# DBeaver Community Published January 1, 2026 · Updated August 10, 2026 Universal database tool and SQL client Category: Developer Tools · Free · Replaces TablePlus ($99) · [Official website](https://dbeaver.io) ## Install with Homebrew `brew install --cask dbeaver-community` ## Quick take DBeaver Community remains the free universal database GUI to install first on Mac in August 2026. Version 26.1.x shows continued care, and commercial use stays free. Accept a heavier Java UI in exchange for breadth. Move to PRO or DataGrip when you need specialized AI, NoSQL, or elite SQL refactoring, not before. Best for: Developers needing free multi-DB access, Students, Consultants on short gigs, Teams standardizing on zero-cost tools ## What is DBeaver Community? DBeaver Community is the free, open-source (Apache License) universal database tool for SQL developers, analysts, and admins who need one client for many engines. As of August 2026 it is actively maintained: **DBeaver Community 26.1.4** released 2 August 2026, following the 26.1 line through June-July. The project remains the default free desktop GUI recommendation on Mac, Windows, and Linux when budget is zero and database variety is high. Community is intentionally not the full commercial product. It excels at connecting to popular SQL databases, editing data, running SQL, basic ER diagrams, and import/export. Advanced NoSQL/big data drivers, visual query builder polish, enterprise auth, AI chat, cloud explorers, and DBA toolkits live in **DBeaver PRO** editions (Lite, Enterprise, Ultimate, Team, CloudBeaver) sold at dbeaver.com. PRO 26.0 shipped 9 March 2026; PRO 26.1 notes call out expanded AI options and SQL scripting improvements. A related open-source CLI called **dbvr** also appeared in 2026 messaging. On Mac, Community ships as a Java-based app, with Apple Silicon builds available, and works well for everyday Postgres/MySQL/SQLite work. It is heavier than TablePlus but freer for commercial use than JetBrains non-commercial rules. Competitors include DataGrip, TablePlus, Beekeeper Studio, and Sequel Ace for MySQL-focused users. Install Community first. Upgrade to Lite/Enterprise only when you hit a concrete wall, NoSQL connectivity, SSO, task scheduler, schema compare, or AI chat, not because of guilt banners. The draw is coverage without per-engine fees. One UI for Postgres, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, SQL Server, Oracle, and others, with SSH tunnels and SSL for private hosts. It is heavier than native TablePlus, and the paid PRO line holds the NoSQL drivers, visual builder polish, enterprise auth, and AI chat, but for zero-budget SQL work Community is the honest starting point. ## Features - **Universal SQL database connectivity.** Connect to PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, SQL Server, Oracle (with drivers), and many others. One UI for polyglot stacks without per-engine licenses in Community. - **SQL editor and result sets.** Syntax highlighting, script execution, result grids, filtering, and basic editing of table data. Sufficient for most day-to-day CRUD and analytics queries. - **Metadata browser and ER diagrams.** Navigate schemas, tables, views, and relationships. Generate ER diagrams to understand unfamiliar databases quickly. - **Data transfer import/export.** Move data across CSV and other formats for migrations and sharing. Useful for bootstrapping fixtures or one-off analyst extracts. - **SSH tunnels and SSL.** Reach private databases through SSH bastions and TLS. Core remote-work feature for Mac developers without VPN-only access. - **Cross-platform open source.** Apache-licensed Community builds for macOS, Windows, and Linux with frequent point releases. Transparent GitHub issue tracker. - **Extension points toward PRO.** Clear upgrade path to visual query builder, AI, NoSQL, cloud explorers, and DBA tools when Community ceilings appear. - **Active 26.x release train.** 2026 Community builds (26.1.x) continue quality and driver updates; AI chat keyboard accessibility notes show adjacent PRO innovation. ## How to Install DBeaver Community on Mac Download the macOS package from dbeaver.io/download, install, and create your first connection. Prefer Apple Silicon builds on M-series Macs. 1. **Download Community 26.1.x.** Get the latest Community build from dbeaver.io. Avoid random third-party mirrors. 2. **Install and launch.** Open the DMG/installer, place DBeaver in Applications, and complete first-run workspace setup. 3. **Create a connection.** Pick your database type, configure host/SSH/SSL, test connection, then save. Import drivers when prompted. ## Pros - Completely free Community edition usable commercially - Huge database driver ecosystem - Frequent 2026 releases (26.1.x) - SSH/SSL remote connectivity - Cross-platform consistency for mixed OS teams - Clear upgrade path without forced ads ## Cons - Java UI feels heavier than native Mac clients - Advanced NoSQL/AI/SSO features require PRO - Occasional driver setup friction - Large result sets can stress memory - Visual polish trails TablePlus for some users ## Deep Dive: Community vs PRO in 2026 DBeaver's dual-track model keeps an Apache Community core while funding development through PRO. For Mac developers, Community covers the common case: inspect schema, run SQL, edit a few rows, export CSV, and move on. PRO earns its keep when you need the visual query builder daily, Mongo or Redis style workflows, AI chat that drafts SQL, task scheduling, schema compare and migration, or the cloud explorer for AWS, GCP, and Azure. Do not confuse Community's openness with PRO trial teasers, read the edition