Alternatives to phpMyAdmin
The classic MySQL web admin
phpMyAdmin ranks #8 of 9 in Database GUIs, with an Alt Score of 46. It is licensed under GPL-2.0, free and available on the web. 6 of 10 checklist rows are verified against a public source.
Developers, database administrators, and hosting users who need to manage MySQL or MariaDB databases without relying solely on the command line.
A web-based GUI for creating, editing, and dropping databases, tables, and records. It covers running and building SQL queries, managing users and privileges, and importing/exporting data in formats like SQL, CSV, and XML. It also supports handling indexes, relations, triggers, and stored procedures through the interface.
You install phpMyAdmin on a PHP-enabled web server and point it at a MySQL/MariaDB server, then log in through the browser with database credentials. From there you navigate databases and tables visually, or drop into a SQL tab to run queries directly.
Why people leave phpMyAdmin
Dashed reasons are sourced facts; the rest are opinions. Vendors can dispute.
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Ranked alternatives
Ordered by Alt Score. Click any score to see the breakdown.
Feature comparison
How phpMyAdmin compares with its alternatives, feature by feature.
| Database GUIs checklist | phpMyAdmin | Beekeeper Studio | DbGate | TablePlus | pgAdmin | DataGrip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | ||||||
| Starts at | ||||||
| License | ||||||
| Platforms | ||||||
| Databases supported | ||||||
| Query editor & autocomplete | ||||||
| ER diagrams | ||||||
| Data editing safety | ||||||
| SSH tunneling | ||||||
| Import / export formats | ||||||
| Open source | ||||||
| One-time purchase option | ||||||
| Team sharing of connections | ||||||
| Performance on large tables |
Every fact and feature listed for phpMyAdmin is verified against its own pages. Each alternative is sourced on its own page.
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License GPL-2.0 verified 2026-07-10
GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE Version 2, June 1991
https://github.com/phpmyadmin/phpmyadmin/blob/master/LICENSE -
Pricing model Free verified 2026-07-10
the GNU General Public License is intended to guarantee your freedom to share and change free software--to make sure the software is free for all its users.
https://github.com/phpmyadmin/phpmyadmin/blob/master/LICENSE -
Platforms Web verified 2026-07-10
A web interface for MySQL and MariaDB.
https://github.com/phpmyadmin/phpmyadmin/blob/master/README -
Status active verified 2026-07-10
phpMyAdmin release 5.2.3 ... Released October 8, 2025
https://github.com/phpmyadmin/phpmyadmin/releases -
Databases supported Partial verified 2026-07-10
MySQL/MariaDB only.
compatible with PHP 7.2 and newer and MySQL/MariaDB 5.5 and newer
https://www.phpmyadmin.net/downloads/ -
Query editor & autocomplete Partial verified 2026-07-10
CodeMirror editor; limited autocomplete.
Defines whether to use a Javascript code editor for SQL query boxes. CodeMirror provides syntax highlighting and line numbers.
https://docs.phpmyadmin.net/en/latest/config.html -
ER diagrams Yes verified 2026-07-10
Select your database in the navigation panel. Choose 'Designer' in the navigation bar at the top. Move the tables the way you want them.
https://docs.phpmyadmin.net/en/latest/faq.html -
Import / export formats Yes verified 2026-07-10
Comma separated values format which is often used by spreadsheets ... XML files exported by phpMyAdmin (version 3.3.0 or later) can now be imported
https://docs.phpmyadmin.net/en/latest/import_export.html -
Open source Yes verified 2026-07-10
GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE Version 2, June 1991
https://github.com/phpmyadmin/phpmyadmin/blob/master/LICENSE -
One-time purchase option No verified 2026-07-10
GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE Version 2, June 1991
https://github.com/phpmyadmin/phpmyadmin/blob/master/LICENSE
FAQ
Yes. Beekeeper Studio, DbGate and pgAdmin have a free tier or are fully free. Free-tier limits in the comparison table are verified and dated.
Beekeeper Studio, DbGate and pgAdmin — every license claim links its source.