FlexTable: a native Beekeeper Studio alternative
FlexTable is a free, native database client for SQL and NoSQL. Beekeeper Studio is a clean, open-source client, but it is built on Electron, and its macOS download is around 269 MB. FlexTable is native, about a 14 MB download, with a shell-style MongoDB editor, free during beta.
Beekeeper Studio is genuinely open source (GPLv3) with a clean interface. This page is honest about where it wins.
Beekeeper Studio vs FlexTable at a glance
| Beekeeper Studio | FlexTable | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Community free (open source); paid from $9/month (Indie) | Free (full app during beta) |
| Architecture | Electron; the macOS download is around 269 MB | Native (~14 MB download) |
| MongoDB | Supported, but you query it by writing SQL against Mongo | Shell-style MongoDB query editor (find, aggregate, and more) |
| Redis | Supported (AI shell) | Redis workspace with commands and Pub/Sub |
| License | Open source (GPLv3) | Closed source, free during beta |
Beekeeper figures from beekeeperstudio.io, checked 2026-08-18. Beekeeper is open source and supports several databases FlexTable does not. FlexTable's edge is a native footprint and a Mongo-native editor.
Where FlexTable wins
Native, not Electron
Beekeeper Studio is an Electron app; its macOS build is around 269 MB. FlexTable is native, about a 14 MB download, roughly a twentieth of the size, and lighter on RAM.
MongoDB the way Mongo works
Beekeeper supports MongoDB by letting you write SQL against it. FlexTable gives MongoDB a native shell-style editor: find, aggregate, insert, and update, with schema-aware autocomplete.
A real Redis workspace, with Pub/Sub
FlexTable gives Redis its own workspace: run commands, browse keys by type, and watch channels live with Pub/Sub streaming.
When Beekeeper Studio is the better choice
Pick the right tool the first time. Choose Beekeeper Studio if:
- You want a genuinely open-source client. Beekeeper is GPLv3; FlexTable is closed source.
- You need DynamoDB, Cassandra, or SurrealDB, which Beekeeper supports.
- You prefer querying MongoDB with SQL.
What you get in both
Both give you a clean SQL editor, a fast data grid, and support for MongoDB and Redis. FlexTable adds a native shell-style MongoDB editor, a Redis workspace with Pub/Sub, auto ER diagrams, and query-plan visualization, in a ~14 MB native download.
Frequently asked questions
Is FlexTable free?
Yes. FlexTable is free during its public beta, with core features unlocked. Early adopters can claim one of 500 lifetime PRO keys, no credit card required.
Is FlexTable smaller than Beekeeper Studio?
Yes. FlexTable is a native app, about a 14 MB download. Beekeeper Studio is an Electron app whose macOS download is around 269 MB.
Does FlexTable support MongoDB with a native query editor?
Yes. You write shell-style MongoDB queries (find, aggregate, and more) with autocomplete. Beekeeper supports MongoDB by writing SQL against it.
Is FlexTable open source?
No. Beekeeper Studio is open source (GPLv3); FlexTable is closed source and free during beta.
Try FlexTable free
Download for macOS, Windows, or Linux. About 14 MB, installs in seconds, no account required.