Sequel Ace
The open-source "sequel" to Sequel Pro for MySQL and MariaDB
Sequel Ace is the unofficial, open-source "sequel" to the legendary macOS database tool, Sequel Pro. Built as a fast, native Mac application, it provides an intuitive interface specifically designed for working with MySQL and MariaDB databases. Because it is actively maintained by the community, it ensures compatibility with modern macOS versions and Apple Silicon processors, picking up exactly where its predecessor left off.
Key Features
Native Mac Interface – Built specifically for macOS, offering a fast, responsive, and familiar native experience that feels right at home on a Mac.
MySQL & MariaDB Focused – Deep, specialized support for MySQL (5.7+) and MariaDB (10.0+).
Advanced Connection Support – Securely connect to databases using SSH, local sockets, or standard network connections.
AI Agent Integration – Includes a built-in Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI agents like Claude Code or Cursor to query your databases securely.
Open Source & Free – 100% free and open-source under the MIT license, with active community contributions.
Who Is It For?
Sequel Ace is perfect for web developers, backend engineers, and database administrators who work extensively with MySQL or MariaDB and want a free, lightweight, and native Mac client without the heavy footprint of Java or Electron-based tools.
Why Use Sequel Ace?
When Sequel Pro stopped receiving updates and started crashing on newer macOS versions, the developer community rallied to fork the project and create Sequel Ace. Today, it stands as the absolute best free option for MySQL on the Mac. It retains the beloved, straightforward interface of the original while continuously adding modern features like Apple Silicon support and built-in AI MCP servers.
Platform & Compatibility
Architecture
Minimum macOS
macOS Ventura 13Public Opinion
Curated highlights from Reddit and other communities, not user-submitted reviews.
“Hacker News users repeatedly point to Sequel Ace as the definitive successor for developers who relied on Sequel Pro but needed compatibility with modern macOS versions and Apple Silicon.”
Hacker News: Database Tool Discussions
“Developers on Reddit and Hacker News frequently highlight it as one of the few database tools that still feels like a true, fast, native Mac app rather than a clunky cross-platform wrapper.”
“The GitHub community has praised the active development cycle, particularly modern additions like the built-in MCP server that allows AI agents like Cursor to query the database locally.”
GitHub: Sequel-Ace/Sequel-Ace
“Some veteran power users on Hacker News feel that despite being a direct fork, Sequel Ace occasionally lacks the flawless 'feel' and absolute stability that the original Sequel Pro achieved at its peak.”
“Its strict limitation to MySQL and MariaDB frustrates full-stack developers working in environments that also use PostgreSQL or SQLite, forcing them to juggle multiple GUI applications.”
“Users periodically report connection timeout bugs when dealing with complex SSH tunnels or when migrating their old connection favorites from Sequel Pro.”
Community
