Looking for a TablePlus Alternative for Mac?

PostgresGUI is a lightweight, open source PostgreSQL client built natively for Mac. No subscription, no bloat, no data collection.

View Source on GitHub
Common Frustrations

Why developers search for TablePlus alternatives

TablePlus is a capable tool, but it's not the right fit for everyone. Here's what drives developers to look for alternatives.

High Cost

TablePlus costs $99 per device with a $59/year renewal for updates. That adds up fast across multiple machines.[1]

2 Tab Limit

The free version is limited to 2 tabs and 2 windows, which can feel restrictive when working with multiple queries or databases.[1]

Closed Source

Some developers prefer open source tools where they can inspect the code, and have full transparency.

Larger Footprint

At ~120MB installed, TablePlus is over 4x the size of PostgresGUI due to multi-database support.[2]

The Alternative

PostgresGUI: Built different

A native Mac app that does one thing well: PostgreSQL. No multi-database complexity, no Electron overhead, no subscription.

github.com/postgresgui

Open Source

Full source code on GitHub for full transparency and trust.

10x smaller

Lightweight

Just 27.1 MB. macOS Native. SwiftUI. No Electron.

No renewal fees

One-Time Purchase

Pay $12.99 once. Free updates forever. No subscription.

No data collection

Privacy First

Zero telemetry, zero analytics. Your data never leaves your Mac.

PostgresGUI - A native Mac PostgreSQL client
Side by Side

PostgresGUI vs TablePlus

A transparent comparison to help you make the right choice for your workflow.

Price
PostgresGUI
$12.99one-time
TablePlus
$99/device
Updates
PostgresGUI
Free forever
TablePlus
$59/year renewal
Open Source
PostgresGUI
TablePlus
Size
PostgresGUI
27.1 MB
TablePlus
~120 MB
Sources
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Honest Assessment

Which tool is right for you?

Different tools for different needs. Here's an honest look at when each option makes sense.

PostgresGUI

Choose PostgresGUI if...

Recommended
  • You work primarily with PostgreSQL
  • You use Mac as your main development machine
  • You value open source software you can trust and audit
  • You want a lightweight, fast tool without subscription fees
  • You care about privacy and want zero data collection
TP

Choose TablePlus if...

  • You need to work with MySQL, Redis, SQLite, MongoDB, or other databases
  • You work primarily on Windows or Linux
  • You need an iOS companion app for mobile access
  • You require advanced features like ER diagrams or plugins

Common Questions

Is PostgresGUI really free?
PostgresGUI is open source and the code is freely available on GitHub. The App Store version costs $12.99 as a one-time purchase to support development. There are no subscriptions, no renewal fees, and updates are free forever.
Can PostgresGUI connect to MySQL or other databases?
No. PostgresGUI is designed exclusively for PostgreSQL. This focus allows us to build a better, more lightweight tool without the complexity of supporting multiple database engines.
Does PostgresGUI work on Windows or Linux?
PostgresGUI is a native Mac app built with Swift. It's designed exclusively for macOS. If you need cross-platform support, TablePlus or DBeaver might be better options for you.
How does PostgresGUI stay so small?
PostgresGUI is built with native Swift and doesn't bundle a web browser engine like Electron apps do. It only includes what's needed for PostgreSQL, keeping the install size at just 27.1 MB.