16+ Best Database Software For 2022 (Ranked & Reviewed)

With the growing need for analytics, database software is becoming more important.

Without these database software tools, optimized querying or reporting of data can’t exist.

We’ve ranked and reviewed these software solutions and found that TeamDesk might be the best overall solution.

Here’s a look at the best database software options for managing your information in 2022.

An Overview of Databases

Before diving into the best database software, here is a quick review of what a database is:

What Are Databases?

A database is a place where information is stored for efficient retrieval later.

What Are the Four Types of Databases?

Overall, there are four main types of databases:

• Hierarchical: Data storage involves ranking or sorting data into various levels based on a common linkage point.
• Object-oriented: Databases like this sort information into objects that can be called on later via APIs or other code.
• Relational: All data gathered in this database are tabulated and given a relationship to every other piece of data.
• NoSQL: These databases store data without creating relations, allowing multiple users to find information faster than in other databases.

An Overview of Database Software

With the refresher on databases covered, let’s talk about what database software is and why it exists:

What Is Database Software?

Database software, also called a database program, is software that assists in database creation and management.

What Is DBMS Software?

DBMS software is the abbreviation for “database management system” software.

This term is the technical way to refer to database software.

Why Is Database Software Important?

Database software helps businesses and organizations manage the data they collect and organize it in a way that makes sense.

Many database management software packages also create charts or reports for data analysis.

How Does Database Software Work?

Database software allows multiple users to create and interact with data stored on physical storage by opening a connection between the database management software and the database server.

Many databases use Standard Query Language (SQL) to interact with database servers.

However, some databases use non-SQL coding languages to organize their information, which increases the kinds of data they can manage at the expense of automation.

Best Database Software for 2022

Here is our list of the best database software for 2022:

Amazon RDS (Relational Database Service)

Amazon RDS offers a way for businesses to set up large databases without struggling through tons of manual work.

Overview

Amazon RDS is a part of the Amazon Web Service program from Amazon.

Amazon RDS allows users to set up relational databases using a pre-built database management system.

Best For

This database management software is best for companies working with terabytes of relational data with little need to scale up in the future.

Notable Features

Amazon RDS focuses on making database management easier thanks to these features:

• Virtual scaling to help reduce physical equipment required to maintain databases
• Easy maintenance due to the simple internal architecture
• Tools that allow easy construction into multiple different types of databases

Pros

There are plenty of pros to using Amazon RDS, including:

• Virtual scaling solution
• Premade tools for common databases
• Variable user access permissions
• High uptime and automatic rollover
• Automation of backups and patching

Cons

However, there are some downsides to using this database management software, such as:

• Scaling is limited based on what AWS offers.
• No shell access
• Requires an Amazon Web Service subscription

Is Amazon RDS Hard To Use?

Thanks to the pre-built tools and simplified user interface, Amazon RDS won’t be hard to use for anyone accustomed to database software.

Pricing and Plans

Pricing can be tricky with Amazon RDS.

There is a calculator to help figure out your monthly costs.

However, with no standard features or packages, pricing will come down to a company’s needs.

Our Rating

Overall, we give Amazon RDS a four out of five.

The simple tools make it easy to build a database, but the pricing structure is confusing.

Our Take

Amazon RDS is excellent for large companies looking to move their database services into the virtual space.

The software comes with plenty of typical database applications.

Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure works well when developing for Windows, but is there anything else this service can do?

Overview

Microsoft Azure is a collection of cloud-based platforms for building and managing databases. Most of its tools focus on building apps for the Windows ecosystem.

Best For

Developers who are looking to work with the Windows operating system.

Notable Features

Here are the main features of Microsoft Azure:

• Management dashboard full of functionality
• Dynamic Sit Optimization tools for improving route and TCP speeds
• Automatic report and chart generation for collected data

Pros

Some pros to Windows Azure are:

• Windows and Linux compatibility
• Strong integration with Windows
• A broad range of database features
• Payment credit when signing up
• Wide ranger of CDN networks

Cons

Some of the downsides to Windows Azure include:

• Complex setup and management
• Lower performance than cost suggests
• Tech support costs more

Is Microsoft Azure Hard To Use?

