SQLPro for MySQL vs Sequel Ace
Two native Mac MySQL clients: a free community fork vs a commercially supported app with an iOS companion.
Sequel Ace is a free, open-source, community-maintained fork of Sequel Pro. It brought Sequel Pro back to life with MySQL 8 support and keeps the classic, native Mac experience alive. It is a genuinely good tool, and if you want a free MySQL client for the Mac, it belongs on your shortlist. This page is an honest look at where the two apps differ.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | SQLPro for MySQL | Sequel Ace |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From $5.99/mo, $129.99 lifetime | Free (open source) |
| Native macOS app | ✓ | ✓ |
| MySQL 8 support | ✓ | ✓ |
| MariaDB support | ✓ | ✓ |
| SSH tunneling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Autocomplete | ✓ | ✓ |
| iOS / iPadOS app | ✓ | ✗ |
| Multiple result sets side by side | ✓ | ✗ |
| iCloud Keychain sync | ✓ | ✗ |
| Commercial support | ✓ | ✗ |
| Community-driven and free | ✗ | ✓ |
Where Sequel Ace shines
Sequel Ace is free and open source, actively maintained by a community of volunteers, and keeps the lightweight, native feel that made Sequel Pro popular. It supports MySQL 8 authentication and runs on current macOS. If cost is the priority and you only need a Mac desktop client, Sequel Ace is an excellent choice with no downsides on price.
Where SQLPro for MySQL differs
SQLPro for MySQL is a commercial app, and the differences reflect that. It includes a native iPhone and iPad app, so you can query databases on the go with your connections synced through iCloud Keychain. It shows multiple result sets side by side, and because it is commercially funded, it has dedicated support and a faster, more predictable release cadence for fixes and new features.
In short: Sequel Ace gives you a great free desktop client; SQLPro for MySQL adds iOS, sync, and paid support on top of a native Mac app.
The verdict
If you want a free, native, community-maintained MySQL client for the Mac, Sequel Ace is a great pick. Choose SQLPro for MySQL if you also want an iOS/iPad app, iCloud-synced connections, side-by-side result sets, and commercial support, and are happy to pay for them. Both are honest, native options, so try SQLPro's free trial and see which fits your workflow.