Access from anywhere
MySQL Workbench is a desktop app. QueryGlow is a URL. Open it in a browser from whatever machine you are at.
Browser-Based Alternative
QueryGlow vs MySQL Workbench:
Browser GUI for MySQL and 5 More Engines
MySQL Workbench is Oracle's free desktop tool for MySQL, with modeling and server administration built in. QueryGlow is a multi-database alternative that runs in the browser and writes SQL from plain English with your own AI key.
$79 once for the whole team, every 1.x update included. Try the live demo first: the real app on a sample database, read-only, AI switched off, no signup. Its sample database is PostgreSQL; the screenshot below shows a MySQL connection.
“Beautiful interface and very intuitive.”
Jean-Francois, Mildor Violon, verified customer
https://db.your-company.com
Where QueryGlow differs from MySQL Workbench
Your rows stay on your server
QueryGlow runs on your infrastructure. Your rows never leave your server. No cloud account. No telemetry, no tracking.
AI writes your SQL
Describe what you need in plain English. Your schema is sent, never your rows. Use your own OpenAI, Anthropic or Google key, entered in the app.
Where QueryGlow and MySQL Workbench differ
A Desktop Install
Workbench is a desktop app you install and update on every machine. QueryGlow runs in the browser from one install on your server.
Built for MySQL
Workbench is a graphical tool for MySQL servers (MariaDB is not officially listed). Need to check a PostgreSQL database? Open another tool. QueryGlow handles 6 databases in one interface.
No AI
Workbench 8.0 has no AI features (release notes up to 8.0.47, April 2026). QueryGlow writes SQL from plain English with your own OpenAI, Anthropic or Google key.
One Machine at a Time
Can't reach your database from a borrowed laptop or a second machine without another install. QueryGlow is web-based: open it from any browser.
What QueryGlow Adds
AI SQL Generation
Describe queries in plain English with your own OpenAI, Anthropic or Google key, entered in the app. MySQL Workbench 8.0 has no AI features (release notes up to 8.0.47).
Web-Based Access
Open it from any machine with a browser. MySQL Workbench is a desktop app tied to wherever it's installed.
AI That Never Sees Rows
Ask AI sends your database type, table and column names with their types, and your prompt. Never rows.
6 Database Engines
PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, CockroachDB, TimescaleDB. One tool for all six.
EXPLAIN Warnings
Workbench has Visual EXPLAIN for MySQL. QueryGlow adds warnings and CREATE INDEX hints on the MySQL and PostgreSQL family.
MySQL Details
Drag columns into a new order on MySQL and MariaDB, with the exact ALTER shown first. JSON columns show as JSON text you can edit. TIMESTAMP values in your time zone and date format.
Full Feature Comparison
| Aspect | MySQL Workbench | QueryGlow |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $79 once, every 1.x update included |
| Where It Runs | Desktop app | Browser (the app runs on your server) |
| Database Support | MySQL (MariaDB not officially listed) | 6 databases |
| AI SQL Generation | None in Workbench 8.0 (release notes up to 8.0.47, Apr 2026) | Ask AI with your own OpenAI, Anthropic or Google key, entered in the app |
| Query Guard | Safe Updates (on by default) | Safe Mode: DROP DATABASE always blocked; DELETE/UPDATE without WHERE blocked by default; asks before writes on production |
| Platform | Desktop only | Web-based (any modern browser) |
| Data Modeling | Yes (ER diagrams) | Column edits (add, rename, retype, drop; reorder on MySQL/MariaDB) with an exact SQL preview, no ER designer |
| Server Administration | Yes | No |
| Performance Dashboard | Yes | No |
| SSH Tunnels | Yes | Yes (private key and passphrase; host key pinned on first use) |
| CSV Import/Export | Yes | Yes (INSERT, UPSERT or REPLACE) |
| Credential Encryption | OS password vault | AES-256-GCM (connections and AI keys) |
| EXPLAIN Visualizer | Visual EXPLAIN (MySQL only) | Visual plans for all 6 engines; warnings and index hints on the PostgreSQL and MySQL family |
| SQL Autocomplete | Schemas, tables, columns | Tables, columns with types, dot notation |
| Themes | Dark mode on macOS | Light, dark or system; six accent colors or your own |
Price
Workbench
Free
QueryGlow
$79 once, every 1.x update included
Where It Runs
Workbench
Desktop app
QueryGlow
Browser (the app runs on your server)
Database Support
Workbench
MySQL (MariaDB not officially listed)
QueryGlow
6 databases
AI SQL Generation
Workbench
None in Workbench 8.0 (release notes up to 8.0.47, Apr 2026)
QueryGlow
Ask AI with your own OpenAI, Anthropic or Google key, entered in the app
Query Guard
Workbench
Safe Updates (on by default)
QueryGlow
Safe Mode: DROP DATABASE always blocked; DELETE/UPDATE without WHERE blocked by default; asks before writes on production
Platform
Workbench
Desktop only
QueryGlow
Web-based (any modern browser)
Data Modeling
Workbench
Yes (ER diagrams)
QueryGlow
Column edits (add, rename, retype, drop; reorder on MySQL/MariaDB) with an exact SQL preview, no ER designer
Server Administration
Workbench
Yes
QueryGlow
No
Performance Dashboard
Workbench
Yes
QueryGlow
No
SSH Tunnels
Workbench
Yes
QueryGlow
Yes (private key and passphrase; host key pinned on first use)
CSV Import/Export
Workbench
Yes
QueryGlow
Yes (INSERT, UPSERT or REPLACE)
Credential Encryption
Workbench
OS password vault
QueryGlow
AES-256-GCM (connections and AI keys)
EXPLAIN Visualizer
Workbench
Visual EXPLAIN (MySQL only)
QueryGlow
Visual plans for all 6 engines; warnings and index hints on the PostgreSQL and MySQL family
SQL Autocomplete
Workbench
Schemas, tables, columns
QueryGlow
Tables, columns with types, dot notation
Themes
Workbench
Dark mode on macOS
QueryGlow
Light, dark or system; six accent colors or your own
MySQL Workbench features as documented on dev.mysql.com, September 2026. Workbench details are for Workbench 8.0; Oracle now ships Workbench 26.7 as its successor.