With the level of depth involved with Microsoft Azure, this platform will be tough to use, even for a seasoned database expert.

Pricing and Plans

Microsoft Azure charges based on the services you need and how much bandwidth you use. Some examples of prices include:

• Linux virtual machines: $0.004 per hour
• Functions: $0.20 per one million executions
• ZRS HOT storage: $0.023 per GB per month.

Our Rating

Microsoft Azure gets a three out of five from us.

Windows is a large ecosystem but not the first choice.

Also, the web dashboard is complicated and unintuitive.

Our Take

Microsoft Azure isn’t the best choice unless you plan on working on a Windows app or .NET development.

Microsoft SQL Server

While Microsoft Azure can seem overwhelming, Microsoft SQL Server focuses on what makes for a good database management software.

Overview

Microsoft SQL Server recently released its newest version for 2022.

The product is not yet formally released but is available as a public preview.

This preview has plenty of what made previous versions solid.

Best For

SQL Server is best for business enterprises and those working in information technology.

Notable Features

Some of Microsft SQL Server’s notable features are:

• Enterprise-scale database technology
• Integration with the Microsft Intelligent Data Platform
• Increased ways to manage a database

Pros

Some of the benefits of using this software include:

• Robust vendor support
• Ability to run large relational databases
• Advanced data security
• Integrations with Windows applications
• Easy-to-navigate UI

Cons

Still, there are some downsides to this database software:

• Not yet a full release
• Improvements needed in cloud management
• Large amounts of SQL queries to a single database can cause interruptions

Is Microsoft SQL Server Hard To Use?

Compared to Microsoft Azure, Microsoft SQL Server is easier to understand.

An intermediate grasp of SQL systems will be enough to get you started with this database software.

Pricing and Plans

Pricing for the previous version of this software comes down to the license you need.

Some examples of their prices include:

• Enterprise: $13,748 per core
• Standard: $3,578 per core
• Standard Server: $899
• Standard CAL: $209

Our Rating

Overall, Microsoft SQL gets a four out of five from us.

Database management systems for enterprises need features that can support many data files, which this solution does.

Our Take

Microsoft SQL works well for large operations, but the expense and scaling won’t work for smaller operations.

Knack

Knack offers solutions to small businesses in a niche full of enterprise solutions.

Overview

Knack is a database management system designed for smaller solutions than some previous options.

The platform offers database software tools to create a database system without knowing how to code.

Best For

Small to medium-size businesses that need a database but don’t have the technical knowledge of database administrators on hand.

Notable Features

Some of the notable features of Knack are:

• Workflow automation with access to database info
• Multi-user access control with variable permissions
• Drag-and-drop tools to create databases across different platforms

Pros

Knack has several positives going for it, such as:

• Ability to customize reminders to multiple users
• Creation of a database without coding
• Cheaper than enterprise solutions
• Simple data management
• Focus on ecommerce and sales orders

Cons

There are some downsides to using Knack, such as:

• No ability to create custom apps
• Storage depends on your pricing plan
• Customer support can be slow

Is Knack Hard To Use?

Knack is not hard to use. It requires no coding knowledge to use.

Pricing and Plans

Knack’s pricing depends on how much storage and how many apps you need to manage.

Those plans are:

• Starter: $29 per month for 2 GB of storage and a maximum of three apps
• Pro: $79 per month for 10 GB of storage and a maximum of eight apps
• Corporate: $179 per month for 50 GB of storage and a maximum of 25 apps

Our Rating

Knack receives a four out of five rating from us.

Better customer support and customizable functionality would make this database management system perfect.

Our Take

Knack works well if you don’t need huge amounts of functionality from your databases.

Oracle Database (RDBMS)

As one of the most popular database management software solutions, Oracle has a wide range of functions that require some technical expertise to use.

Overview

Oracle Database is a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) that receives frequent updates.

