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Free PostgreSQL GUI Tool 'Postico' is User-Friendly on macOS

#postgresql #macos
Tadashi Shigeoka ·  Sat, January 4, 2025

I researched free PostgreSQL GUI tools available on macOS, so I’ll introduce them.

Conclusion: Postico is User-Friendly

Among the tools I researched, Postico 2 was the most user-friendly.

What I Liked About Postico

  • You can input connection strings like postgres://username:password@localhost:5432/dbname directly and connect immediately
  • The “SQL Preview” feature lets you review changes to Tables as queries before execution

Prerequisites

  • OS: macOS
  • DB: PostgreSQL
  • GUI tool
  • Has a free version

My Background

  • I usually use Drizzle Studio
  • I was looking for a GUI tool with a lower barrier to entry for connecting to Vercel Postgres
  • My use cases are viewing Table data, editing, and query execution, so I don’t need complex features

pgAdmin, DBeaver Community, TablePlus, Postico

pgAdmin

  • Overview: The official GUI tool for PostgreSQL, extremely feature-rich. It enables almost all PostgreSQL operations including database management, object creation/editing, SQL query execution, and backup/restore.
  • Features:
    • Very powerful, covering all PostgreSQL features.
    • Intuitive GUI operations are possible.
    • Runs in a web browser.
    • Supports many platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Download: https://www.pgadmin.org/download/

DBeaver Community

  • Overview: A versatile database management tool that supports many databases. It also supports PostgreSQL and can be used with the free Community version.
  • Features:
    • Supports various databases, convenient when using other databases as well.
    • Powerful SQL editor with features like code completion and syntax checking.
    • Also includes data import/export and ER diagram creation features.
    • Extensible through plugins.
  • Download: https://dbeaver.io/download/

TablePlus

  • Overview: A database management tool with a simple and modern UI. Supports PostgreSQL as well as MySQL, SQL Server, SQLite, and others.
  • Features:
    • Simple and refined interface that’s intuitive to operate.
    • Fast and lightweight operation is characteristic.
    • Equipped with SQL editor, data viewing/editing features, and filter functionality.
    • Basic features are available even in the free version.
  • Download: https://tableplus.com/

Postico

  • Overview: A PostgreSQL client optimized for macOS, characterized by refined UI and simple operability.
  • Features:
    • Native app optimized for macOS.
    • Simple UI with rich features specialized for PostgreSQL.
    • Fast and comfortable operation.
    • The free version has some limitations but basic operations can be performed without problems.
  • Download: https://eggerapps.at/postico2/

I installed Postico using Homebrew.

brew install --cask postico

That’s all from the Gemba about how “Postico” seems like a good free PostgreSQL GUI tool for macOS.