Navicat vs TablePlus: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Navicat and TablePlus comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: TablePlus wins this matchup. Our overall Data & Databases pick is PostgreSQL. Our free Data & Databases pick is PostgreSQL. Pick Navicat if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Navicat
Manage all your databases visually, from MySQL to Oracle
Best for you if:
- • You want multi-database support
- • You want aI features
TablePlus
Modern, native, and friendly GUI tool for relational database management.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want beautiful database client
- • You want multi-database support
| At a Glance | TablePlus | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $39.99/moNon-Commercial Monthly | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Navicat or TablePlus?
Choose Navicat if
Manage all your databases visually, from MySQL to Oracle
- You want multi-database support
- You want aI features
- Budget matters ($39.99/mo vs Free)
Choose TablePlus if
Modern, native, and friendly GUI tool for relational database management.
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want beautiful database client
- You want multi-database support
| Feature | Navicat | TablePlus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 121 reviews | ★4.4/5 65 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesDeveloper Tools | Data & DatabasesDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Navicat
Manage all your databases visually, from MySQL to Oracle
Navicat's pricing is on the expensive side for individual non-commercial users, with the 'Non-Commercial Monthly' at $39.99.
Strengths
- +Multi-database support
- +AI features
- +Fortune 500 trusted
Weaknesses
- -Expensive licensing
Key features
TablePlus
Modern, native, and friendly GUI tool for relational database management.
TablePlus is one of the best values in database tooling.
Watch out
Update renewal: $59/device/year after the first year. The app continues to work without renewal, but you lose access to new features, bug fixes, and support for new database versions. If your database upgrades to a new major version, you may need to renew to maintain compatibility
Strengths
- +Beautiful database client
- +Multi-database support
- +Fast performance
- +Good UX
- +Native apps
Weaknesses
- -License per device
- -Subscription model
- -Free tier limited
- -Some features basic
- -Updates require sub
Key features
Pricing: Navicat vs TablePlus
| Plan | Navicat | TablePlus |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $39.99 Non-Commercial Monthly | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $399.99 Non-Commercial Yearly | $99 one-time Basic |
| Tier 3 | $79.99 Enterprise Monthly | $129 one-time Standard |
| Tier 4 | $1299 Enterprise Perpetual | $79 /seat Team |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Navicat pricing and TablePlus pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
TablePlus has a free tier. Navicat is paid only.
Go with: TablePlus
Want the highest-rated option?
Navicat: 4.6/5 (121 reviews). TablePlus: 4.4/5 (65 reviews).
Go with: Navicat
Value user reviews?
Navicat: 121 reviews (4.6/5). TablePlus: 65 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: Navicat
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Navicat is paid. TablePlus is freemium. TablePlus lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are data & databases tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Navicat is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
TablePlus
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Navicat
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (121 reviews)
The Bottom Line
TablePlus wins this matchup. Our overall Data & Databases pick is PostgreSQL. Our free Data & Databases pick is PostgreSQL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Navicat or TablePlus better?
TablePlus is rated in our evaluation. Navicat is paid and TablePlus is freemium.
What are Navicat and TablePlus used for?
Navicat: Manage all your databases visually, from MySQL to Oracle. TablePlus: Modern, native, and friendly GUI tool for relational database management..
What does Navicat cost vs TablePlus?
Navicat is a paid tool. TablePlus is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.