plainDB: a TablePlus alternative for everyday database work
Consider plainDB as a TablePlus alternative when your daily work is browsing tables, filtering records, reviewing changes and writing SQL across PostgreSQL, Supabase, MySQL or SQLite. Both apps also include schema, analysis and transfer tools. Check platform support and release availability before switching.
Compare the workflow you need
| Decision | plainDB | TablePlus |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | macOS (macOS 14.4 or later, Apple silicon) and Windows (Windows 10 version 1809 or later, or Windows 11, 64-bit); features differ. | Mac, Windows, Linux and iOS offerings; verify features on your chosen platform. |
| Database coverage | PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB and SQLite on both platforms. Supabase via PostgreSQL. MongoDB on both platforms. | Multi-database coverage extending beyond plainDB's engine set. |
| Editing | Staged grid edits show generated SQL before applying. | Inline editing, code review and safe-mode features. |
| Finding records | AND/OR conditions, raw SQL filters, sorting and paging. | Advanced filters and object navigation. |
| Supabase setup | A Supabase preset and connection-string parsing; paste the exact dashboard endpoint. | Connect using PostgreSQL connection details. |
| Working with SQL | Statement, selection and script execution; result tabs, history, saved queries and Query Pad. | SQL editor with completion, formatting and query history. |
| Data exchange | Five text export formats. Both platforms include CSV import, table transfer and filtered whole-table exports. | Import and export workflows, including SQL dumps. |
| Availability | Mac 2.1.10 and Windows 2.1.11 are available on the download page. Physical Windows acceptance checks remain pending. | Released product with downloadable builds. |
Where plainDB is a useful fit
The core workflow keeps connection context, table data and SQL close together. You can narrow records with filters, inspect a row, stage an edit and read its SQL before applying. That review applies to staged grid edits; manually entered SQL follows the editor's Run controls.
Both platforms include manual transaction controls and saved row undo for supported PostgreSQL and SQLite tables. Both platforms also include result charts, a table designer, foreign-key lookup, ER diagrams, visual EXPLAIN, CSV import and table transfer. Backup tools use installed database utilities for server engines. The optional AI assistant runs on-device when Apple Intelligence is available. The feature matrix records the exact boundaries.
When TablePlus remains the better fit
Choose TablePlus when its additional platforms or a specific supported engine are essential to your work. If you already rely on a mature TablePlus workflow, test one complete task in plainDB before moving saved connections or team habits. This comparison does not claim a measured speed, memory or reliability advantage.
Ready to move your saved connections? Follow our guide to exporting TablePlus connections with passwords and importing them into plainDB for Mac.
Compare licence terms before price
plainDB's pricing page describes its 14-day trial and full-version licence terms. TablePlus lists perpetual licences with one year of updates; its free trial has limits that vary by platform. Verify current device allowances, update terms and checkout pricing on the official TablePlus pricing page.
For the capabilities summarized above, see TablePlus's product overview. Use our evaluation checklist to compare the same connection, edit and export task in both apps.
Check plainDB availability Explore the platform feature matrix