlODBC
|
Shareware |
|
LibreOffice
|
Open Source |
|
PremiumSoft Navicat Premium
|
Shareware |
|
DB Browser for SQLite
|
Shareware |
|
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2
|
Shareware |