matrix on dbeaver.com/edition before you budget. On Apple Silicon Macs running Tahoe 26.x, grab the official aarch64 build, verify it, and keep it updated. Keep production credentials in a manager, use read-only users for live investigation, and name local, staging, and prod connections clearly so you do not run a DELETE on the wrong host. Teams in 2026 often keep Community installed even when they own DataGrip, because it stays free for commercial SQL work and handles driver updates through frequent 26.1.x point releases. When you weigh alternatives, factor driver setup friction and memory on large result sets against native-client polish, and test with your own databases rather than vendor benchmarks. Version numbers stay aligned, 26.1.4 Community alongside PRO 26.0 and 26.1. The 2026 release notes also mention dbvr, a CLI companion for scripting outside the GUI. For Mac setup, use the aarch64 package, allow network permissions, and turn down result fetch sizes, large fetches freeze laptops. Keep meaningful scripts in Git rather than only in DBeaver history, and color-code connections by environment so a prod host is never mistaken for local. ## FAQ ### Is DBeaver Community free for commercial use? Yes. Community is Apache-licensed and free for commercial use of its feature set. PRO editions are optional paid upgrades. ### What version is current in August 2026? Community 26.1.4 released 2 August 2026 is the current download line on dbeaver.io. ### Community vs Enterprise? Community covers core SQL workflows. Enterprise adds development/DBA tools, Git integration, broader sources, and more security/admin features for a yearly seat fee. ### Does Community include AI chat? Advanced AI chat capabilities are positioned on PRO editions. Community focuses on classic SQL tooling. ### DBeaver vs DataGrip? Community is free without non-commercial restrictions. DataGrip offers deeper SQL IDE intelligence and free non-commercial JetBrains licensing for hobby/learning. ### Does it run on Apple Silicon? Yes. Install the appropriate macOS build and keep Java runtime components updated via the official package. ### Can I connect to MongoDB in Community? Rich NoSQL support is a major PRO differentiator. Community users should verify driver availability for their exact engine or plan a PRO trial. ### Where do I download safe builds? Only from dbeaver.io for Community and dbeaver.com for PRO. ## Sources - [Download | DBeaver Community](https://dbeaver.io/download/) - [DBeaver Community home](https://dbeaver.io/) - [Compare DBeaver Products & Pricing](https://dbeaver.com/edition/) - [DBeaver 26.1.4 release notes](https://dbeaver.io/2026/08/02/dbeaver-26-1-4/) - [DBeaver releases category](https://dbeaver.io/category/releases/) - [DBeaver latest product releases summary](https://www.e-spincorp.com/dbeaver-latest-product-releases-and-updates/) ## Related - [Cursor](https://bundl.run/apps/cursor) - [Claude Code](https://bundl.run/apps/claude-code) - [ChatGPT](https://bundl.run/apps/chatgpt) - [Claude](https://bundl.run/apps/claude) - [Codex](https://bundl.run/apps/codex) - [Windsurf](https://bundl.run/apps/windsurf) - [DBeaver Community vs TablePlus](https://bundl.run/compare/tableplus-vs-dbeaver) - [DBeaver Community vs DataGrip](https://bundl.run/compare/datagrip-vs-dbeaver) - [DBeaver Community vs Beekeeper Studio](https://bundl.run/compare/beekeeper-vs-dbeaver) - [DBeaver Community vs pgAdmin 4](https://bundl.run/compare/pgadmin4-vs-dbeaver-community) - [Free alternative to TablePlus](https://bundl.run/https:/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization", "name": "Bundl.run", "url": "https://bundl.run", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://bundl.run/og-image.png", "width": 1200, "height": 630 }, "description": "The Ninite for Mac. Install all your essential Mac apps with one terminal command.", "sameAs": [ "https://github.com/abhiofficial/bundl-mac-setup", "https://x.com/bundlrun", "https://www.producthunt.com/products/bundl-run" ], "foundingDate": "2024", "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "customer support", "url": "https://bundl.run/faq" } }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://bundl.run/#website", "name": "Bundl.run", "url": "https://bundl.run", "description": "The Ninite for Mac. Install all your essential Mac apps with one terminal command.", "publisher": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization" }, "inLanguage": "en-US" }, { "@type": "Person", "@id": "https://bundl.run/authors/alex-chen#person", "name": "Alex Chen", "jobTitle": "Senior Developer Tools Specialist", "url": "https://bundl.run/authors/alex-chen", "worksFor": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization" }, "description": "Alex Chen has been evaluating developer tools and productivity software for over 12 years, with deep expertise in code editors, terminal emulators, and development environments. As a former software engineer at several Bay Area startups, Alex brings hands-on experience with the real-world workflows these tools are meant to enhance. Alex tests each application extensively on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, documenting performance metrics, integration capabilities, and workflow efficiency. When not reviewing software, Alex contributes to open-source projects and writes technical tutorials for the developer community.", "knowsAbout": [ "Code Editors & IDEs", "Terminal Emulators", "Version Control Tools", "DevOps & CI/CD", "API Development", "Performance