11 BEST Database Management Software (2025)

Best Database Management Software

One must be familiar with the adage- Data is the new oil. No matter the size of your company, your most valuable asset as an organization is the pool of data accumulated over time.

Hence, it is paramount to use database management software to maintain and secure your data. It also removes the possibility of human error from the fold and gives you a complete overview of your data.

Well-equipped database management tool will help save money and resources in the long run. After investing 100+ hours of research, I have examined 40+ best database management software options, including both free and paid versions. My comprehensive and unbiased review provides well-researched and credible insights into the top tools. This ultimate guide will help you discover the best features, pros, and cons of each tool. Be sure to read the full article to uncover exclusive and trusted details.
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Editor's Choice
ManageEngine Applications Manager

ManageEngine Applications Manager is a widely used performance-oriented Database Management Solution. More than 6000 businesses worldwide run their data management processes with the exclusive aid of ManageEngine Applications Manager.

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Best Database Management Software (DBMS)

Name Backup and Recovery Supported platforms Free Trial Link
👍 ManageEngine Applications Manager Available Windows, Linux, Debian, Ubuntu, and Suse 30-Days Free Trial Learn More
👍 DbVisualizer Available Mac, Linux, and Windows Lifetime Free Basic Plan Learn More
Site24x7 Available Windows, Mac and Linux 30-Days Free Trial (No Credit Card Required) Learn More
MySQL Available Windows, Linux, and Oracle 30-Days Free Trial Learn More
Oracle Database Available Windows and Oracle 30-Days Free Trial Learn More

1) ManageEngine Applications Manager

Best overall database tracking software

ManageEngine Applications Manager is a popular tool for managing databases with a focus on performance. I have found that over 6000 businesses worldwide rely on ManageEngine Applications Manager for their data management needs. It offers important insights that help in managing crucial business tasks.

I particularly appreciate that it supports over 20 types of databases, including popular ones like MongoDB, Oracle, and IBM DB2. Additionally, it integrates with over 150 different technologies. In my experience, this makes it a top choice for performance monitoring across businesses of all sizes.

#1 Top Pick
ManageEngine Applications Manager
5.0

Backup and Recovery: Available

Multiple Languages: Yes

Supported platforms: Windows, Linux, Debian, Ubuntu, and Suse.

Free Trial: 30 Days Free Trial

Visit ManageEngine App. Manager

Features:

  • Technology Integration: I could integrate this database management tool with over 150 technologies, providing comprehensive solutions for diverse business needs.
  • Business Insights: It provides deep insights into the root causes of issues in business-critical applications, enhancing decision-making.
  • Application Monitoring: I could monitor individual applications and evaluate end-user satisfaction, ensuring optimal performance across all services.
  • Perspective Management: It allowed me to group multiple monitors together to gain a valuable and comprehensive perspective.
  • Backup and Recovery: The tool provides robust options for safeguarding data, enabling easy backup processes and swift recovery in case of data loss.
  • Multiple Languages: This software supports various languages, offering a versatile user interface that caters to a global audience for enhanced accessibility.
  • Supported Platforms: I found it compatible with a broad range of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, Debian, Ubuntu, and Suse, ensuring flexible deployment options.

Pros

  • Easy setup process that entails no additional hassle
  • I found that this software sends fault alerts without fail
  • It has a critical alarm if CPU usage hits 100% to help prevent the system from imploding

Cons

  • I was disappointed that there is no mobile app for this software
  • Once an alarm is generated, it cannot be removed unless the polls are done manually

Pricing:

  • Price: Plans start at $395/ per year for 10 database servers.
  • Free Trial: Yes, 30 days.

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30-Days Free Trial


2) DbVisualizer

Best for SQL database analysis and development

I tested DbVisualizer and found out that it is a robust tool for managing databases. It supports multiple databases and offers the same user interface across all operating systems. The sleek user interface helps you navigate with ease.

The app can work on all major operating systems and comes with support for all well known RDBMS that is available on the market.

#2
DbVisualizer
4.9

Backup and Recovery: Available

Multiple Languages: Yes

Supported platforms: Mac, Linux, and Windows

Free Trial: 21 Days Free Trial

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Features:

  • Database Compatibility: It works great with No-SQL databases and offers seamless integration with various database systems.
  • Data Migration: With the capability to migrate data easily, I could ensure compatibility with relational databases, which was perfect for achieving smooth data transitions and avoiding potential conflicts.
  • System Virtualization: It virtualizes the entire system and showcases it to users through an interactive user interface.
  • Asset Monitoring: This platform provides effective monitoring of asset health and usage, providing critical insights for maintenance.
  • Backup and Recovery: With DbVisualizer, I received robust tools for data backup and recovery, ensuring my databases were safeguarded against data loss incidents.
  • Multiple Languages: DbVisualizer supports various languages, making it accessible to a global user base by facilitating more straightforward navigation and usage.
  • Supported Platforms: It is designed for cross-platform compatibility; hence, I could seamlessly use it on Mac, Linux, and Windows environments for diverse user convenience.

