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Head-to-head · SQL Query Tools

HeidiSQL vs Valentina Studio

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score HeidiSQL #5 in SQL Query Tools 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit HeidiSQL
Valentina Studio #7 in SQL Query Tools 8.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Valentina

HeidiSQL leads on 0 checks, Valentina Studio on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreHeidiSQL · 8.5/10
  • Free planboth

HeidiSQL scores higher on our rubric for sql query tools: 8.5 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #7.

HeidiSQL is the better fit for free open-source database administration. Valentina Studio is the better fit for visual database administration across many engines.

  • HeidiSQL fits best

    Free open-source database administration

  • Valentina Studio fits best

    Visual database administration across many engines

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Side by side

Feature HeidiSQL 8.5/10 Visit ↗ Valentina Studio 8.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.5 8.3
Ranking #5 in SQL Query Tools #7 in SQL Query Tools
Best for Free open-source database administration Visual database administration across many engines
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan $79.99 one-time
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community, Docs Email, Phone, Live chat, Tickets, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features HeidiSQL 0/4 · Valentina Studio 0/4
Scheduled queries Not checked yet Not checked yet
Team query sharing Not checked yet Not checked yet
SQL notebooks Not checked yet Not checked yet
AI query assistance Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Query history retention Not checked yet Not checked yet
Deployment options Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free and open source across Windows, Linux, and macOS
  • Supports multiple database systems with SSH tunneling and SSL settings
  • Combines SQL editing, data editing, imports, exports, and administration
  • Supports SQL and NoSQL database administration across many systems
  • Combines visual query building with extensive data editing tools
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with a free edition
Cons
  • No verified visual query builder
  • Desktop deployment may not suit browser-based workflows
  • Its broad feature set is focused on database administration rather than analytics
  • Desktop deployment may not suit browser-based database workflows
  • Some advanced modeling, reporting, and editing features require paid editions
  • Single licenses cover one database and one operating system
Our verdict

HeidiSQL is a free, open-source desktop database client for administrators and developers who need to connect to, manage, and edit databases across Windows, Linux, and macOS. It supports MariaDB, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL,…

Read the review →

Valentina Studio is a desktop database management and development application for database administrators, developers, data architects, teachers, and students. It supports SQL and NoSQL workflows across DuckDB, MariaDB, MongoDB, Microsoft…

Read the review →
  1. HeidiSQLSQL Query Tools 8.5Free plan
  2. Valentina StudioSQL Query Tools 8.3Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • HeidiSQL — where it wins

    • Free and open source across Windows, Linux, and macOS
    • Supports multiple database systems with SSH tunneling and SSL settings
    • Combines SQL editing, data editing, imports, exports, and administration

    Where it doesn't

    • No verified visual query builder
    • Desktop deployment may not suit browser-based workflows
    • Its broad feature set is focused on database administration rather than analytics

  • Valentina Studio — where it wins

    • Supports SQL and NoSQL database administration across many systems
    • Combines visual query building with extensive data editing tools
    • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with a free edition

    Where it doesn't

    • Desktop deployment may not suit browser-based database workflows
    • Some advanced modeling, reporting, and editing features require paid editions
    • Single licenses cover one database and one operating system

More comparisons

All SQL query tools comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update