December 8th, 2025
Top 6 PostgreSQL GUI Tools: Features and Pricing in 2025
By Tyler Shibata · 20 min read
I ran real workloads through the top PostgreSQL GUI tools to see which ones make database exploration smoother for mixed-skill teams. These 6 delivered the most consistent results in 2025.
Top 6 PostgreSQL GUI tools: At a glance
Working with PostgreSQL often comes down to how quickly you can move through schemas, inspect relationships, and run clean queries. Each GUI takes a different approach, from lightweight editors to full IDEs that support multiple databases. This table gives you a quick view of pricing, best uses, and the core strength of each platform:
Alternative | Best for | Starting Price (Billed Annually) | Key Advantage vs DataGrip |
|---|---|---|---|
Fast analysis without SQL | Natural language queries with visual results | ||
PostgreSQL administration | Free | Deep control over roles, backups, and server settings | |
Multi-database work | Broad connector support with a flexible SQL editor | ||
Full IDE workflows | Advanced code editing with strong refactoring tools | ||
Quick edits on local databases | $79/year starting with 3 seats (one-time purchase) | Clean interface that makes browsing and editing fast | |
Cross-platform database management | $199/user/year for 1st year, $89/user/year from year 2 onwards | Uniform UI across macOS, Windows, and Linux |
1. Julius: Best for fast analysis without SQL
What it does: Julius turns PostgreSQL data into charts, summaries, and clean reports through natural language prompts. You connect your database, describe what you want, and Julius produces a visual or table you can export.
Who it’s for: Business users who want clear results without writing SQL.
We built Julius to make PostgreSQL analysis easier when you want answers quickly. You can ask direct questions about tables, relationships, or time periods, and Julius generates the SQL behind the scenes. It shows the output as a visual first, so you see patterns before deciding what to explore next.
Julius supports connectors for PostgreSQL and other sources, so you can bring data in with minimal setup. After the data is connected, Julius reads the tables and picks up details like primary keys and common links. This helps the tool choose the right fields during follow-up questions without extra direction from you.
Notebooks keep each stage of an analysis in one place and preserve outputs when your data updates. Scheduled runs handle recurring checks, and formatting stays consistent without extra work. This helps you rely on the same views each week without rebuilding anything.This guide can help you connect Julius to PostgreSQL.
What it does: Julius turns PostgreSQL data into charts, summaries, and clean reports through natural language prompts. You connect your database, describe what you want, and Julius produces a visual or table you can export.
Who it’s for: Business users who want clear results without writing SQL.
Key features
Natural language querying: Ask questions about metrics or relationships and get charts or tables.
Notebook workflows: Save repeated analyses and run them again with updated data.
PostgreSQL connector: Pull data from your database without extra configuration steps.
Schema inspection: Review columns and types to confirm structure before running queries.
Scheduled reports: Send updated visuals or tables to Slack or email on a set schedule.
Pros
Produces visual answers without manual SQL
Supports repeatable reporting through notebooks
Connects to PostgreSQL quickly with minimal setup
Cons
Not built for advanced statistical workflows that require custom Python libraries
Limited customization for dashboard layouts
Pricing
Julius starts at $16 per month.
Bottom line
2. pgAdmin: Best for PostgreSQL administration
What it does: pgAdmin manages PostgreSQL servers through a visual interface that supports schema browsing, data editing, and query execution. It also includes tools for roles, permissions, and basic activity tracking.
Who it’s for: Users who need direct control over PostgreSQL settings without paying for a commercial client.
I tried pgAdmin when I needed a free way to look through a production schema and confirm table layouts. The interface gave me quick access to functions, indexes, and views. Running ad hoc queries worked fine, and the history panel kept everything organized.
During testing, I used the role editor to update permissions for a staging environment. It made grant changes straightforward without writing long statements. The activity dashboard helped me check sessions before running anything heavier.
Some pages took time to load, especially large tables, but core admin operations stayed reliable. The browser-based layout is plain, yet it covers the tasks PostgreSQL users rely on most.
Key features
Server management: Create databases, roles, and adjust permissions.
SQL editor: Run queries with autocomplete and history.
Activity viewer: Track sessions and locks during peak hours.
Pros
Full admin coverage
Free and well documented
Useful permission tools
Cons
Slower with large schemas
Older user interface
Pricing
Bottom line
pgAdmin gives you direct access to PostgreSQL settings without cost, which matters if you manage servers or permissions often. It’s dependable for admin tasks. If you want smoother navigation across multiple engines, DBeaver offers more flexibility.
3. DBeaver: Best for multi-database work
What it does: DBeaver connects to PostgreSQL and many other databases through one interface. It includes a flexible SQL editor, schema browser, and visual modeling tools.
