Mako vs DBeaver in 2026: An Honest Comparison
Mako and DBeaver solve the same core problem -- running queries against databases -- but they come at it from very different angles. Mako is a browser-based, AI-native SQL client built for speed and collaboration. DBeaver is a Java-based desktop application that supports over 100 databases and includes heavy DBA tooling. Both are open source. The right pick depends on what you actually need.
This comparison reflects current versions as of early 2026.
At a Glance
| Feature | Mako | DBeaver Community | DBeaver Pro/Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (MIT) | Free (Apache) | From $11/mo or $250/user/year |
| Platform | Browser | Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) | Desktop |
| Database support | PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, BigQuery, Snowflake, ClickHouse | 100+ via JDBC | 100+ including NoSQL |
| AI query generation | Yes | No | No |
| Schema editing | No | Yes | Yes |
| ER diagrams | No | Yes | Yes |
| Team collaboration | Yes (shared connections, real-time) | No | Limited (Enterprise) |
| One-click APIs | Yes | No | No |
| Query scheduling | Yes | No | Yes (Enterprise) |
| Data export | CSV, JSON, Excel | CSV, JSON, XML, SQL, HTML, and more | Same + advanced formats |
| Visual EXPLAIN | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Installation required | No | Yes | Yes |
Mako
Mako is a web-based SQL client that runs entirely in the browser. There's nothing to install -- you open a URL and start querying. It connects to PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, BigQuery, Snowflake, and ClickHouse.
What it does well. AI query generation is the headline feature: describe what you want in plain English and Mako generates the SQL from your schema. Smart autocomplete understands your tables and columns. Team collaboration is native -- share connections, sync query history, work together in real time. You can turn any query into a REST API endpoint with one click, which is useful for dashboards and internal tools. The interface is clean and keyboard-driven.
What it doesn't do. Mako is a query and analysis tool. There's no schema editor, no table creation wizard, no ER diagram generator, no stored procedure debugger, and no DBA administration features. If you need to design schemas, manage permissions, or handle database migrations through a GUI, Mako won't cover those tasks. It also supports 6 databases -- a strong set, but nowhere near DBeaver's 100+.
Pricing. Free and open source under MIT license. Self-hosting is an option.
DBeaver
DBeaver has been a staple in the database community for years. The Community Edition is free and open source, and it legitimately covers most use cases. It's built on Java/Eclipse, which means broad OS support and an enormous plugin ecosystem.
What it does well. The sheer breadth of database support is DBeaver's defining advantage. If it has a JDBC driver, DBeaver probably connects to it. The Community Edition includes a visual query builder, ER diagrams, data export in a dozen formats, and a competent SQL editor. The Enterprise edition adds NoSQL support, query scheduling, and team features. For DBA work -- schema management, permission editing, data migration -- DBeaver provides a full toolkit.
What it doesn't do. DBeaver has no AI features. There's no natural-language query generation and no smart autocomplete beyond standard SQL completion. The Java foundation means slower startup and higher memory usage than native or browser-based alternatives. It's a desktop application, so there's no browser access, no shared workspaces, and no real-time collaboration in the free edition. The UI has improved over the years but still feels dense compared to modern alternatives.
Pricing. Community Edition is free (Apache 2.0 license). Pro starts at $11/month per feature. Enterprise runs $250/user/year.
When to Use Which
Choose Mako if you primarily work with PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, BigQuery, Snowflake, or ClickHouse and want a fast, collaborative, AI-assisted workflow. Especially good for teams that share queries and need to build quick API endpoints from SQL. The browser-based approach means zero setup and instant access from any machine.
Choose DBeaver if you work with many database engines (especially niche ones), need DBA tools like schema editing or ER diagrams, or prefer a desktop application that runs locally without network dependency. The free Community Edition covers an impressive amount of ground.
Use both -- seriously. Many developers use Mako for day-to-day querying and exploration (where AI and speed matter most) and DBeaver for heavier database administration tasks (where breadth and DBA tools matter most). They solve different parts of the workflow.
Bottom Line
DBeaver is the Swiss Army knife -- it does nearly everything for nearly every database. Mako is the scalpel -- focused on fast, AI-assisted querying and collaboration for the databases it supports. Neither replaces the other entirely.
Mako connects to PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, BigQuery, Snowflake, and ClickHouse with AI-powered autocomplete. Try it free at mako.ai.