Working with CockroachDB from the CLI gets the job done, but it’s not always the fastest way to explore data, run queries side by side, or adjust a schema. Sometimes you just need a GUI.
CockroachDB speaks the Postgres wire protocol, which means you can connect with a wide range of clients. The trick is finding one that feels fast, reliable, and modern.
Here we look at five CockroachDB GUI clients you can use today.
1. Beekeeper Studio
Available free for Windows, macOS, and Linux - download free here
Beekeeper Studio is a modern, open source CockroachDB GUI client available for macOS, Windows, and Linux. The Community Edition is free for everyone, with a trial available if you want to explore advanced features such as the AI Shell and support for additional databases.
With Beekeeper, you can open multiple query tabs, browse and edit tables in a spreadsheet-style view, and adjust schemas with only a few clicks. Autocomplete, saved queries, and flexible export options keep you moving quickly, whether you’re prototyping, debugging, or building production apps on CockroachDB.
Features for working with CockroachDB
- AI Shell: Ask questions in plain English and get runnable SQL for CockroachDB. The AI Shell is privacy-first, understands your schema and uses query results to add context, so you stay productive without losing control.
- SQL editor: Fast and keyboard-friendly, with autocomplete, history, and saved queries.
- Spreadsheet-style data view: Navigate, filter, and edit CockroachDB tables directly in a familiar interface.
- Schema editor: Modify tables, columns, defaults, and indexes through an intuitive interface.
- Import & export: Load CSVs into CockroachDB or export results to CSV, Excel, or JSON in a couple of clicks.
- Team workspaces: Share saved queries and connections securely with your team.
- Cross-platform parity: Same polished experience on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Beekeeper Studio is fast, intuitive, and built by developers for developers. If you want a CockroachDB GUI that makes everyday work easier without getting in the way, it’s the one to try.
Our efficiency for managing our SQL code is a 2-3x improvement using Beekeeper compared to before. Jeff Richter, VP of Information Technology, Claridge Products
Read more about how Beekeeper Studio makes it easier to work with CockroachDB.
Beekeeper Studio Links
What makes a great CockroachDB GUI?
The best CockroachDB GUI clients make everyday development feel smooth and productive, with benefits such as:
- SQL editor that understands CockroachDB: Autocomplete tied to your schema, instant query history, and no lag when results get big.
- Fast data browsing: Open tables in a grid you can scan, filter, and edit without ceremony.
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Simple schema changes: Rename columns, add indexes, and adjust defaults in a couple of clicks instead of writing raw
ALTER TABLEstatements. - AI assistance: Generate or refine queries with an AI that knows your schema — a real time-saver on large datasets.
- Cross-platform consistency: A modern interface that behaves the same on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
- Workflow touches that matter: Tabs, pinned tables, saved queries, and shortcuts to keep you moving quickly.
We’ve seen what a modern CockroachDB GUI can look like. Now here are some of the alternatives to Beekeeper Studio that you’ll come across.
2. DBeaver
Available free for Windows, macOS, and Linux – Download DBeaver
DBeaver offers plenty for power users but that comes at the cost of a cluttered, dated interface. And because it is built in Java on the Eclipse platform, startup times can be frustratingly slow. The split between the free and paid versions can also be confusing, as they’re hosted on separate sites with different branding.
Features for CockroachDB
- SQL editor: Autocomplete, query history, and saved snippets.
- Table browsing: Inline editing, filters, and export options.
- Schema tools: Inspect and modify tables, columns, and indexes.
- Data transfer: Import and export across multiple formats.
- Mock data generator: Populate tables with sample data for testing.
- Cross-platform: Runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Pros
- Established tool: Large community and regular updates.
- Feature coverage: Includes most database management functions.
- Multi-database support: Can connect to systems other than CockroachDB.
Cons
- Resource usage: Java-based, slower to start and heavier on memory.
- Busy interface: Multiple panels and menus can feel cluttered.
- Learning curve: Less straightforward for quick tasks.
DBeaver Links
3. DataGrip
Available as a paid product for Windows, macOS, and Linux – Download DataGrip
DataGrip is JetBrains’ closed source SQL IDE, designed for developers who spend much of their time writing and maintaining queries. Like DBeaver, DataGrip is built with Java, so has a fairly old-school interface, slow start times, high resource usage, and a high learning curve. If you like other JetBrains products like IntelliJ, and you’re comfortable with higher costs, you’ll probably also like DataGrip.
