The Java Tax
DBeaver is built on Eclipse. That means 500MB-2GB of RAM just to view a table. QueryGlow runs in a ~100MB Docker container.
QueryGlow vs DBeaver:
Is "Free" Actually Free?
DBeaver is the Swiss Army knife of database tools. It does everything. But sometimes you just need a sharp knife that opens instantly.
Common DBeaver Pain Points
Startup Lottery
Will DBeaver open in 10 seconds or 30? Depends on your luck. QueryGlow loads in under a second, every time.
Driver Download Hell
"Download driver?" "Accept license?" "Connection test failed." QueryGlow has drivers pre-bundled. Just connect.
No AI Assistance
DBeaver makes you write every query manually. QueryGlow generates SQL from plain English using your choice of AI.
The Eclipse Problem
DBeaver is built on Eclipse—a full IDE framework designed for building enterprise Java applications. That's like using a semi-truck to pick up groceries.
Every click loads Swing components. Every query routes through layers of abstraction. Your laptop fan spins up just to show a table.
QueryGlow is built on Next.js and React—the same tech as Vercel, Linear, and Notion. It feels like a modern web app because it is one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | DBeaver | QueryGlow |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Java/Eclipse (heavy) | Web-based (instant) ✨ |
| Memory Usage | 500MB - 2GB+ RAM | ~100MB (Docker container) |
| Startup Time | 10-30 seconds | <1 second |
| AI SQL Generation | None ❌ | OpenAI, Claude, Gemini ✨ |
| Access From | Installed device only | Any browser, anywhere ✨ |
| Database Support | 80+ databases | 6 databases (covers 95% of use cases) |
| SSH Tunnel | Available (complex setup) | Built-in, one-click ✨ |
| Safe Mode | None ❌ | Blocks DROP TABLE, mass DELETE ✨ |
| Driver Setup | "Download Driver" popups | Pre-bundled, zero config |
| Dark Mode | Yes (Eclipse theme) | Yes (native, beautiful) |
| Price | Free / $199/year Pro | $79 (one-time, lifetime) |
Architecture
DBeaver
Java/Eclipse (heavy)
QueryGlow
Web-based (instant) ✨
Memory Usage
DBeaver
500MB - 2GB+ RAM
QueryGlow
~100MB (Docker container)
Startup Time
DBeaver
10-30 seconds
QueryGlow
<1 second
AI SQL Generation
DBeaver
None ❌
QueryGlow
OpenAI, Claude, Gemini ✨
Access From
DBeaver
Installed device only
QueryGlow
Any browser, anywhere ✨
Database Support
DBeaver
80+ databases
QueryGlow
6 databases (covers 95% of use cases)
SSH Tunnel
DBeaver
Available (complex setup)
QueryGlow
Built-in, one-click ✨
Safe Mode
DBeaver
None ❌
QueryGlow
Blocks DROP TABLE, mass DELETE ✨
Driver Setup
DBeaver
"Download Driver" popups
QueryGlow
Pre-bundled, zero config
Dark Mode
DBeaver
Yes (Eclipse theme)
QueryGlow
Yes (native, beautiful)
Price
DBeaver
Free / $199/year Pro
QueryGlow
$79 (one-time, lifetime)
Features DBeaver Doesn't Have
AI SQL Generation
Describe what you want in plain English. Only your schema is sent—never your data.
Safe Mode
Blocks DROP DATABASE, prevents DELETE without WHERE, auto-limits SELECTs to 1000 rows.
Web-Based Access
Access from any device with a browser. No installation on client machines. Share with your team.
One-Click SSH
Paste your private key, connect. No SSH config files, no terminal commands, no port forwarding.
Desktop App vs Web App
DBeaver (Desktop)
- Install on every machine you use
- Connections saved locally (not synced)
- Can't access from phone/tablet
- Each team member needs their own setup
- Updates require reinstallation
MODERN
QueryGlow (Web)
- Deploy once, access from anywhere
- Connections stored centrally (encrypted)
- Works on any device with a browser
- Team shares one instance (with auth)
- Updates deploy in seconds
Which One Fits You?
Stick with DBeaver If...
- You need obscure databases (Oracle, DB2, Teradata, etc.)
- You need ER diagram generation or data modeling features
- Your company mandates desktop apps only
- You have 16GB+ RAM and don't mind waiting
Switch to QueryGlow If...
- You use PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, CockroachDB, or TimescaleDB
- You want AI to help write your SQL queries
- You want web-based access from any device
- You value speed and a clean interface
- You want protection against dangerous queries (Safe Mode)
The Real Cost of "Free"
5 min
Daily frustration saved
20 hrs
Per year recovered
$79
One-time investment
If your time is worth $50/hour, DBeaver costs you $1,000/year in lost productivity. QueryGlow pays for itself in less than 2 hours.
DBeaver Pro: $199/year, forever
QueryGlow: $79 once, forever
Ready to Escape Eclipse?
Join developers who switched from DBeaver to QueryGlow and got their productivity back.
Compare QueryGlow with Others
See how we stack up against the alternatives.