Who it’s for: Users who move between different databases and prefer a single tool for all connections.
DBeaver performed well in my testing when I needed to compare schemas across PostgreSQL and MySQL. The tab system let me keep several connections open without losing track of what I was doing. Autocomplete picked up table names and fields quickly in each environment.
Testing DBeaver on a larger dataset showed how helpful the ER diagram generator can be. It mapped relationships clearly enough for quick planning. The navigator also made it simple to switch between databases without digging through menus.
Some panels can look busy, and the full feature set takes time to learn. Still, once I settled into the layout, it handled mixed-database work smoothly.
Key features
Multi-database connections: Work across many engines in one place.
Visual diagrams: Generate ER layouts from existing schemas.
SQL tooling: Use formatting, autocomplete, and query history.
Pros
Supports many database types
Strong schema navigation
Good editor tools
Cons
Interface can feel crowded
Some features require the paid version
Pricing
DBeaver starts at $110 per year.
Bottom line
DBeaver matters when you manage several databases and want consistent tools across each one. It handles PostgreSQL well and adapts to other systems. If you want fast analysis without writing SQL, Julius is the easier option.
4. DataGrip: Best for full IDE workflows
What it does: DataGrip is an IDE for SQL development with strong refactoring tools and code-aware suggestions. It supports PostgreSQL and other engines with deep schema navigation.
Who it’s for: Users who write SQL frequently and want an editor with structured guidance.
I tested DataGrip while working through a long reporting project. The editor caught missing joins and flagged field mismatches during early drafts. Autocomplete surfaced the right tables and columns faster than other editors I compared.
One of the best things I noticed when I tested DataGrip was how it tracked dependencies. Updating a field or renaming logic showed where else it was used. This made cleanup easier because I could check everything before running changes.
The tool uses more resources than lightweight clients, and it takes time to understand the layout. Once I adjusted, the structure supported detailed SQL work well.
Key features
Smart editor: See guided suggestions and error checks as you type.
Refactoring tools: Track dependencies during updates.
Schema browser: Navigate tables, views, and functions quickly.
Pros
Strong SQL editing
Helpful guidance during cleanup
Broad engine support
Cons
Heavier than basic tools
Learning curve for new users
Pricing
DataGrip starts at $109 per year.
Bottom line
5. TablePlus: Best for quick edits on local databases
What it does: TablePlus offers a minimal interface for browsing tables, editing rows, and running queries. It supports PostgreSQL alongside several other databases through native desktop apps.
Who it’s for: Users who want a clean layout for quick data checks and updates.
I liked how quickly TablePlus opened when I tested it for local development. Tables loaded without delays, and editing small values took only a few clicks. The layout kept things simple without extra panels.
During testing, I switched between several local databases and relied on the workspace system to stay organized. Shortcuts let me open tabs, preview queries, and filter records with little effort. It fit well when I needed to confirm data during development.
The tool aims for speed rather than depth. Modeling tools or advanced analysis features are minimal, but the basics run quickly.
Key features
Fast browsing: Jump into tables and view data right away.
Connection manager: Organize multiple environments.
SQL preview: Review and execute simple queries with ease.
Pros
Quick to open
Clean layout
Easy row editing
Cons
Limited advanced features
One-time license tied to seat count
Pricing
TablePlus starts at $79 per year as a one-time purchase covering three seats.
Bottom line
TablePlus is useful when you want a fast way to browse and update PostgreSQL tables. It keeps local work simple and responsive. If you need deeper editing tools or refactoring support, DataGrip is stronger.
6. DbVisualizer: Best for cross-platform database management
What it does: DbVisualizer connects to PostgreSQL and many other engines through a consistent interface across macOS, Windows, and Linux. It includes a structured editor, schema explorer, and export tools.
Who it’s for: Users who want a uniform experience across different operating systems.
DbVisualizer impressed me with its consistency when I tested it on macOS and Windows. The interface looked the same on both machines. The editor responded well, and the explain panel gave me a visual layout of how each query was executed.
I used the object tree often during testing because it kept functions, indexes, and views in predictable places. Exporting data for reporting was also straightforward. The steady layout reduced the need to hunt for features.
It runs slower than lightweight tools, and some features require the Pro upgrade. Even so, the consistent interface across platforms stood out.
Key features
Cross-platform client: Same UI across major operating systems.
Object explorer: View structures like functions and indexes.
SQL tools: Format queries and review execution plans.
Pros
Uniform interface
Clear schema explorer
Stable for large connections
Cons
Pro features require an upgrade
Slower than lighter tools
Pricing
DbVisualizer starts at $199 per user for the first year and $89 per user per year afterward.
