DBConvert Streams

DBConvert Streams combines a database IDE with migration and change-data-capture (CDC) tools, best suited to developers, DBAs, and small teams centered on MySQL or PostgreSQL. It is a compelling self-hosted toolkit for exploration and data movement, but regular CDC and clean Load output require paid plans.

Overview

The product brings database exploration and SQL together with one-time Load migrations and ongoing CDC replication. MySQL CDC uses binlog replication; PostgreSQL CDC uses logical replication. Two-way replication and data transformations are supported, making the scope broader than a read-and-query IDE, though the paid migration and streaming capabilities make it important to choose a plan around the work you actually need to run.

CDC does not require Kafka, Zookeeper, or Kubernetes: NATS is bundled with the desktop app or Docker Compose stack. That trims infrastructure a small team would otherwise need to assemble, while a server deployment still calls for someone to manage its host or VM.

Key features

Database, file, and federated SQL

Connectors cover MySQL, PostgreSQL, Snowflake, local files, S3-compatible storage, and federated queries. Embedded DuckDB lets one SQL statement join databases with file and object-storage sources, a practical advantage for exploration without first consolidating data. Local-file workflows accept CSV, JSON, JSONL, and Parquet; target formats include CSV, JSONL, and Parquet.

Development and operations

The built-in AI assistant and MCP tools inspect live workspace data, while MCP operations are read-only. More than 80 REST endpoints, an OpenAPI 3.0 specification, and WebSocket language servers give developers several ways to integrate the product into their tooling. Passwords, SSL/TLS certificates, client certificates, and API keys are encrypted; Docker deployments can also use HashiCorp Vault.

Deployment choices include native Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop applications, or Docker on a server, VPS, bare metal, or cloud VM. The maker also offers assisted setup for a first migration or CDC stream and says it will respond within one business day, a useful backstop for teams adopting replication for the first time.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and includes the IDE, browser viewers, editor extensions, federated queries over two sources, five AI questions per day with an account, and a seven-day CDC trial. It is a sensible starting point for SQL work and limited evaluation, but the two-source cap and daily AI allowance constrain regular use. The CDC trial starts with the first CDC stream and covers up to three tables for seven days.

PRO costs $9 a month, billed Or $89 a year. It removes the federated-source limit, makes AI questions unlimited, adds PNG/SVG diagram export, and permits three devices per licence. It is the fit for users who need a fuller IDE and federated-query workflow, but it does not include an ongoing CDC stream.

CDC costs $99 a month, billed Or $990 a year per pipeline. It allows one CDC stream at a time per pipeline, counted across all devices, and includes PRO. That suits a team paying for ongoing replication, but the one-stream-per-pipeline boundary matters when multiple concurrent streams are required.

Load pass costs $149, paid once, billed 30 days, nothing renews. It includes clean Load output, unlimited runs for 30 days, and PRO. This is the clearest choice for a concentrated migration project rather than recurring CDC. Without the pass, Load marks text fields outside keys and relationships after 50 rows per table, a meaningful limit for validating larger tables.

Platforms

DBConvert Streams supports API, browser extension, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web, and Windows. Native desktop builds and Docker deployment provide a choice between local use and running the service on infrastructure a team controls.

Who it's for

Developers and DBAs working mainly with MySQL or PostgreSQL are the strongest fit, particularly when they want an IDE, migration workflow, and CDC without a separate Kafka, Zookeeper, or Kubernetes stack. Small teams can start with free exploration and evaluate CDC before committing. It is less suited to buyers who need multiple concurrent streams within a single CDC pipeline or who expect clean Load output without buying a time-limited pass.

Pros and cons

Pro: Federated SQL can join databases and file or object-storage sources in one statement, reducing friction for cross-source exploration.

Pro: Desktop and Docker CDC bundle NATS and avoid requiring Kafka, Zookeeper, or Kubernetes.

Pro: The free IDE and seven-day, three-table CDC trial let users assess core workflows before paying.

Con: The free federated-query allowance stops at two sources, and AI is capped at five questions per day.

Con: Ongoing CDC is priced per pipeline and permits only one stream at a time per pipeline.

Con: Load output is marked after 50 rows per table unless the 30-day pass is purchased.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, see Database Replication Software. Consider SymmetricDS if its free Community plan and wider mobile and desktop platform coverage suit your deployment needs. dsync is a free-forever open-source option for small projects and testing, with best-effort support and a commercial support add-on. DBSync may fit buyers who want to start with a free Developer tier capped at two connectors, 10,000 records, and three objects. Artie is worth comparing when its free tier's monthly billable-row and active-pipeline caps match the workload. Gluesync is another option for buyers willing to choose a paid product without a free plan. PeerDB offers a free open-source option aimed at individuals, with Docker setup and CDC, streaming query, and query-layer features. Striim lists a Developer plan with 25 million events per month and a Cloud option with custom pricing. Debezium is a free, Apache-licensed open-source CDC platform for readers who want that model.

Verdict

Choose DBConvert Streams if a MySQL- or PostgreSQL-focused developer or small team wants database exploration, migration, and CDC in a self-hosted environment without assembling a Kafka-based stack. Its strongest case is the combination of federated SQL, practical deployment choices, and bundled CDC infrastructure. Look elsewhere if clean Load output or multiple simultaneous streams are central requirements but the separate pass or per-pipeline CDC terms do not fit your budget or workflow.