Squirrel SQL Client

Q: Is Squirrel SQL Client free?

Yes. It is open source and released under the GNU Lesser General Public License. There is no paid version.

Q: Is Squirrel SQL Client still maintained?

Yes. Version 5.1.0 was released on 26 March 2026, and a 5.2.0 snapshot was posted in October 2026.

Q: What Java version does it need?

Java 17 or newer for version 5.1.0. The project says it always runs on the current Java LTS release.

Q: Which databases does it support?

Any database with a JDBC driver. You download the driver for your database and register it in SQuirreL.

Q: Can I use it with AI tools?

In the 5.2.0 snapshot, yes. That build adds an MCP server so assistants like Claude, Cursor or ChatGPT can access SQuirreL. Stable 5.1.0 does not include it.

Q: What are good alternatives?

Other SQL clients and database tools. See our Squirrel SQL Client alternatives list.

A free, open source desktop SQL client for any database with a JDBC driver.

SQL clientFree and open sourceJava

Visit squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io ↗Last verified: 5 Nov 2026

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FreeOpen source, LGPL

5.1.0Latest stable, Mar 2026

Java 17+Required

JDBCAny database with a driver

The short version

What is Squirrel SQL Client?

Squirrel SQL Client, officially written SQuirreL, is a free and open source SQL client written in Java. It connects to any database that has a JDBC driver, and it is still maintained: version 5.1.0 came out on 26 March 2026.

You add a JDBC driver, save a connection (SQuirreL calls it an alias), and then browse tables and run SQL. Recent releases added running SQL in several sessions at once, one-click connect to several aliases, and stronger encryption for saved passwords. A 5.2.0 snapshot from October 2026 adds an MCP server, so AI assistants such as Claude, Cursor or ChatGPT can work with SQuirreL.

Bottom line: a solid free choice if you work across many databases and are happy with a Java desktop tool. You need Java 17 or newer, and you set up JDBC drivers yourself.

What it does

Key features

Works with any JDBC database

If a database ships a JDBC driver, SQuirreL can connect to it. You are not tied to one vendor.

SQL in several sessions

Version 5.1.0 can run the same SQL in multiple sessions, and connect to several saved aliases with one click.

Saved queries as bookmarks

Store SQL as bookmarks and run them from the editor with the @runbookmark syntax.

AI access through MCP

The 5.2.0 snapshot adds an MCP server, so AI tools such as Claude, Cursor or ChatGPT can access SQuirreL. It is not in a stable release yet.

What it costs

Squirrel SQL Client pricing (2026)

Plan	Price	What you get
SQuirreL SQL Client	Free	The full app. Open source under the GNU LGPL. No paid edition.
Snapshot builds	Free	Early builds of the next version, such as the 5.2.0 snapshot with MCP support.

SQuirreL is free software from squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io. There are no plans or subscriptions.

Honest fit

Who it's for, who it isn't

Pick Squirrel SQL Client if

You work with several database types and want one free tool
Your database has a JDBC driver but no good native client
You want open source software you can use at no cost
You are fine installing Java 17 or newer

Look elsewhere if

You want a polished commercial IDE with vendor support
You do not want to install Java or manage JDBC drivers
You need a browser-based tool your whole team shares
You need visual data modeling more than querying

What people ask

Squirrel SQL Client FAQ

Is Squirrel SQL Client free?

Yes. It is open source and released under the GNU Lesser General Public License. There is no paid version.

Is Squirrel SQL Client still maintained?

Yes. Version 5.1.0 was released on 26 March 2026, and a 5.2.0 snapshot was posted in October 2026.

What Java version does it need?

Java 17 or newer for version 5.1.0. The project says it always runs on the current Java LTS release.

Which databases does it support?

Any database with a JDBC driver. You download the driver for your database and register it in SQuirreL.

Can I use it with AI tools?

In the 5.2.0 snapshot, yes. That build adds an MCP server so assistants like Claude, Cursor or ChatGPT can access SQuirreL. Stable 5.1.0 does not include it.

What are good alternatives?

Other SQL clients and database tools. See our Squirrel SQL Client alternatives list.

Keep comparing

Squirrel SQL Client alternatives

Squirrel SQL Client alternativesOther SQL clients to compare

Database management toolsTools to run and manage databases

Data modeling softwareDesign schemas and ER diagrams