FlexTable: a free, private TablePlus alternative
FlexTable is a free, native desktop database client for SQL and NoSQL. Against TablePlus, whose free version caps you at 2 open tabs and whose license costs $99, FlexTable is free during beta, keeps credentials on your machine, sends no analytics telemetry, and gives MongoDB a real query editor instead of a browse-only view.
TablePlus is a mature, well-built tool. This page shows where each one wins so you can pick the right fit. FlexTable is in v0.8.0 beta.
TablePlus vs FlexTable at a glance
| TablePlus | FlexTable | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 one-time (Basic), $129 (2 devices) | Free (full app during beta) |
| Free tier | 2 tabs, 2 windows, 2 filters at a time | No such limits |
| SQL databases | PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, SQL Server, Oracle, CockroachDB, Redshift, Vertica, BigQuery, ClickHouse, Snowflake | PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, SQL Server |
| NoSQL | Redis (command editor), MongoDB (Beta, browse-first), Cassandra | Redis (command editor), MongoDB (shell-style query editor) |
| Architecture | Native (per vendor) | Native (~14 MB download) |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS | macOS 12+, Windows 10+, Linux |
| Telemetry | Anonymous crash reports (AppCenter), can be turned off | No analytics telemetry; credentials stored locally |
| AI | LLM plugin | Built in, bring-your-own-key (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and more) |
| Maturity | Mature, stable, large user base | Beta (v0.8.0), fast-moving |
TablePlus figures from tableplus.com, checked 2026-08-18. TablePlus covers more databases and has an iOS app. FlexTable's edge is price, a real MongoDB query editor, and no analytics telemetry.
Where FlexTable wins
A real MongoDB query editor
FlexTable gives MongoDB its own query editor. You write shell-style commands (find, aggregate, insert, update, and more) with autocomplete, the same way you write SQL for Postgres. TablePlus lists MongoDB as Beta, and its documented workflow is a spreadsheet-style browser with filters. If you actually query MongoDB rather than eyeball collections, this is the difference that matters.
A real Redis workspace, with Pub/Sub
Both apps let you type Redis commands in an editor. FlexTable goes further: Redis gets its own workspace where you browse keys by type, edit values, and watch channels live with Pub/Sub streaming. That live Pub/Sub view is not something TablePlus documents.
Free, with no crippled free tier
TablePlus's free version limits you to 2 open tabs and 2 windows at once, and a full license is $99 (one-time, single device). FlexTable is free during beta with every core feature unlocked: no tab limits, no paywalled connections.
No analytics telemetry
FlexTable stores credentials locally and encrypted, and sends no analytics or usage telemetry. Queries and results never go to FlexTable's servers, and AI features call your chosen provider directly with your own API key. TablePlus sends anonymous crash reports through Microsoft AppCenter, which you can turn off in settings. If you want a client that does not report usage at all, that is the gap.
Preview an edit before it runs
FlexTable stages your changes and shows the SQL it will run, so you can check an edit before it hits the database. It is the same instinct as TablePlus's Safe Mode and code review, built into the editing flow.
When TablePlus is the better choice
Pick the right tool the first time. Choose TablePlus if:
- You need databases FlexTable doesn't support yet, like Oracle, Cassandra, BigQuery, ClickHouse, CockroachDB, Redshift, or Snowflake.
- You want an iOS app. TablePlus has one; FlexTable is desktop only.
- You need battle-tested stability today. TablePlus is mature; FlexTable is in beta, which means faster fixes and the occasional rough edge.
- You already bought a license and it works for you. There is no urgent reason to switch.
What you get in both
Both are native apps with a fast grid, schema browsing, query history, import and export, and safe editing. FlexTable adds auto ER diagrams, query-plan visualization (EXPLAIN / Analyze), charts from query results, Redis Pub/Sub streaming, and SSH tunneling with AWS RDS IAM auth, in a ~14 MB download that starts instantly.
Frequently asked questions
Is FlexTable really free?
Yes. FlexTable is free during its public beta, with core features unlocked. A paid PRO tier (optional, advanced features) is planned. Early adopters can claim one of 500 lifetime PRO keys, no credit card required.
Does FlexTable have a real MongoDB query editor?
Yes. You write shell-style MongoDB queries (find, aggregate, insert, update, and more) in the same editor you use for SQL, with schema-aware autocomplete. It is not a browse-only grid.
Is FlexTable a drop-in TablePlus replacement?
For PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, SQL Server, MongoDB, and Redis, the daily workflow maps over closely. If you need Oracle, Cassandra, BigQuery, or an iOS app, TablePlus covers more.
Does FlexTable send my data anywhere?
No. Credentials are stored locally and encrypted, there is no analytics telemetry, and queries and results are never sent to FlexTable servers. AI features use your own API key and talk directly to the provider you choose.
Is FlexTable built on Electron?
No. It is a native application, roughly a 14 MB download, built for instant startup and low RAM and CPU use.
Try FlexTable free
Download for macOS, Windows, or Linux. About 14 MB, installs in seconds, no account required.