Pros

  • Creates an ER diagram of the connected database and every individual database object
  • It allows exporting parts or whole of tables and sheets to SQL and other formats
  • I received advanced features which make it a perfect choice for software professionals
  • In my experience, this database management tool is phenomenal, providing a complete solution without compromise

Cons

  • Changes in server settings sometimes cause the loss of individual settings
  • I noticed that it can be a bit confusing at times

Pricing:

  • Price: Plans start at $197 a month.
  • Free Trial: Lifetime free basic plan.

Visit DbVisualizer >>

21-Days Free Trial


3) Site24x7

Best for SQL Query Analysis

Site24x7 is a great tool for monitoring and analyzing database performance. It helps you monitor every part of your system in one place. It is competitively priced and is the go-to application performance monitoring platform for DevOps and IT operations teams for industries of all sizes.

#3
Site24x7
4.8

Backup and Recovery: Available

Multiple Languages: Yes

Supported platforms: Windows, Mac and Linux

Free Trial: 30-Days Free Trial (No Credit Card Required)

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Features:

  • Monitoring: It has real user monitoring integration for a comprehensive view of the front end and back end of the application from a single console. The server metrics integration offers insights into the performance of servers connected to the application.
  • Issue Notifications: You can receive emails, SMS, or voice calls when there is downtime, thus allowing you to resolve problems quickly.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: I received 24×7 monitoring of the network in real-time, which helped me avoid any downtime.
  • Integrations: Site24X7 integrates with PagerDuty, Opsgenie, ServiceNow, Jira, Moogsoft, ConnectWise Manage, Zoho Desk, and ManageEngine AlarmsOne.
  • Multiple Languages: I noticed that it accommodates a diverse user base by supporting various programming languages, enhancing accessibility and usability.
  • Supported Platforms: This tool is available on Windows and Linux to cover multiple system requirements.

Pros

  • Using Site24x7’s tool helped me boost SQL server performance and reduce disruptions, enhancing operational efficiency
  • It supports monitoring SQL-specific KPIs in a single console
  • The easy-to-use interface made my daily operations smooth

Cons

  • I noticed that Site24×7’s focus on SQL server monitoring might miss some aspects of broader IT infrastructure, needing extra tools

Pricing:

  • Price: Plans start at $42 a month.
  • Free Trial: 30 Days Free Trial (No Credit Card Required)

Visit Site24x7 >>

30-Days Free Trial (No Credit Card Required)


4) MySQL

Best for managing business-critical SQL applications

MySQL is an open-source database management system. I explored its advanced features and comprehensive management tools, and I was able to access strong technical support. According to my research, it is one of the most reliable systems for scalability, uptime, and security. I found out that it offers query performance which is 3% above the average for relational databases.

MySQL

Features:

  • Backup and Recovery: MySQL offers robust tools for backing up databases, allowing for efficient data recovery and minimal downtime. I could access full, partial, incremental, and point-in-time recovery. 
  • Data Replication: It provides class-leading data replication and manages relational databases with remarkable ease and efficiency.
  • Database Control: This platform helped me access and manage my entire database seamlessly from a single screen.
  • Data Migration: I benefitted from using this feature for efficient and reliable data migration between different databases.
  • Multiple Languages: MySQL supports many programming languages, including PHP, Java, C++, Python, and more, facilitating versatile development.
  • Supported Platforms: I could run it on various platforms, such as Windows, Linux, and Oracle Solaris, which ensured broad compatibility and deployment flexibility.

Pros

  • The 24/7 support is available with a team that is always ready to assist 
  • Offers unparalleled stability and scalability
  • It can be installed and set up with great ease
  • I liked its data portability, which is offered with the help of secondary databases

Cons

  • I was not pleased with the absence of automatic updates
  • Requires repeated reboots to resolve even minor issues

Pricing:

  • Price: Community Edition is free.
  • Free Trial: Free download is available.

Link: https://www.mysql.com/


5) Oracle Database

Best for its security and reliability

Oracle Database is a reliable cloud-based database management software. I analyzed its focus on innovation and agility, and I could access a faster time to market. It also reduces risks, making it a great option compared to on-premises setups.

