Beekeeper StudioLinux
vs
HeidiSQLWindows
Beekeeper Studio as a Linux alternative to HeidiSQL
Updated
Our verdict
Beekeeper Studio is a solid replacement for HeidiSQL on Linux, especially for users who value a clean, modern interface and reliable core functionality. It supports all major databases HeidiSQL does—MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and SQLite—and adds strong tab management, query saving, and secure connection options. While it lacks some advanced features like visual query planning or complex session scripting, its stability on Linux and active development make it a good fit for developers and DBAs who primarily manage databases through queries and table editing.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 5.8.1 (June 2, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and SQLite
- Provides syntax highlighting and auto-complete in the query editor
- Includes a visual table editor with data import and editing capabilities
- Allows exporting query results and table data to CSV, SQL, and clipboard formats
- Offers persistent session management with multiple open connections
What is different
- Beekeeper Studio has a more modern tabbed interface with dedicated tabs for queries, DDL, and data
- Includes built-in encrypted password storage, which HeidiSQL lacks
- Lacks built-in support for running SQL Server on Linux natively (connection support is fine)
- No visual query builder or execution plan viewer like in HeidiSQL
- Does not support direct schema comparison or database synchronization tools
Opening your HeidiSQL files
Beekeeper Studio does not directly open HeidiSQL configuration or session files (.hds). Connection settings must be re-entered manually or via export scripts. However, SQL query files (.sql) created in HeidiSQL are plain text and open without issue in Beekeeper Studio. Exported data in CSV or SQL format from HeidiSQL can be imported seamlessly, as both tools follow standard formats.
Switching from HeidiSQL to Beekeeper Studio, step by step
- Install Beekeeper Studio via Flathub, Snap, or official .deb/.rpm package
- Recreate your saved connections by entering host, credentials, and SSL/SSH settings
- Use SSH tunneling or SSL as needed—Beekeeper supports both with encryption
- Import your .sql files directly; they’re plain text and fully compatible
- Organize frequently used queries using Beekeeper’s saved query folders
Key features of Beekeeper Studio
- Supports MySQL, Postgres, SQLite, SQL Server and others
- SSL encryption and SSH tunneling
- Tabbed interface with separate tabs for tables, DDL and queries
- Auto‑complete and syntax highlighting
- Save and organize queries
- Edit table data with staging
- Create tables via GUI
- Export to CSV, JSON, JSONL or SQL
How to install Beekeeper Studio on Linux
flatpak install flathub io.beekeeperstudio.StudioFrequently asked questions
Can Beekeeper Studio connect to the same databases as HeidiSQL?
Yes, it supports MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and SQLite—exactly the same engines HeidiSQL does.
Is my data safe if I save passwords in Beekeeper Studio?
Yes. Beekeeper Studio encrypts saved passwords locally using secure OS keychains or system storage.
Does it run natively on Linux without emulation?
Yes. Beekeeper Studio is a native Linux application available as a Flatpak, Snap, and native package.
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