It focuses on object-relational data and database objects.

Best For

Large-scale enterprise solutions look for functionality and cloud capabilities.

Notable Features

Some of Oracle’s most significant features for their software include:

• Create applications within the Oracle environment
• Database management tools in a web dashboard
• Integrated into the Oracle software package

Pros

There are plenty of positives when looking at Oracle, such as:

• Robust data security
• Ability to access data from other Oracle releases
• Easy ways to query, edit, and merge relational data, including backup and recovery tools
• Oracle has long, well-known periods of support
• Strong and stable database management system

Cons

Still, there are some downsides to using Oracle RDBMS, such as:

• One of the most expensive database management solutions
• Requires extensive knowledge of Oracle systems to maximize utility

Is Oracle Database Hard To Use?

Oracle can be tough to wrap your head around due to its size and scale.

You will need specific training or technical knowledge.

Pricing and Plans

As an enterprise solution, Oracle Database runs on the expensive side.

While all of the processor licenses are in the tens of thousands of dollars, the Enterprise edition costs around $47,500 per processor.

Our Rating

We give Oracle RDBMS a rating of three out of five.

It’s a great solution with plenty of versatility, but it won’t be a good option for any business smaller than an enterprise.

Our Take

Oracle has impressive features and incredible customizability, but it’s so expensive!

They have plenty of scaled-down solutions, but their enterprise solutions are what stand out.

MySQL

Purchased by Oracle a decade ago, MySQL offers SQL database capabilities when used alongside other applications.

Overview

Oracle acquired MySQL in 2010 as an open-source relational database management system.

The software was the largest RDBMS when on purchase.

It works as a way for applications to obtain relational database functionality via integrations.

Best For

Developing and hosting databases for applications needing relational database functionality.

Notable Features

MySQL has plenty of impressive features, such as:

• Open-sourced code allows any user to go in and check the code
• Broad integration capabilities
• High-speed data processing

Pros

Some of the pros to using MySQL include:

• Open-source code
• Fast query times and customization tools
• Responsive tools due to community testing and feedback
• Constant security patches
• Tool development packages are simple to install

Cons

Some of MySQL’s downsides include:

• Minimal dashboarding tools
• The NDB Cluster used in scaling isn’t widely supported
• Performance monitoring requires outside tools

Is MySQL Hard To Use?

For the layman, MySQL will be tough to use.

However, folks with some SQL experience or previous knowledge of Oracle RDBMS will feel comfortable.

Pricing and Plans

Pricing for MySQL depends on which version of the program you want to buy:

• Cluster: $10,700 to $32,100 for one to four-socket servers
• Enterprise: $5,350 to $16,050 for one to four-socket servers
• Standard: $2,140 to $6,420 for one to four-socket servers

Our Rating

Overall, MySQL gets four out of five for its rating.

It’s easier to use and more economically available than Oracle RDBMS, but it isn’t without problems.

Our Take

MySQL works well as a development tool.

This software can bring database functionality to most applications.

TablePlus

If you need access to a range of database software choices, TablePlus is a good choice.

Overview

TablePlus is another platform as a service (PaaS) that helps deliver database management software to users.

Each version of TablePlus is native to the operating system it works on.

Best For

Users who want to quickly build onto existing software solutions without needing coding knowledge.

Notable Features

Some of TablePlus’s top features include:

• Windows, Mac, Linux, and iOS versions
• Support for both relational database solutions and NoSQL solutions
• Free and premium versions

Pros

The list of pros to using TablePlus include:

• Free version available
• Sleek UI
• It runs quickly on all platforms
• Powerful SQL editor to create custom databases
• Code review options built-in

Cons

There is some downside to using TablePlus, such as:

• The free version is not great outside of dev work
• UI makes more sense for relational databases
• Working on non-local databases can cause connection issues

Is TablePlus Hard To Use?

TablePlus uses a straightforward UI to help users create databases, meaning this platform is not hard to use.