The systematic use of AI-based solutions and machine learning guarantees that many of the routine functions get automated, alleviating the troubles of database administrators. According to my research, this allows you greater freedom to focus on high-value tasks that require human intervention.

Oracle Database

Features:

  • Data Availability: It offers high-data availability through business intelligence and Hyperscale performance using sharding automation.
  • Data Scanning: The native, binary JSON document format helped me access faster scans and updates more effectively, thus making it essential for efficient data handling.
  • Execution Efficiency: Its Javascript execution enhances efficiency in modern languages by reducing network roundabout times effectively.
  • Automated Machine Learning: As per my observation, the AutoML feature streamlines data access and boosts performance, offering over 50 statistical functions.
  • Security Management: It helped me limit security risks, reduce latency, and eliminate memory limitation issues efficiently.
  • Backup and Recovery: Oracle Database offers robust tools for data backup and quick recovery to protect against data loss and ensure continuity.
  • Multiple Languages: I noticed that it supports a variety of programming languages. Thus enabling developers to use their preferred languages for database operations and application development.
  • Supported Platforms: It is compatible with Windows and Oracle Solaris, which offers flexible deployment options across different operating environments.

Pros

  • Database Optimiser is very effective in reducing response time
  • The flashback technology allows for minor faults to be rectified in the recent past
  • I like that it saves tons of time that I would otherwise spend on recovery
  • I could rely on its excellent customer assistance whenever needed

Cons

  • High licensing costs make it difficult for small business owners to get their hands on it
  • I struggled with the Cluster or RAC installation. It was one of the most complex and time-consuming tasks I encountered

Pricing:

  • Price: Custom plans for Enterprise users.
  • Free Trial: Lifetime free basic plan.

Link: http://www.oracle.com/


6) Valentina Studio

Best for small organizations with limited budgets

Valentina Studio is a powerful columnar database for high-speed data processing. I could use it to process data nearly 1000 times faster than traditional databases. I discovered that it easily ports data from other relational databases. It also allows editing multiple properties at the same time.

Valentina Studio

Features:

  • Database Management: I discovered that dockable views were one of the best solutions for managing multiple databases, offering the most effective flexibility I needed.
  • Reverse Engineering: It develops a working diagram of existing databases, allowing for the seamless addition of new objects.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: I received live log viewing and intuitive real-time diagnostic checks, which made sure of continuous database performance.
  • Backup and Recovery: It offers robust tools for data backup and swift recovery processes, ensuring your database’s safety and integrity.
  • Multiple Languages: As per my research, it supports multiple programming languages, which enhances its usability and accessibility for developers worldwide.
  • Supported Platforms: I found it compatible with Mac and Windows, and it also supports Oracle databases, providing versatile platform options for users.

Pros

  • The Foreign key constraint data viewer feature is one of its primary USPs
  • It supports every database in existence
  • Auto-completion and color syntax features are available while writing SQL queries
  • I discovered that this software is excellent for organizing and modifying event schedules

Cons

  • I was unhappy with the time it took to connect to the database servers
  • The user interface requires a total revamp as it is cluttered and feels unorganized

Pricing:

  • Price: Plans start at $199.99 per month
  • Free Trial: Lifetime free basic plan

Link: https://www.valentina-db.com/


7) Microsoft SQL Server

Best for comprehensive database management solution

During my assessment, I found Microsoft SQL Server as one of the best relational database management systems (RDBMS). It helps you to store, manage, and modify relational data efficiently.

Let us look at the components and software you can install:

  • SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services) – helps to build ETL solutions
  • MDS (SQL Server Master Data Services) – allows comprehensive data management
  • DQS (SQL Server Data Quality Services)-helps build a knowledge base and allows data cleansing to be performed
  • SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services) – creates visualizations and reports
  • SSAS (SQL Server Analysis Services)-helps with data mining and analytical processes

Microsoft SQL Server

Features:

  • Developer Edition: I could access the free developer edition, which provided me with easily accessible product documentation.
  • Online Documentation: It has detailed online documentation that allows you to make claims without needing any additional paperwork.
  • Instructional Guides: You can get plenty of demos, and guides are available to help you effectively set up the software.
  • Tool Integration: I could integrate it with various tools, helping me boost and speed up my data management processes.
  • Backup and Recovery: Microsoft SQL Server ensures reliable data protection with comprehensive backup and recovery options for safeguarding your information.
  • Multiple Languages: I noticed that it supports diverse programming languages, enabling developers to utilize SQL, Python, Java, and more for database management and analytics.
  • Supported Platforms: This SQL Server is versatile, as it runs seamlessly on Windows, Docker, and Linux.

