diff --git a/content/blog/top-pg-only-sql-editor.md b/content/blog/top-pg-only-sql-editor.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..d53b87d5 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/top-pg-only-sql-editor.md @@ -0,0 +1,65 @@ +--- +title: Top Postgres-Only SQL Editors in 2026 +author: Adela +updated_at: 2026/02/19 12:00:00 +feature_image: /content/blog/top-pg-only-sql-editor/cover.webp +tags: Industry +description: Postgres-only SQL editors are designed specifically for Postgres databases, providing a more focused and efficient experience for Postgres users. In this post, we are taking a look at the top Postgres-only SQL editors in 2026. +--- + +Postgres has its own identity — JSONB, arrays, custom types, extensions, advanced indexing. Generic database tools get close, but never quite right. + +A dedicated Postgres editor treats these features as first-class citizens rather than hiding them behind a lowest-common-denominator abstraction. That focus reduces friction and improves precision. + +In this article, we look at three Postgres-only SQL editors, each serving a different type of user. + +## pgAdmin: The Official Postgres Standard + +![pgadmin-screenshot](/content/blog/top-pg-only-sql-editor/pgadmin-screenshot.webp) + +[pgAdmin](https://www.pgadmin.org/) is the official, open-source administrative interface for Postgres. The latest major version (pgAdmin 4) is a Python/Flask web application with a React frontend, available in **desktop mode** (standalone app) and **server mode** (multi-user, browser-based). Docker images are also available. + +It covers the full spectrum: database, schema, role, extension, and backup management, plus a PL/pgSQL debugger, schema diff, ERD editor, and embedded psql terminal. The query tool includes graphical EXPLAIN/EXPLAIN ANALYZE and an AI assistant (requires an external AI provider) for natural language to SQL generation. + +Where pgAdmin stands out is administration — pgAgent job scheduling, backup/restore via pg_dump, and server activity monitoring. The tradeoff is weight: startup is not instant and the interface can feel dense for developers who mainly write queries. + +Best suited for DBAs, platform engineers, and teams that need complete visibility into Postgres environments. + +## Postico 2: A Polished macOS Experience + +![postico-screenshot](/content/blog/top-pg-only-sql-editor/postico-screenshot.webp) + +[Postico 2](https://eggerapps.at/postico2/) is a macOS-native Postgres client built with Apple frameworks. It integrates with iCloud for syncing connections and feels like a first-party Mac application. + +The SQL editor supports multi-file organization with autosave and pgFormatter. Data editing requires minimal SQL — inline editing, a row detail sidebar, foreign key picker, and popup menus for enums and booleans. Enum columns get proper dropdowns; JSONB is editable with pretty-print, though JSONB filtering requires manual SQL. + +Postico focuses on development rather than administration. There is no backup/restore, no role management, no visual EXPLAIN, no monitoring, and no AI assistant. It keeps the scope narrow to stay clean and approachable. + +macOS only (requires macOS 14+), one-time purchase starting at $69. A free evaluation with no time limit is available. Ideal for developers and analysts on macOS. + +## pgConsole: Minimal Postgres Editor for Speed and Collaboration + +![pgconsole-screenshot](/content/blog/top-pg-only-sql-editor/pgconsole-screenshot.webp) + +[pgConsole](https://www.pgconsole.com/) is a self-hosted PostgreSQL editor with built-in access control, audit logging, and AI assistance — all from a single binary and a TOML config. + +Startup is fast, the layout stays out of your way, and the workflow centers on writing and running SQL. It provides schema browsing, connection management, and a built-in AI assistant that supports natural language to SQL, query explanation, error fixing, and change risk assessment. Users bring their own AI provider, so data stays within their infrastructure. + +Advanced role management, backup workflows, and server configuration are outside its scope. Best for teams and engineers who want a focused, fast Postgres editor for daily development. + +## Choosing the Right Postgres Editor + +| Feature | pgAdmin | Postico 2 | pgConsole | +| --- | --- | --- | --- | +| **Platform** | Windows, macOS, Linux, Web | macOS only | Web (Self-Hosted) | +| **Pricing** | Free & Open Source | Commercial (Paid License) | Free & Paid Tiers | +| **UI Philosophy** | Comprehensive, feature-dense | Minimalist, native, user friendly | Modern, web based, fast | +| **AI Assistant** | Yes (requires external AI provider) | No | Yes (bring your own AI provider) | +| **Key Differentiator** | The de facto standard, all in one tool | Polished native Mac UX | Team-based access control, GitOps, AI | +| **Target Audience** | All PostgreSQL users, especially DBAs | Mac users who value design | Teams, modern developers, product integrators | + +If you manage infrastructure, pgAdmin is difficult to replace. +If you develop on macOS and care about usability, Postico 2 feels natural. +If you want a fast, focused query tool with AI and team features, pgConsole keeps things simple. + +When Postgres is your main database, using a tool built specifically for it makes everyday work clearer and more efficient. \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/public/content/blog/top-pg-only-sql-editor/cover.webp b/public/content/blog/top-pg-only-sql-editor/cover.webp new file mode 100644 index 00000000..4f88aeab Binary files /dev/null and b/public/content/blog/top-pg-only-sql-editor/cover.webp differ diff --git a/public/content/blog/top-pg-only-sql-editor/pgadmin-screenshot.webp b/public/content/blog/top-pg-only-sql-editor/pgadmin-screenshot.webp new file mode 100644 index 00000000..1143f06a Binary files /dev/null and b/public/content/blog/top-pg-only-sql-editor/pgadmin-screenshot.webp differ diff --git a/public/content/blog/top-pg-only-sql-editor/pgconsole-screenshot.webp b/public/content/blog/top-pg-only-sql-editor/pgconsole-screenshot.webp new file mode 100644 index 00000000..53b55216 Binary files /dev/null and b/public/content/blog/top-pg-only-sql-editor/pgconsole-screenshot.webp differ diff --git a/public/content/blog/top-pg-only-sql-editor/postico-screenshot.webp b/public/content/blog/top-pg-only-sql-editor/postico-screenshot.webp new file mode 100644 index 00000000..66d85e9a Binary files /dev/null and b/public/content/blog/top-pg-only-sql-editor/postico-screenshot.webp differ