See it on a real database before you decide
$79 once for your whole team, every 1.x update included.
Try the live demo
Stripe checkout. You'll need a GitHub account for the repo invite. No refunds, so try the read-only demo first.
When MySQL Workbench Still Makes Sense
We're not here to trash Workbench. It's a powerful DBA tool. Here's when it's still the right choice.
Free
MySQL Workbench Community Edition costs nothing. Can't beat free if budget is your only concern.
Data Modeling
Built-in ER diagram designer for visual database modeling. Great for DBAs designing schemas.
Server Administration
User management, server status, configuration editing. Full MySQL server admin tools.
Performance Dashboard
Query profiling, performance metrics, slow query analysis. Useful for optimization.
Bottom line: If you're a DBA who needs data modeling, server administration, or performance monitoring, Workbench is free (see our MySQL Workbench download guide). For everyone else who mainly browses data and runs queries, QueryGlow is worth the $79, and our MySQL Workbench alternatives roundup covers the rest of the field.
Which One Fits You?
Keep MySQL Workbench If...
- You need ER diagram and data modeling tools
- You manage MySQL server users and permissions
- You need performance dashboard and query profiling
- You only work with MySQL and budget is $0
- You want the official tool from Oracle
Switch to QueryGlow If...
- You want one tool in the browser instead of a desktop install
- You work with multiple databases (Postgres, SQLite, etc.)
- You want AI SQL generation and a check before writes on production
- You want to add servers quickly: paste a connection URL or find local servers
- You need web-based access from any browser
Frequently Asked Questions
Is QueryGlow a good MySQL Workbench alternative?
For developers who mainly browse data, run queries and import or export, yes. Workbench is a desktop app; QueryGlow runs in the browser. QueryGlow adds AI SQL generation with your own key and a query guard that always blocks DROP DATABASE. If you need data modeling, server administration or performance monitoring, Workbench is still useful.
Is MySQL Workbench actually free?
Yes, MySQL Workbench Community Edition is free. Oracle replaced Workbench 8.0 (last release 8.0.47, April 2026) with the rebuilt Workbench 26.7 in July 2026. QueryGlow costs $79 once for your whole team: the browser instead of a desktop install, AI SQL generation with your own key, 6 databases, the full source code and every 1.x update.
What can MySQL Workbench do that QueryGlow can't?
MySQL Workbench has data modeling (ER diagrams), server administration tools, performance dashboards, and database migration wizards. If you're a DBA who needs these daily, Workbench is still useful. QueryGlow focuses on the daily developer workflow: browsing data, running queries, importing and exporting, and column-level schema edits (add, rename, retype, drop, and on MySQL and MariaDB drag to reorder) with an exact SQL preview before anything runs.
What does QueryGlow do differently from MySQL Workbench?
QueryGlow writes SQL from plain English with your own AI key, supports 6 databases, runs in any browser for the whole team, and asks before writes on connections marked production. Workbench has Safe Updates on by default, which stops UPDATE and DELETE without a key in the WHERE clause. QueryGlow's Safe Mode always blocks DROP DATABASE and by default blocks DROP TABLE, TRUNCATE and DELETE or UPDATE without WHERE.
Can I use QueryGlow for PostgreSQL if I'm used to Workbench?
Yes. Many developers use MySQL Workbench for MySQL and need a separate tool for PostgreSQL. QueryGlow handles both, plus MariaDB, SQLite, CockroachDB, and TimescaleDB, in the same interface.
Does QueryGlow have SSH tunnel support like Workbench?
Yes. QueryGlow has built-in SSH tunnel support. Paste your private key into the connection form and reach databases in private networks without exposing ports. The server's host key is pinned on first use; a changed key is refused.
Upgrade Your Database Toolbelt
$79 once. Runs in the browser. AI SQL generation with your own key. 6 databases. Safe Mode.
Try the live demo first: the real app on a sample database, read-only, AI switched off, no signup.
Compare QueryGlow with Others
See how we stack up against the alternatives.
Prefer nothing to install on your laptop? QueryGlow is a web-based SQL client: installed on your server with one command, then Postgres, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, CockroachDB and TimescaleDB from any browser.