Features for CockroachDB
- SQL editor: Context-aware autocomplete, refactoring support, and query inspections.
- Schema navigation: Explore and manage schemas.
- Data editing: Spreadsheet-style table view with filtering and inline editing.
- Schema tools: Compare schemas and generate migration scripts.
- Execution plans: Analyze query performance.
Pros
- Strong editor: Autocomplete and refactoring tools help with complex SQL.
- Feature depth: Includes schema diffing, code inspections, and performance analysis.
- Ecosystem fit: Familiar for teams already using JetBrains IDEs.
Cons
- Resource usage: Heavier than lightweight GUIs, with slower startup times.
- Closed source: Subscription-based, with no permanent free tier outside education/OSS.
- Complexity: Rich feature set can be more than most CockroachDB workflows need.
DataGrip Links
4. TablePlus
Available as a paid product – Download TablePlus
TablePlus is a closed source database GUI known for its fast, clean interface and spreadsheet-style table view. However, although it does have versions for Windows and Linux, TablePlus is primarily a macOS product and users often report missing features and stability issues on Windows and Linux.
Features for CockroachDB
- SQL editor: Syntax highlighting, autocomplete, and query reformatting.
- Table view: Spreadsheet-like browsing with filtering and inline edits.
- Schema editing: Modify structures without writing SQL manually.
- Customization: Themes and shortcuts for the interface.
Pros
- Lightweight: Quick to install and responsive in use.
- Modern design: Minimal, visually polished interface.
- Ease of use: Simple workflows for browsing and editing data.
Cons
- Platform unevenness: Users report that Windows and Linux versions lag behind macOS in stability and features.
- Licensing: Free tier is limited; most features require a paid license.
- Feature depth: Lacks some advanced management tools.
TablePlus Links
5. pgAdmin
Available free for Windows, macOS, and Linux – Download pgAdmin
pgAdmin is well known to pretty much anyone working with Postgres. Thanks to CockroachDB’s Postgres wire compatibility, you can use pgAdmin with CockroachDB but it is slow, complicated, and harder to learn than more modern options. If you’re happy with a dated interface, though, pgAdmin provides a tree-style schema browser, SQL editor, and role management tools.
Features for CockroachDB
- SQL editor: Autocomplete and query history.
- Schema browser: Tree-style navigation for databases, tables, and roles.
- Role and permission tools: Manage users and access.
- Import/export: Support for common file formats.
Pros
- Free and open source: Widely available and actively maintained.
- Established tool: Familiar workflows for Postgres users.
- Stable basics: Query editing, schema browsing, and role management work reliably.
Cons
- Outdated interface: Visually dated, with a slower UI than modern tools.
- Workflow gaps: Few conveniences like tabs, saved queries, or inline schema editing.
- Slower pace of change: Development is steady but not focused on modern UX.
pgAdmin Links
Choosing the right CockroachDB GUI
Each of these CockroachDB GUIs has its place. DBeaver is popular but feels dated. DataGrip is packed with features but can feel heavy for everyday use. TablePlus promises to be cross-platform but offers a secondary experience on Windows and Linux. And, of course, pgAdmin remains dependable but shows its age compared to more modern tools.
Obviously we’re biased, but we think Beekeeper Studio is the stand-out CockroachDB GUI client. We built it to fix the frustrations we ran into with other tools — slow startup, clunky interfaces, steep learning curves, and high costs.
Instead, Beekeeper Studio gives you a modern design, true cross-platform parity, and a workflow that feels natural for developers. You can download the Community Edition free and start using it today.
Beekeeper Studio Is A Free & Open Source Database GUI
Best SQL query & editor tool I have ever used. It provides everything I need to manage my database. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mit
Beekeeper Studio is fast, intuitive, and easy to use. Beekeeper supports loads of databases, and works great on Windows, Mac and Linux.
What Users Say About Beekeeper Studio
"Beekeeper Studio completely replaced my old SQL workflow. It's fast, intuitive, and makes database work enjoyable again."
"I've tried many database GUIs, but Beekeeper strikes the perfect balance between features and simplicity. It just works."