TablePlus: Fast and Secure Tool for Working with Databases
TablePlus is the kind of tool that ends up installed on almost every laptop in a mixed-database team. It doesn’t try to be a full-blown IDE; it’s just a fast client with a modern interface that speaks to many engines at once. MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, MariaDB, SQL Server, Oracle, Redis — the list is long enough that most people don’t need another client. Open a tab, run a query, browse a table, close it. That’s the daily workflow.
Core Characteristics
| Aspect | Details |
| Platform | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Database support | MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, MariaDB, SQL Server, Oracle, Redis, more |
| Interface | Native app with tabbed sessions and inline editing |
| Features | Query editor, quick data browsing, import/export, multi-connection view |
| Connectivity | Direct TCP/IP, SSH tunneling, TLS |
| Deployment | Native installers, simple setup |
| License | Commercial, free tier available |
| Audience | Developers, DBAs, teams working across different databases |
How It’s Used in Practice
It’s common to see TablePlus open with several sessions at once — a PostgreSQL database for staging, a MySQL schema for production checks, maybe Redis on the side. Developers like it because editing a row is just click-and-type. Admins like that SSH tunneling is built in, no need for extra configs. The client starts fast, runs smoothly, and feels like a native app rather than a heavy Java-based tool.
Deployment Notes
– Download, install, start — no complicated setup.
– Connection details, including SSH keys, can be stored and reused.
– Handles encrypted connections without extra modules.
– Frequent updates keep it in sync with new database versions.
Real-World Scenarios
– A microservices team uses TablePlus to keep open tabs for PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Redis all at once.
– An admin quickly checks a production MySQL server over SSH before applying changes.
– A data analyst exports staging data to CSV for a one-off report.
Limitations
TablePlus is focused on everyday management. It doesn’t include deep profiling, heavy schema modeling, or team collaboration features you find in bigger IDEs. Some extras require a paid license, and large enterprises may still prefer more feature-rich tools. For most developers, though, it’s the right balance of speed and coverage.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Distinctive Strength | Best Fit |
| TablePlus | Lightweight, multi-DB client | Teams juggling several database engines |
| Sequel Ace | Native MySQL/MariaDB for macOS | Small Mac-based teams |
| DBeaver | Full IDE, JDBC coverage | Enterprises, cross-DB administration |
| HeidiSQL | Simple Windows client | Windows-focused MySQL/MariaDB work |

