SQLPro for MySQL vs Sequel Pro
A maintained, native alternative to the much-loved but abandoned Sequel Pro.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | SQLPro for MySQL | Sequel Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Development status | Actively maintained | Unmaintained since ~2019 |
| Price | From $5.99/mo, $129.99 lifetime | Free |
| Native macOS app | ✓ | ✓ |
| Runs reliably on current macOS | ✓ | ✗ |
| MySQL 8 caching_sha2_password auth | ✓ | ✗ |
| MariaDB support | ✓ | ✓ |
| iOS / iPadOS app | ✓ | ✗ |
| SSH tunneling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Autocomplete | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multiple result sets side by side | ✓ | ✗ |
| iCloud Keychain sync | ✓ | ✗ |
| Active support and updates | ✓ | ✗ |
Why Sequel Pro users are looking for an alternative
Sequel Pro was, for years, the go-to MySQL client for Mac developers. It is free, open source, and native, and it earned a devoted following. The problem is that active development stopped: the last stable release is old, and the project has effectively been unmaintained since around 2019.
The most common breaking issue is MySQL 8. Sequel Pro does not support the caching_sha2_password authentication plugin that is the default in MySQL 8, so it fails to connect to modern MySQL servers unless you downgrade the server's auth method. Users also report crashes and instability on recent macOS versions.
How SQLPro for MySQL fills the gap
SQLPro for MySQL is a native Mac MySQL client that is actively developed and commercially supported. It connects to MySQL 8 with modern authentication out of the box, runs reliably on current macOS, and adds conveniences Sequel Pro never had, like multiple result sets displayed side by side, iCloud Keychain credential sync, and a companion iPhone and iPad app.
If you loved Sequel Pro's simple, native feel and just need something that still works with today's MySQL and macOS, SQLPro for MySQL is designed to be that replacement.
What about Sequel Ace?
Sequel Ace is a free, community-maintained fork of Sequel Pro that added MySQL 8 support and keeps the original app alive. It is a solid free option. If you want the closest thing to "Sequel Pro but maintained" at no cost, Sequel Ace is worth a look. SQLPro for MySQL differs by adding an iOS app, active commercial support, and extra features. See our SQLPro for MySQL vs Sequel Ace comparison for the details.
The verdict
Sequel Pro is no longer a safe choice for MySQL 8 or current macOS. If you want a maintained, native replacement with an iOS app and commercial support, SQLPro for MySQL is a direct upgrade. If you want a free option that stays close to the original, look at the maintained fork, Sequel Ace.