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Cloud SQL Auth Proxy

Free#24 of 31 in Database Proxy Software

Cloud SQL Auth Proxy: A focused open-source proxy for IAM-authorized, encrypted Cloud SQL connections. Ranked #24 of 31 in Database Proxy Software by our editors (6.8/10); pricing: Open source; best for secure Cloud SQL connection access.

6.8/10Editor score

Visit Google Cloud

Cloud SQL Auth Proxy6.8 Visit Google Cloud

At a glance

Editor score
6.8 / 10
Pricing
Open source
Best for
Secure Cloud SQL connection access
Paid from
Free
Deployment model
Self-hosted
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- IAM authorization and optional automatic database authentication
- TLS 1.3 encryption with public or private IP connectivity
- TCP, Unix sockets, Docker images, and failover DNS detection
Where it doesn't
- Does not provide connection pooling
- Does not provide query routing
- Self-hosted command-line deployment requires operational management

Our verdict on Cloud SQL Auth Proxy

Cloud SQL Auth Proxy is an open-source command-line utility for connecting applications and database clients to Google Cloud SQL. It is designed for teams that want IAM-based connection authorization and TLS encryption without requiring clients to manage database SSL certificates or authorized networks. The proxy supports Cloud SQL for MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server, and runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux as a local binary or Docker container.

Its connection and authentication options are the main reasons to choose it. Cloud SQL Auth Proxy supports TLS 1.3 for connections, TCP sockets, Unix sockets on Linux and macOS, and both public and private IP connectivity. Authentication can use service accounts or Application Default Credentials, while automatic IAM database authentication is available for MySQL and PostgreSQL. The proxy also detects write-endpoint DNS changes after failover or switchover, helping connections follow those endpoint changes. These capabilities make it a practical fit for applications that need controlled access to Cloud SQL across different local and containerized environments.

The trade-off is a narrow role: this is a connection access layer, not a broader database traffic-management platform. It does not provide connection pooling or query routing, so teams needing those functions should evaluate a different database proxy approach. Deployment is self-hosted, which leaves operation of the local binary or container with the team using it. Cloud SQL Auth Proxy suits organizations already running on Google Cloud SQL that prioritize IAM authorization, encrypted connections, flexible socket options, and open-source distribution. It is less suitable when pooling, routing, or a managed proxy service is central to the architecture.

Your product? Our editors can test Cloud SQL Auth Proxy in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Cloud SQL Auth Proxy pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on cloud.google.com

Cloud SQL Auth Proxy fact sheet

Free plan	Not verified
Paid from	Free
Deployment model	Self-hosted
Connection pooling	No
Query routing	Not verified
Load balancing	Not verified
Automatic failover	Yes
Supported databases	MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server
Maximum connections	Not verified
Deployment	Self-hosted, Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Docs
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Open source
Website	cloud.google.com
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

Alternatives to Cloud SQL Auth Proxy

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Featured on iTechGuides

Cloud SQL Auth Proxy is listed in our Database Proxy Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update