Pros

  • The software supports multiple editions without any additional hassle
  • Allows for both on-premises and cloud database support
  • I liked its customer support, as it was quite responsive

Cons

  • The software is costly when compared to its competitors
  • I was disappointed by the complexity of the licensing process

Pricing:

  • Price: Plans start at $14256 for a per-core license.
  • Free Trial: Yes, 180- day free trial.

Link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/sql-server/


8) IBM DB2

Best for running mission-critical workloads for businesses

According to my review, IBM DB2 is built to help developers, architects, and enterprises with low-latency transactions and real-time analytics. It provided me with the capability to manage the most demanding workloads effectively.

DB2 is a tested database that is resilient and of a hybrid nature. This enables businesses to run their systems, be it microservices or AI-based, with extreme availability, scalability, security, and intelligent automation.

IBM DB2

Features:

  • Data Dictionary Management: Using comprehensive Data Dictionary management, I was able to achieve detailed control over data definitions, which is a great way to enhance data management practices.
  • Database Conversion: The conversion tool is great for in-database processing, thus helping me streamline my database operations.
  • Storage Optimization: It optimizes storage to allow maximum potential space, ensuring efficient utilization of my database resources.
  • Database Monitoring: DB2 allowed me to monitor the entire database seamlessly from a single screen, simplifying management tasks.
  • Backup and Recovery: It provides robust data protection, which enabled me to efficiently back up and restore databases to ensure data integrity.
  • Multiple Languages: IBM DB2 supports various programming languages, facilitating the development of applications across different coding environments.
  • Supported Platforms: I could run it effortlessly on Windows, Mac, Unix, and Linux operating systems, which gives users a broad deployment option.

Pros

  • Continuous updates are being pushed by developers to better the software
  • It handles complex queries with ease and allows for pressure reduction on other applications
  • I found the installation steps quite easy to follow
  • Allows for easy integration with third-party applications
  • Requires a business license to utilize the software to its maximum potential

Cons

  • I was unimpressed by the cost as it is significantly more expensive than its peers
  • A capacity problem might arise at times that will hinder the effectiveness

Pricing:

  • Price: Plans start from $1000.
  • Free Trial: 30-day free trial.

Link: https://www.ibm.com/db2


9) Hadoop HDFS

Best for parallel processing

I personally recommend Hadoop HDFS, a distributed file system built for managing large data sets. It uses commodity hardware, which makes it easy to maintain and highly effective. As per my review, a copious amount of data is stored inside the software for easy access.

Since the volume of files is usually huge, the files are stored on separate machines. Its files are stored redundantly, so there is no risk of data loss in case of system failure. The software also makes applications available for parallel processing.

Hadoop HDFS

Features:

  • Processing Optimization: I benefitted from using its optimized processing capacity, which allowed me to maximize distributed storage efficiency.
  • Command Interface: Its command interface allows you to interact seamlessly with HDFS for efficient data management.
  • Cluster Monitoring: I noticed that the status of clusters can be easily checked using built-in data node and name node servers.
  • File System Access: It helped me streamline access to file system data, offering comprehensive permissions and robust file authentication.
  • Backup and Recovery: With Hadoop HDFS, I received built-in mechanisms for data backup and recovery, ensuring resilience against data loss.
  • Multiple Languages: It supports APIs in various programming languages, which helps developers interact with data stored in Hadoop using their preferred language.
  • Supported Platforms: I found it compatible with both Windows and Oracle platforms, providing flexibility in deployment environments.

Pros

  • It is one of the most inexpensive database management solutions available on the market
  • I observed that the database functions remarkably well on a scalable model
  • The flexibility of the software enables it to work with any form of database
  • It minimizes network traffic by breaking the work into small subtasks

Cons

  • The software faces problems when it has to deal with small files
  • I was concerned that the Java framework increases vulnerability to cybercrimes. It did not provide the security I was hoping for

Pricing:

  • Price: Lifetime free plan.

Link: https://hadoop.apache.org/


10) PHPMyAdmin

Best for administration of MySQL over the internet

During my research, I found PHPMyAdmin to be an open-source database management solution. It is great for managing MariaDB and MySQL databases over the web. As per my research, its PHP code makes web hosting a breeze.

It is a helpful DBMS tool that allows data alteration, modification, or deletion. Furthermore, it can change the table structure of a database. I could manage multiple databases at the same time and it also helped me process various SQL queries and manage users, indexes, and permissions.