Pricing and Plans

Here is TablePlus’s pricing info:

• Basic: $79 per license for one access device
• Standard: $99 per license for two access devices
• Custom License: $49 per device, meant to act as a team or business option

Our Rating

Overall, TablePlus is about a three and a half out of five.

It has a wide range of options and a simple user interface, but it seems to focus on individual devs over organizations.

Our Take

If you are working on a database project for yourself, TablePlus has the tools needed to make it happen.

However, it doesn’t seem to be the best choice for businesses or organizations to create databases.

TeamDesk

If you need a database without all the technical info behind it, TeamDesk has you covered.

Overview

TeamDesk is an impressive online database platform that allows businesses to create databases without coding knowledge.

The difference between this and other platforms like TeamDesk is that the databases you make don’t need to relate to specific database software.

Best For

TeamDesk works best for small businesses looking to store their databases virtually.

Notable Features

These are some of the features you can expect from TeamDesk:

• Can create many different types of database structures virtually
• No coding expertise is needed to create databases
• Data export and notification options that integrate with typical applications

Pros

TeamDesk offers the following pros:

• Create tables, charts, and other databases inside the web app
• Unlimited data storage and database creation
• View and sort queries based on identifiers like date and time
• Export reports into common data files like Word documents and PDF
• It comes with a mobile app

Cons

Some of the following points make TeamDesk a little less appealing:

• Unable to access shell or code to customize databases
• The UI looks dated
• Language settings apply to the entire database, not just a user profile

Is TeamDesk Hard To Use?

TeamDesk is simple to use since it does not require coding language knowledge.

Pricing and Plans

There are three pricing plans available from TeamDesk:

• Starter: $49 per month for five users
• Team: $99 per month for ten users
• Enterprise: $249 per month for Team edition plus increased security and branding options

Our Rating

Overall, we give TeamDesk four and a half out of five stars.

TeamDesk is nearly perfect for a small business looking to create databases for itself, but the dated look will turn some users away from this platform.

Our Take

TeamDesk works well for businesses trying to create databases for their operations without setting up an IT department.

IBM DB2

IBM DB2 may be the best option for high-demand and intensive database work.

Overview

IBM DB2 is a low-latency database capable of producing real-time analytics.

This database exists to help critical functions operate at peak efficiency.

Best For

High-volume and critical services such as shipping and finance will love the responsiveness of this database option.

Notable Features

Some of the main features of IBM DB2 are:

• Data storage architecture reduces the response time of queries
• Real-time analytics based on organic data
• The data lake subsystem ensures that stored data is always available

Pros

Some of the pros to using IBM DB2 are:

• Amazing performance and scalability
• Data Partitioning helps ensure database files are available quickly
• Robust management and optimization tools
• Releases as a discrete application, improving the initial setup process
• Reliable tech support

Cons

There are some downsides to using IBM DB2, including:

• UI takes getting used to
• Expensive for most businesses
• Integration with other IBM products is minimal

Is IBM DB2 Hard To Use?

IBM DB2 will take some getting used to, even for database admins.

The UI and underlying architecture are much different than other products of the same caliber.

Pricing and Plans

Pricing for this database software is done on a per-instance basis, where IBM calculates its price based on the size of your operation.

Our Rating

IBM DB2 gets a three out of five from us.

It’s a fancy-sounding application, but its utility exceeds most businesses.

Plus, their pricing isn’t clear, making it hard to commit to this software.

Our Take

If you run a large or critical service, IBM DB2 could be a great option.

Whether it’s the best choice economically depends on whether IBM comes back with a reasonable price or not, though.

Improvado

For the marketing businesses out there, Improvado could be your database software solution.

Overview

Improvado is a database platform dedicated to marketing and sales operations.

Their database tools focus on getting marketing and sales information aggregated and organized into an approachable form.

Best For

Marketing firms and similar businesses.

