Database Workbench vs DB Designer
Database Workbench
upscene.comDB Designer
dbdesigner.netSide by side
| Figure | Database Workbench | DB Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $9/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 14 | 6 |
| Spec score · Database Design Tools | 9.2 (#1) | 8.3 (#9) |
| Headquarters | The Netherlands | The site lists its address as 700 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX 78701. |
Plans
Database Workbench
- Database Workbench LiteFree
- LiteFree
- Database Workbench module€199, paid once
- Database Workbench Pro for SQLite€259, paid once
- Database Workbench Pro for NexusDB€289, paid once
- Database Workbench Pro for Firebird€299, paid once
- Database Workbench Pro for MySQL/MariaDB€299, paid once
- Database Workbench Pro for PostgreSQL€299, paid once
- Database Workbench Pro for InterBase€309, paid once
- Database Workbench Pro for Microsoft SQL Server€469, paid once
DB Designer
- AcademicFree
- Non-ProfitFree
- Open SourceFree
- StarterFree
- Basic$9 a month
- Unlimited$17 a month
In their own words
Database Workbench
Database Workbench is a desktop IDE for designing, implementing, documenting and maintaining databases. It lists support for Oracle, Firebird, SQL Server, InterBase, PostgreSQL, SQLite, MySQL, MariaDB and NexusDB. Design tools include logical and physical diagrams, reverse engineering, visual object editors, migration and schema comparison. SQL Insight offers join completion in the SQL and code editors, alongside a drag-and-drop Visual Query Builder. Users can view and edit data, import and export it, transfer data between sources, compare data and work with BLOBs. The product also includes test data generation, query profiling, stored procedure debugging and custom reports through Report Manager. Professional adds ODBC and ADO connections and data pumping. Enterprise adds shared servers and databases, non-local workspaces, team to-do lists, shared code catalogs and built-in version control. It is described as a 64-bit Windows application that can run on Linux via Wine. Free Lite editions are listed for Firebird and MySQL, and a Trial Pro Edition is available. A SQLite module license is needed for full SQLite tools in Pro and Enterprise.
DB Designer
DB Designer is a web tool for visually designing database schemas without writing SQL. It generates scripts for MySQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQLite, and imports existing MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle scripts for reverse engineering. Teams can work on models together, use live comments or chat, and assign Owner, Editor, or Viewer access. Diagram tools include a minimap, keyboard shortcuts, instant saving with history, undo and redo, table cloning, automatic layout, notes, and comments. Users can export diagrams as PNG or PDF, or make a public view link. The free Starter plan costs nothing and allows two database models with 10 tables per model. Other free plans with unlimited models and tables are restricted to non-profits, current students and educators, or open-source project contributors. Basic costs $9 a month and Unlimited costs $17 a month. DB Designer says it encrypts communications through SSL and stores data securely with regular backups; support is available by email seven days a week, with live chat and phone support for premium users.