The Verdict: DataGrip vs DBeaver (TL;DR)
Quick Answer: DataGrip wins on code intelligence and JetBrains integration. DBeaver wins on price (free) and NoSQL support. Neither wins if you just need to view tables and run queries—both are overkill for that.
Here's who should pick what:
- •You use IntelliJ/PyCharm daily and have budget → DataGrip
- •You need NoSQL support or can't spend a dollar → DBeaver Community
- •You want Pro features without JetBrains pricing → DBeaver Pro
- •You just need quick data access without IDE overhead → Neither (keep reading)
Feature Comparison Table
Both tools support 30+ databases. The differences are in the details.
| Feature | DataGrip | DBeaver Community | DBeaver Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| SQL Autocomplete | Context-aware, fast | Basic, slower | Enhanced |
| Database Support | 30+ relational | 30+ relational + NoSQL | Same as Community |
| Git Integration | Native | Plugin required | Plugin required |
| Data Export Formats | 5 formats | 10+ formats | 10+ formats |
| ERD Diagrams | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Query Execution Plans | Visual | Basic | Visual |
| SSH Tunneling | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Team Collaboration | Via JetBrains Space | Limited | Yes |
DataGrip's autocomplete is noticeably faster once it indexes your schema. DBeaver gives you more export options for free. For a deeper look at DataGrip's positioning, see DataGrip compared to modern alternatives.
Pricing Breakdown 2026
DataGrip Pricing
| Plan | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | $229 | $183 | $137 |
| Organization | $289 | $231 | $173 |
JetBrains uses continuity discounts. You pay less each year you renew. Cancel, and you restart at full price.
DBeaver Pricing Tiers
| Edition | Price | Key Additions |
|---|---|---|
| Community | Free | Core SQL features |
| Pro | $199/year | Visual query builder, advanced security |
| Enterprise | Custom | Team management, audit logs |
DBeaver Community is genuinely free. No feature walls for basic database work. Pro adds visual tools and better MongoDB support. For a complete breakdown of all DBeaver editions and their pricing, see our DBeaver SQL client guide.
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Performance & Resource Usage
Both tools eat RAM for breakfast.
Typical Memory Usage (observed):
DataGrip: 2-4 GB RAM, 15-30s cold start, faster after indexing
DBeaver: 1-2 GB RAM, 10-20s cold start, Eclipse framework overheadDataGrip indexes your entire schema on first connect. Slow initially, faster later. DBeaver runs on Eclipse, which means Java overhead whether you want it or not.
If you're opening a database tool to run three queries and check some data, both feel heavy. That's the tradeoff of full IDEs—they're built for developers who live in them all day, not for quick checks.
For lightweight DBeaver alternatives that skip the IDE overhead, web-based tools are worth considering.
When to Choose Neither
Full SQL IDEs make sense if you're writing complex stored procedures or need deep code navigation. They don't make sense if you:
- •Just need to view tables, filter data, run basic queries → Skip the IDE
- •Want team access without paying per seat → Web-based tools solve this
- •Need self-hosted for compliance/privacy → Most IDEs are desktop-only
- •Context-switch between databases constantly → Unified interfaces beat switching apps
A browser-based SQL client gives your whole team access through a URL. No installs. No per-seat licensing. No 2GB RAM tax on every developer's machine.
For a broader overview of options beyond DataGrip and DBeaver, see our postgresql client comparison covering desktop, CLI, and web-based tools.
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