Notable Features

Some of Improvado’s notable features include:

• Ability to connect to various marketing APIs to retrieve and organize data
• Zero coding knowledge needed
• Data visualization updates with incoming info

Pros

The positives to using Improvado are:

• Over 200 different APIs native to the platform for marketing data
• Data organization creates analysis-ready reports and graphs
• Customization options to change what data you see during analysis
• Straightforward UI
• Constantly added more connectors to their platform

Cons

There are some downsides to using Improvado, such as:

• No access to shell
• It tends to be expensive
• Pulling up multiple reports can cause slowdowns

Is Improvado Hard To Use?

Improvado is not hard to use since the platform requires no coding, and the UI is clean and easy to follow.

Pricing and Plans

Improvado also does a per-instance pricing plan, meaning you won’t know what you’ll pay until you talk to them.

Our Rating

Overall, Improvado gets four out of five from us.

The lack of pricing details hurts their score since a business won’t be able to judge costs until talking to Improvado.

Our Take

Improvado gets high praise from folks in the marketing and sales fields.

If you need some no-nonsense database software for a marketing firm, Improvado seems better than other general database software choices.

SQL Developer

If Oracle RDBMS is too much for you, then SQL Developer can fill in the gaps.

Overview

SQL Developer is a tool integrated with Oracle RDBMS to make it easier to create Oracle databases.

This tool comes with various options to improve workflow and app development.

Best For

Database admins who work in the Oracle ecosystem.

Notable Features

There are several notable features of the SQL Developer toolset:

• Code Assistant tool helps auto-complete code
• Extensive template options
• Integrations with Oracle documentation for easy queries and problem-solving while working

Pros

Here are the pros of using SQL Developer:

• Improves the Oracle coding experience with automation and help tools
• Re-compilation is easy to assist in debugging
• A robust tool with few reported bugs
• The connection manager has a solid uptime
• Organized error stacks to help you sort through your code

Cons

There are some downsides to using SQL Developer, though:

• It only works with the Oracle ecosystem
• You will have to pay for expensive Oracle software to get this tool
• Missing some common keyboard shortcuts

Is SQL Developer Hard To Use?

SQL Developer makes coding for the Oracle ecosystem easier.

Of course, you’ll still need technical experience to work with this tool, but it’s better than diving into Oracle without it.

Pricing and Plans

SQL Developer comes with the various Oracle RDBMS packages we mentioned earlier, so you’ll have to pay those prices to get this tool.

Our Rating

We give SQL Developer a three and a half out of five.

Working SQL Developer makes working in Oracle easier, but it still won’t be something most folks can do.

Our Take

If you plan to or already use Oracle, SQL Developer will be part of your toolkit, so use it!

The automation and debugging tools included with this tool make it worth it.

Teradata

For those seeking a multi-cloud data platform to access enterprise analytics, Teradata can help interpret data from start to finish.

Overview

Teradata is a platform that offers database services from some of the more prominent database software, such as Azure and AWS.

Most of their strength lies in data security and finances.

Best For

Enterprise businesses that need high amounts of data security, such as healthcare, transportation, and finance.

Notable Features

Some of Teradata’s top features include:

• Data processing backed by artificial intelligence computation
• Data retrieval integrations with SQL and Oracle systems
• Streamlined data reports

Pros

Some of the positives to using this platform include:

• Artificial intelligence integration
• Real-time data gathering and reporting
• Ability to test for outcomes based on gathered data
• The virtual solution keeps costs down
• Natural language processing increases data delivery speed

Cons

The cons to using Teradata include:

• No SSO login capabilities
• No automated approval for business plans
• Variable pricing based on queries and data usage variability

Is Teradata Hard To Use?

Overall, Teradata will take some getting used to.

However, it won’t require coding knowledge to get the most out of the platform.

Pricing and Plans

Pricing varies for each business.

Teradata has a pricing calculator to help a business estimate its costs but requires contact before final pricing.

Our Rating

Overall, Teradata gets a four out of five from us.

It’s a helpful system and would be a great way to solve enterprise database needs, but the calculator showed an annual price in the hundreds of thousands of dollars per year, pricing out small businesses.