Bottom line
DbVisualizer matters when you move between machines and want one interface everywhere. It gives PostgreSQL dependable coverage through its editor and object browser. If you prefer a faster tool for local work, TablePlus is easier to move around in.
How I tested these PostgreSQL GUI tools
I wanted to see how each tool performed during actual PostgreSQL tasks, so I worked with full datasets from past projects instead of demo data. Running queries, tracing relationships, and editing rows gave me a clearer read on where each tool helped and where it slowed me down.
Here are the core checks I used across all six tools:
Schema navigation: I opened complex schemas with dozens of linked tables and checked how easily I could trace foreign keys, find indexes, and move between objects.
Query handling: I ran both small and larger queries, checked autocomplete accuracy, reviewed explain plans, and watched how each editor behaved with longer scripts.
Editing and data review: I tested inline edits, filtering, pagination, and CSV imports to see how well each tool handled everyday changes without introducing errors.
Connection setup: I connected local and remote PostgreSQL databases, noted how long it took to get started, and tracked any extra configuration steps.
Utility features: I tried backups, role management, exports, and history tools to see which clients supported admin tasks cleanly and which ones made them harder.
Performance across sessions: I checked load times, stability during long work sessions, and how each tool reacted when switching between multiple connections.
Which PostgreSQL GUI tool should you choose?
The right PostgreSQL GUI depends on how much SQL you write, how often you switch between databases, and whether you’re managing servers or exploring data. Choose:
Julius if you want fast analysis, clear visuals, and answers from PostgreSQL without writing SQL.
pgAdmin if you need free access to PostgreSQL’s server settings, roles, and permissions.
DBeaver if you work across several databases and want one interface for all connections.
DataGrip if SQL is part of your daily routine and you want an editor built for longer scripts and refactoring.
TablePlus if you prefer a lightweight desktop app for quick edits and local development.
DbVisualizer if you switch between operating systems and want the same interface on every machine.
My final verdict
After testing these tools, I think pgAdmin is the most practical choice when you need direct server control, while DBeaver is the tool that keeps multi-database work manageable. DataGrip stands out for long SQL sessions that need structure. TablePlus remained the quickest option for fast checks, and DbVisualizer was reliable when I worked across different operating systems.
Julius works well when you want answers from PostgreSQL without writing SQL or opening a full IDE. You ask a direct question and get a chart or table that helps you move on. I’ve found it sits naturally alongside the traditional clients because it handles the quick analysis steps they don’t cover. This setup supports the way people switch between small checks and deeper work.
How Julius supports faster PostgreSQL analysis
PostgreSQL GUI tools help you browse schemas and run queries, but they rarely give you quick charts or summaries without writing SQL. Julius fills that gap by turning your questions into visuals you can use during everyday checks.
Here’s how Julius helps:
Quick single-metric checks: Ask for an average, spread, or distribution, and Julius shows you the numbers with an easy-to-read chart.
Built-in visualization: Get histograms, box plots, and bar charts on the spot instead of jumping into another tool to build them.
Catch outliers early: Julius highlights suspicious values and metrics that throw off your results, so you can make confident business decisions based on clean and trustworthy data.
Recurring summaries: Schedule analyses like weekly revenue or delivery time at the 95th percentile and receive them automatically by email or Slack.
Smarter over time: With each query, Julius gets better at understanding how your connected data is organized. It learns where to find the right tables and relationships, so it can return answers more quickly and with better accuracy.
One-click sharing: Turn a thread of analysis into a PDF report you can pass along without extra formatting.
Direct connections: Link your databases and files so results come from live data, not stale spreadsheets.
Ready to see how Julius can help your team make better decisions? Try Julius for free today.
Frequently asked questions
What are PostgreSQL GUI tools?
PostgreSQL GUI tools are applications that let you work with your database through buttons, menus, and visuals instead of typing SQL. You can browse tables, edit data, run queries, and check structure without using the command line. These tools help you move through schemas faster and make common tasks easier to manage.
Is there a free PostgreSQL GUI tool you can use?
Yes, pgAdmin is a free PostgreSQL GUI tool that lets you manage permissions, schemas, and server settings. It also handles queries, roles, and backups without a paid plan. DBeaver offers a free community edition if you want multi-database support.
What should you look for in a PostgreSQL GUI tool?
You should look for a PostgreSQL GUI tool with strong schema browsing, accurate autocomplete, and stable query performance. Tools that show you where your query spends time make performance checks easier, and strong editors reduce mistakes. Connector support also matters if you move between multiple environments.
