Alternatives
DataGrip alternative without the subscription
DataGrip is a JetBrains IDE written in Kotlin and Java on the IntelliJ platform — a 970 MB installer that often needs 1.5–3 GB of RAM. RowDex is a free Tauri client under 50 MB for PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis, and BullMQ.
RowDex vs DataGrip
| Feature | RowDex | DataGrip |
|---|---|---|
| PostgreSQL & MySQL | Yes | Yes |
| MongoDB | Yes | Yes |
| Redis browser | Built in | Via plugin |
| BullMQ monitor | Built in | No |
| Price | Basic free forever | $99-199/year |
| Refactoring tools | Basic | Advanced |
| Code completion | Yes | Advanced (AI-powered) |
| Languages | Rust + TypeScript (Tauri) | Kotlin + Java |
| Made by | RowDex | JetBrains |
Size & memory
| Metric | RowDex | DataGrip |
|---|---|---|
| macOS installer | < 50 MBBest | 970 MB |
| Idle RAM | < 60 MBBest | 700 MB–1.5 GB |
| Memory in use | 60–100 MBBest | 1.5–3 GB |
| Stack | Tauri (Rust)Best | Kotlin / Java — IntelliJ |
| Annual cost | $0Best | $99–199 |
Installer sizes are official Apple Silicon downloads (September 2026). RAM figures are typical ranges for that stack — not a same-Mac lab run.
See every client side by side on the full benchmark page.
When RowDex is the better fit
- You want a capable database client without a subscription.
- You run Postgres plus Redis and BullMQ in the same project.
- You prefer lightweight native apps over JetBrains' platform.
- You're a solo developer or startup watching costs.
FAQ
Is RowDex really free?
Yes. Basic tier is free forever for PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, and MongoDB. No credit card, no trial expiration.
Does RowDex have DataGrip's SQL refactoring?
RowDex has basic autocomplete and formatting. Advanced refactoring (rename column across queries) is planned but not yet available.
Can RowDex open DataGrip connection exports?
Not directly, but you can copy connection strings or manually add the same connections. Migration takes a few minutes.
Is RowDex good for learning SQL?
Yes. The free tier with query history and saved queries is great for learning. AI SQL assist (BYO OpenAI key) helps explain queries.
Where do the size and RAM numbers come from?
DataGrip is Kotlin and Java on the IntelliJ platform (JDBC for database connections). The 2026.2.5 Apple Silicon DMG is 970 MB. JetBrains recommends 3 GB available RAM. RowDex idle RAM is the published figure (under 60 MB).
Try RowDex free
Native database client for macOS, Windows, and Linux. Basic is free — download and connect in minutes.