Windows-Only Tools
HeidiSQL only runs on Windows. Mac and Linux users are stuck with clunky alternatives or running VMs.
MariaDB Support
The MariaDB GUI That Works on Mac
MariaDB deserves better than Windows-only tools. QueryGlow gives you AI-powered queries, Safe Mode protection, and SSH tunnels—on any OS.
- Safe Mode
- AI-Powered
- SSH Tunnels
- Mac + Linux
Why HeidiSQL Users Switch
HeidiSQL is free. It's also Windows-only with no safety features.
No Safety Rails
Run DROP TABLE on production? HeidiSQL executes it. No confirmation for destructive queries.
No AI Assistance
Writing complex JOINs? You're on your own. No AI to help generate MariaDB queries.
Legacy Delphi Interface
HeidiSQL's cluttered UI hasn't changed in years. It looks and feels like software from 2005.
Everything You Need for MariaDB Development
Modern features that HeidiSQL doesn't have.
Cross-Platform
Works on Mac, Windows, and Linux via Docker. No more Windows VMs or Wine hacks to manage MariaDB.
AI SQL Generation
Describe what you need in plain English. Get MariaDB-compatible SQL using OpenAI, Claude, or Gemini. Your API keys.
Safe Mode Protection
Blocks DROP DATABASE, prevents DELETE/UPDATE without WHERE, auto-limits SELECT. Also blocks SHUTDOWN and INTO OUTFILE.
SSH Tunnels Built-In
Connect to MariaDB in private networks. Paste your private key directly—no terminal setup, no port forwarding.
Smart CSV Import
Import with INSERT, UPSERT (ON DUPLICATE KEY), or REPLACE strategies. Auto-detects encoding and delimiters.
AES-256-GCM Encryption
All saved credentials encrypted at rest. Even if someone reads your data directory, passwords are safe.
MariaDB-Specific Safety Features
Safe Mode blocks dangerous operations that could harm your server.
Always Blocked (Cannot Override)
- DROP DATABASE
- SHUTDOWN
- INTO OUTFILE / DUMPFILE
- LOAD_FILE / LOAD DATA
Safe Mode Protection (On by Default)
- Blocks DROP TABLE, TRUNCATE
- Prevents DELETE without WHERE
- Prevents UPDATE without WHERE
- Auto-limits SELECT to 1000 rows
QueryGlow vs HeidiSQL
| Feature | HeidiSQL | QueryGlow |
|---|---|---|
| OS Support | Windows only | Mac, Windows, Linux |
| Safe Mode | None | Blocks destructive queries |
| AI SQL Generation | None | OpenAI, Claude, Gemini |
| UI Framework | Legacy Delphi | Modern React + Tailwind |
| SSH Tunnels | Yes | Yes (paste private key) |
| Team Access | No (desktop app) | Yes (web-based) |
| CSV Encoding Detection | Manual | Auto-detect |
| Inline Cell Editing | Yes | Yes |
| Query History | Yes | Yes (1000 per connection) |
| Credential Encryption | Optional | AES-256-GCM always |
| Price | Free ✓ | $79 lifetime |
OS Support
HeidiSQL
Windows only
QueryGlow
Mac, Windows, Linux
Safe Mode
HeidiSQL
None
QueryGlow
Blocks destructive queries
AI SQL Generation
HeidiSQL
None
QueryGlow
OpenAI, Claude, Gemini
UI Framework
HeidiSQL
Legacy Delphi
QueryGlow
Modern React + Tailwind
SSH Tunnels
HeidiSQL
Yes
QueryGlow
Yes (paste private key)
Team Access
HeidiSQL
No (desktop app)
QueryGlow
Yes (web-based)
CSV Encoding Detection
HeidiSQL
Manual
QueryGlow
Auto-detect
Inline Cell Editing
HeidiSQL
Yes
QueryGlow
Yes
Query History
HeidiSQL
Yes
QueryGlow
Yes (1000 per connection)
Credential Encryption
HeidiSQL
Optional
QueryGlow
AES-256-GCM always
Price
HeidiSQL
Free ✓
QueryGlow
$79 lifetime
Honest note: HeidiSQL is free and works well if you're on Windows. If you only use Windows and don't need AI or Safe Mode, HeidiSQL is a solid choice. QueryGlow is for developers who need cross-platform support or modern safety features.
One License, Six Databases
Your $79 license includes all six databases with unlimited connections.
MariaDB FAQ
Does QueryGlow support MariaDB?
Yes. QueryGlow supports MariaDB using the mysql2 driver. MariaDB is MySQL-compatible, so all features work identically: AI SQL generation, Safe Mode protection, SSH tunnels, CSV import/export, inline editing, and query history.
Does QueryGlow have Safe Mode for MariaDB?
Yes. Safe Mode blocks DROP DATABASE (always, cannot be bypassed), prevents DELETE/UPDATE without WHERE clauses, and auto-limits SELECT queries to 1000 rows. For MariaDB specifically, it also blocks dangerous operations like SHUTDOWN, INTO OUTFILE, DUMPFILE, and LOAD_FILE. Safe Mode is ON by default.
Is QueryGlow better than HeidiSQL?
It depends on your needs. HeidiSQL is free and works well on Windows. QueryGlow costs $79 but works on Mac, Windows, and Linux, has AI SQL generation, Safe Mode protection, and a modern web interface. If you're on Mac or need AI/safety features, QueryGlow is the better choice.
Can I connect to remote MariaDB servers via SSH?
Yes. QueryGlow has built-in SSH tunnel support with localhost binding and ephemeral ports. Paste your private key directly into the connection form—no terminal setup, no separate SSH clients. Connect to MariaDB servers in private networks without exposing database ports.
Does QueryGlow work with both MySQL and MariaDB?
Yes. QueryGlow uses the mysql2 driver which works with both MySQL and MariaDB. All features are identical. You can manage MySQL and MariaDB databases from the same interface.
Is QueryGlow secure for production MariaDB databases?
Yes. Credentials are encrypted with AES-256-GCM at rest. Safe Mode prevents accidental destructive queries and blocks dangerous MariaDB operations. Environment color coding (red for production) provides visual warnings. QueryGlow is 100% self-hosted—your data never leaves your servers.
Ready for a MariaDB GUI That Works Everywhere?
$79 once. Safe Mode. AI-powered. Mac, Windows, Linux.