Our Take

Businesses transitioning to enterprise-level solutions would do well with Teradata.

This platform allows companies to set up databases without relying on an in-house IT department.

IBM Informix

For a business looking for an IoT solution, IBM Informix has the answer.

Overview

IBM Informix is a database solution focused on online transaction data and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Its architecture focuses on acquiring this data and organizing it in real-time to stay on top of everyday operations.

Best For

Manufacturing and other business models rely on ongoing data streams from their devices.

Notable Features

Some of Informix’s most prominent features include:

• A hybrid database system best suited for embedded sensors and devices
• Integrations with a wide range of SQL and NoSQL database types
• Plenty of self-management and automated administrative tools

Pros

Some of the pros to using IBM Informix are:

• The database size can vary from very small to large
• Easy maintenance thanks to constant data streams and clear error codes
• Highly embeddable into devices and sensors
• Data Warehouse has solid performance both locally and remotely
• Application creation involves using multiple screens in the virtual workspace, making app creation clearer.

Cons

Some of the downsides to using IBM Informix are:

• Informix gets little attention from IBM, calling the software into question
• Pricing is complex
• Finding specific functionality in the software can be tough

Is IBM Informix Hard To Use?

Working with IBM Informix will require some technical knowledge of IBM systems.

Unless you have IBM certifications, this software won’t make sense to you.

Pricing and Plans

Like other IBM products, Informix uses a per-instance pricing model.

You won’t know what your costs are until you call IBM.

Our Rating

IBM Informix gets a two out of five from us.

It seems like it could be handy, but IBM’s lack of support and pricing info does not create consumer confidence.

Until things get cleared up with this software, it’s probably better to stay away unless you need an IoT solution.

Our Take

As the Internet of Things concept grows, IBM Informix could be big.

But, right now, it’s hard to say how good or bad this service is.

Altibase

For speedy query times, Altibase offers a practical solution.

Overview

Altibase is an open-source, hybrid database management software system.

It features an architecture able to access data in both memory and disk storage in one interface, giving faster query times and data reporting.

Best For

Altibase works best for utilities and other industries requiring fast query times thanks to its speed.

Notable Features

Some of Altibase’s top features include:

• Hybrid architecture can pull data from memory and storage disks
• Compatibility with a wide range of operating systems
• Compatible with all SQL standards

Pros

The pros to using Altibase for database management include:

• Speedy, relational database systems
• Support for a varied workload, including both new and historical data
• Compatibility with most integrations that rely on relational database functionality
• A durable design with three decades of development
• It comes with a wide range of efficiency and maintenance tools

Cons

Some of the downsides to using Altibase are:

• No global index support
• No GUI management tools
• No mobile access

Is Altibase Hard To Use?

To create apps with Altibase, you will need some SQL and coding knowledge, making it a little tough to use.

Pricing and Plans

In addition to a free plan, Altibase also has a subscription model.

However, this subscription model doesn’t have a set price and primarily provides access to community forums.

Our Rating

We give Altibase a four out of five.

While the choices around its pricing are strange, Altibase is a powerful and free tool businesses can take advantage of.

Our Take

Altibase seems like a good choice for utility and finance companies, thanks to the fast times.

If your team doesn’t mind learning a proprietary system, Altibase could be great.

Database Performance Analyzer

To monitor all the databases you sent up, SolarWinds offers this tool.

Overview

Database Performance Analyzer is a database monitoring system that helps aggregate information across databases.

Users can access this data from a single dashboard, improving reviews of data originating from all sources.

Best For

Businesses that need a single point of contact for all their databases.

Notable Features

Some of Database Performance Analyzer’s notable features include:

• Data review tools from across all connected databases
• Performance tools that identify bottlenecks
• Concurrent multiple user access

Pros

The pros of this database software are:

• Analysis tools can find performance issues
• Data review can occur inside the dashboard
• Can connect to on-premise and cloud databases
• Easy to install and manage
• It only costs a one-time fee to use

Cons

Some cons of Database Performance Analyzer are:

• Can compete for resources on database host hardware
• Little dashboard customization
• No SAP HANA support

Is Database Performance Analyzer Hard To Use?