PHPMyAdmin

Features:

  • User Interface: With the intuitive user interface, I was able to navigate easily, providing me with a seamless experience. Thus making it one of the easiest platforms to work with.
  • Database Operations: It offers support for several database operations, which makes it essential for comprehensive management.
  • Data Import/Export: This tool supports SQL and CSV files for data input, with export options to nearly all file formats.
  • Server Administration: It helped me administer multiple servers simultaneously,  which streamlined the management and boosted efficiency.
  • Backup and Recovery: PHPMyAdmin provides tools for easily backing up and restoring databases, ensuring data safety and recovery in case of loss.
  • Multiple Languages: This platform supports a wide range of languages, offering a user-friendly interface for global users to manage databases comfortably.
  • Supported Platforms: I could run this versatile platform on major operating systems like Windows, Oracle, and Linux, meaning it caters to diverse server environments.

Pros

  • The database layout can be seen in various formats as a graphical representation
  • Complex queries can be generated using the QBE feature
  • I liked how it enables a global search in every database
  • Helps me transform my data into any target format

Cons

  • Does not come equipped with schema visualization capabilities
  • I was frustrated by the absence of an auto-compilation feature

Pricing:

  • Price: Lifetime free plan.

Link: https://www.phpmyadmin.net/


11) MongoDB

Best for Development and scaling

I reviewed MongoDB, an open-source database management solution widely used by businesses. It is a document database that helps enterprises with development and scaling by simplifying the process.

It comes with both on-site and cloud-hosted deployment schemes. MongoDB also offers a free tier to get you started on the software. And the best part is there is no overhead in the installation and setup process. I also noticed that using a document base comes with many advantages. It reduces the need for expensive joins for embedded documents, and it offers fluent polymorphism with dynamic schema.

MongoDB

Features:

  • Real-Time Analytics: It offered me real-time, optimized analytics that was provided through ad-hoc queries, which improved my data insights.
  • Advanced Query Execution: Advanced query executions are enhanced through appropriate indexing, making data retrieval highly efficient.
  • Data Stability: Its replication ensures enhanced data stability and availability, safeguarding your critical information effectively.
  • Load Balancing: I received effective sharding and optimized load balancing that made sure I got consistent performance under heavy loads.
  • Multiple Languages: MongoDB supports a wide array of programming languages, enabling seamless integration with diverse development environments.
  • Supported Platforms: I was able to use it on major operating systems like Windows, Oracle Solaris, and Linux.

Pros

  • Point-in-time recovery feature allows you to select the exact moment for your backup
  • It is designed through collations instead of the usual rows and columns found in relational databases
  • I noticed that it uses minimal disk space, which lets me maximize storage without sacrificing functionality

Cons

  • Doesn’t support writing business logic at the database level
  • I was not pleased with the absence of a join operation feature

Pricing:

  • Price: The plan starts at $9/month (M2 Cluster).
  • Free Trial: Free basic plan.

Link: https://www.mongodb.com/

How do I choose the right DBMS for my organization?

While choosing a DBMS, make sure to understand what exactly you expect out of it. And then, go for the DBMS that will cater to the need that you specifically require assistance with.

Here are the list of key factors that I recommend  considering:

  • Functionality: List your business requirements and check for functionality.
  • Scalability and useability: Ability to increase system resources to match the company’s growth.
  • Security: Tools and measures to tackle security concerns.
  • Performance: Optimization of resources to ensure the best outcome.
  • Budget: Choose a purpose-built database management tool that suits your budget.

What are the best Database Management Software?

I have cherry-picked the best database management software in this article. You can choose from the following:

  • ManageEngine Applications Manager – Performance-oriented.
  • DbVisualizer – Centered towards developers and analysts.
  • Site24x7 – SQL Query Analysis
  • My SQL – Best for handling databases on the internet.
  • Valentina – Optimised for smaller organizations.
  • Oracle Database – Best for hyperscale performance and sharding capacity.

Verdict

When I evaluate database management software, I focus on features like scalability, security, and performance. These tools should not only meet  your current needs but also must adapt as your organization grows. After a firsthand review I have selected the top three tools as given below as the most reliable database management software:

  • ManageEngine Applications Manager is a top-notch, performance-oriented solution that integrates with over 150 technologies, offering a comprehensive overview and robust monitoring capabilities.
  • DbVisualizer is a reliable choice for SQL database analysis, featuring a user-friendly interface and powerful data migration and visualization tools.
  • Site24x7 is a comprehensive, user-friendly solution that offers a phenomenal range of monitoring features that make it a superior choice for any IT infrastructure.