Benchmarking" ], "image": "https://bundl.run/authors/alex-chen.svg" }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/dbeaver-community#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://bundl.run" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Apps", "item": "https://bundl.run/apps" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "DBeaver Community", "item": "https://bundl.run/apps/dbeaver-community" } ] }, { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/dbeaver-community", "url": "https://bundl.run/apps/dbeaver-community", "name": "DBeaver Community for Mac", "description": "Universal database tool and SQL client", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#website" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization" }, "inLanguage": "en-US", "datePublished": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z", "dateModified": "2026-08-10T13:34:04.000Z", "author": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/authors/alex-chen#person" }, "mainEntity": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/dbeaver-community#software" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/dbeaver-community#breadcrumb" } }, { "@type": "SoftwareApplication", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/dbeaver-community#software", "name": "DBeaver Community", "description": "Universal database tool and SQL client", "applicationCategory": "DeveloperApplication", "operatingSystem": "macOS", "url": "https://bundl.run/apps/dbeaver-community", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.logo.dev/dbeaver.io", "caption": "DBeaver Community app icon for Mac" }, "sameAs": [ "https://dbeaver.io/", "https://formulae.brew.sh/cask/dbeaver-community" ], "review": { "@type": "Review", "author": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/authors/alex-chen#person" }, "reviewBody": "DBeaver Community remains the free universal database GUI to install first on Mac in August 2026. Version 26.1.x shows continued care, and commercial use stays free. Accept a heavier Java UI in exchange for breadth. Move to PRO or DataGrip when you need specialized AI, NoSQL, or elite SQL refactoring, not before." }, "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "DBeaver Community", "description": "Universal database tool and SQL client" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#website" } }, { "@type": "Article", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/dbeaver-community#article", "headline": "DBeaver Community for Mac — Full Review & Installation Guide 2026", "description": "DBeaver Community remains the free universal database GUI to install first on Mac in August 2026. Version 26.1.x shows continued care, and commercial use stays free. Accept a heavier Java UI in exchange for breadth. Move to PRO or DataGrip when you need specialized AI, NoSQL, or elite SQL refactoring, not before.", "image": "https://img.logo.dev/dbeaver.io", "author": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/authors/alex-chen#person" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization" }, "datePublished": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z", "dateModified": "2026-08-10T13:34:04.000Z", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/dbeaver-community" }, "articleSection": "DeveloperApplication", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", ".key-facts" ] }, "about": { "@type": "SoftwareApplication", "name": "DBeaver Community", "url": "https://bundl.run/apps/dbeaver-community" }, "mentions": [ { "@type": "SoftwareApplication", "name": "TablePlus" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/dbeaver-community#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is DBeaver Community free for commercial use?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Community is Apache-licensed and free for commercial use of its feature set. PRO editions are optional paid upgrades." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What version is current in August 2026?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Community 26.1.4 released 2 August 2026 is the current download line on dbeaver.io." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Community vs Enterprise?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Community covers core SQL workflows. Enterprise adds development/DBA tools, Git integration, broader sources, and more security/admin features for a yearly seat fee." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Community include AI chat?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Advanced AI chat capabilities are positioned on PRO editions. Community focuses on classic SQL tooling." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "DBeaver vs DataGrip?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Community is free without non-commercial restrictions. DataGrip offers deeper SQL IDE intelligence and free non-commercial JetBrains licensing for hobby/learning." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does it run on Apple Silicon?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Install the appropriate macOS build and keep Java runtime components updated via the official package." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I connect to MongoDB in Community?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Rich NoSQL support is a major PRO differentiator. Community users should verify driver availability for their exact engine or plan a PRO trial." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where do I download safe builds?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Only from dbeaver.io for Community and dbeaver.com for PRO." } } ], "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/dbeaver-community" } } ] } ```