As an analysis tool, Database Performance Analyzer won’t be more complex than other database software for a system admin or database tech.

Pricing and Plans

This tool has a one-time fee of $1,625 to use it.

Our Rating

We give Database Performance Analyzer a five out of five as an analysis tool.

It won’t help you build up a database, but once you have one or more going, it can help you monitor them.

Our Take

It is worth it if you have the spare capital to invest in this monitoring tool, especially once your business expands to need multiple databases.

EMS SQL Manager

If you need a database server management tool to address performance bottlenecks, look no further than EMS SQL Manager.

Overview

EMS SQL Manager is a database management software focused on automating data security tasks for databases.

Rather than creating databases, this product helps with maintaining the integrity of your data.

Best For

Data admins who are looking to automate data backup and recovery for SQL servers.

Notable Features

Some of EMS SQL Manager’s features include:

• Management and maintenance tools for SQL servers
• Migration tool to move from one DBMS to another
• VCL and .NET components

Pros

The pros of using this database software include:

• HTML Report Wizard to create drill-down tables of databases
• Visual Database Designer also helps visual database structures
• Native export and import tools
• Automated backup and data recovery options
• One-time fees for their various tools

Cons

Some of the downsides to EMS SQL Manager are:

• Very old UI
• Limited ability to handle data partitions
• Monitoring database input and output is tricky

Is EMS SQL Manager Hard To Use?

For database admins, this tool won’t take too long to get used to.

Pricing and Plans

This tool package has its price varied by the type of database you want to manage and the length of time you want maintenance for the license.

Prices can range between $150 and $900.

Our Rating

Overall, EMS SQL Manager gets a three out of five from us.

It has several options that can improve database management workflow, but the UI and limited functionality in some places show this software’s age.

Our Take

As long as you can get past the UI, this software seems good.

The problem is that other management software exists that can do what EMS SQL Manager does, but better.

Database Software Buying Guide

With all those database software options covered, let’s talk about some buying info you can take with you to ensure you pick the right option for you and your business.

What Are the Advantages of Database Management Software?

While we mentioned some of the advantages specific database software can bring to the table, there are some general advantages to using database software over other data storage alternatives:

• Reduced data redundancy as most database software offer ways to edit database files
• Data integration tools to work with other workflow apps
• Data security via automatic backup and recovery
• Assurance that data stays compliant across all plugins

Precautions When Using Database Management Tools

While database software can improve workflow and aggregate data into digestible reports, it is not a fix-all solution.

Database software can be technical, meaning you should be aware of these precautions first:

• Advanced database tools can give users the ability to edit sensitive data unless you create different permission levels.
• Coding expertise is needed for many database software solutions
• Database solutions offer ways to aggregate data, but nothing on what direction to go once that data comes in.

Features To Look for in Database Software

When looking at database software, there are a couple of things you’ll need to keep in mind before buying one:

Functionality

Not all databases are the same.

Databases can sort information differently, meaning that the kinds of queries and integrations they have can vary.

When looking at database software, check and see what the common choices of database software are for your sector.

These trends will show you how different functions in database software work to improve workflow and query time.

User Requirements

Just like functionality, different kinds of users will need different access or tools at their disposal.

Someone looking up customer data won’t need development tools, for example.

Choosing a lightweight database can ensure you have the query tools you need without all the technical options cluttering up your user interface.

Database Types

Finally, there are four different types of databases that we covered earlier.

These database types have different ways they store and organize data.

By choosing a database option that organizes data the way you need it, you can optimize your query times and select tools that work with your workflow rather than against it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the common questions out there about databases and database management tools:

Conclusion

Overall, TeamDesk will fit the needs of most small- to medium-sized businesses.

Knack and TablePlus can be good alternatives, but TeamDesk offers a better overall experience to users, thanks to its expanded options.

Still, check out all the database software listed here and find the one that matches your needs!