Best MySQL Shell Alternatives in 2025

Looking for alternatives to MySQL Shell? In this comparison, we take a closer look at MySQL Shell alongside similar software solutions including MySQL Shell and MySQL Workbench CE.

Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how MySQL Shell and MySQL Workbench CE stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.

	Interface Type	Open Source and Licensing	Scripting and Automation	Database Modeling and Design	Target Users
MySQL Shell	A built-in modern SQL interface with advanced client tool features.	Free and open-source under the GPL license.	Supports scripting capabilities in multiple languages including JavaScript, Python, Lua; supports automation of complex administrative tasks.	Focus on administration and management features; not specifically oriented to data modeling or design.	Designed for beginners to advanced users needing powerful management and complex operations.
MySQL Workbench CE	A unified visual tool with an intuitive interface and visual query builder aid.	Free and open source, Community Edition with no feature limitations.	Supports custom Python scripts to automate specific tasks; scripting functionality is present.	Provides advanced database modeling, ER diagram creation, database design, and documentation generation.	Geared towards DBAs, developers, database architects, with tools for design and administration.

Interface Type

MySQL Shell	A built-in modern SQL interface with advanced client tool features.
MySQL Workbench CE	A unified visual tool with an intuitive interface and visual query builder aid.

Open Source and Licensing

MySQL Shell	Free and open-source under the GPL license.
MySQL Workbench CE	Free and open source, Community Edition with no feature limitations.

Scripting and Automation

MySQL Shell	Supports scripting capabilities in multiple languages including JavaScript, Python, Lua; supports automation of complex administrative tasks.
MySQL Workbench CE	Supports custom Python scripts to automate specific tasks; scripting functionality is present.

Database Modeling and Design

MySQL Shell	Focus on administration and management features; not specifically oriented to data modeling or design.
MySQL Workbench CE	Provides advanced database modeling, ER diagram creation, database design, and documentation generation.

Target Users

MySQL Shell	Designed for beginners to advanced users needing powerful management and complex operations.
MySQL Workbench CE	Geared towards DBAs, developers, database architects, with tools for design and administration.

Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.

This quick comparison shows how MySQL Shell stacks up against MySQL Shell and MySQL Workbench CE in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.

	Size	License	Rating	Popularity
MySQL Shell		Freeware		0%
MySQL Workbench CE		Open Source		100%

Size

MySQL Shell
MySQL Workbench CE

License

MySQL Shell	Freeware
MySQL Workbench CE	Open Source

Rating

MySQL Shell
MySQL Workbench CE

Popularity

MySQL Shell	0%
MySQL Workbench CE	100%