The Review and Comparison of The Best Free and Licensed Database Management Software Systems:
A database is a collection of information that is organized in tables and stored on a computer system. This information can be updated or modified as required. We can also say it’s like a room in an office which has files in it. If we don’t have a defined process we will not know how to get that data from the room.
Similarly, a database management system (DBMS) is a software for creating and managing data in the databases. The DBMS provides users and programmers a defined process for data retrieval, management, updating, and creation.

Database Management Software also keeps data guarded and safe. These tools help in reducing data redundancy and maintaining the efficiency of data. Some of them are open-source and some are commercial with specific features.
Based on the usage and requirement we can choose a software tool that has needed features and the desired output.
Table of Contents:
- List of the Top Database Management Software
- Best Database Management Tools
- #1) ManageEngine Applications Manager
- #2) Oracle RDBMS
- #3) IBM DB2
- #4) Microsoft SQL Server
- #5) SAP Sybase ASE
- #6) Teradata
- #7) ADABAS
- #8) MySQL
- #9) FileMaker
- #10) Microsoft Access
- #11) Informix
- #12) SQLite
- #13) PostgreSQL
- #14) Amazon RDS
- #15) MongoDB
- #16) Redis
- #17) CouchDB
- #18) Neo4j
- #19) OrientDB
- #20) Couchbase
- #21) Toad
- #22) phpMyAdmin
- #23) SQL Developer
- #24) Sequel PRO
- #25) Robomongo
- #26) Hadoop HDFS
- #27) Cloudera
- #28) MariaDB
- #29) Informix Dynamic Servers
- #30) 4D (4th Dimension)
- #31) Altibase
- #32) DbVisualizer
- #33) SolarWinds Database Performance Analyzer
- #34) dbForge Edge
- Conclusion
List of the Top Database Management Software
Given below is the list of most popular database management systems:
- ManageEngine Applications Manager
- Oracle RDBMS
- IBM DB2
- Microsoft SQL Server
- SAP Sybase ASE
- Teradata
- ADABAS
- MySQL
- FileMaker
- Microsoft Access
- Informix
- SQLite
- PostgresSQL
- AmazonRDS
- MongoDB
- Redis
- CouchDB
- Neo4j
- OrientDB
- Couchbase
- Toad
- phpMyAdmin
- SQL Developer
- Seqel PRO
- Robomongo
- Hadoop HDFS
- Cloudera
- MariaDB
- Informix Dynamic Server
- 4D (4th Dimension)
- Altibase
- DbVisualizer
- SolarWinds Database Performance Analyzer
- dbForge Edge
Best Database Management Tools
Here we go. The list includes some best free database management software.
#1) ManageEngine Applications Manager

ManageEngine Applications Manager is an ideal and affordable tool for IT Operations, DBAs, DevOps, and Cloud Ops engineers in small, medium as well as large enterprise organizations
ManageEngine Applications Manager provides all-round database performance management to ensure uninterrupted business service delivery.
Features:
- Deep visibility into the key performance indicators of databases.
- Monitor database calls by drilling down to SQL statements.
- Advanced analytics that helps anticipate future resource usage and growth of databases.
- End-to-end monitoring, code-level diagnostics for queries that are invoked in web applications.
- Intelligent and powerful fault management helps you identify and pinpoint the fault and its sources to reduce MTTR.
Pricing: Applications Manager is free for 30 days. The price starts @ $945 for monitoring 25 application or server instances.
#2) Oracle RDBMS

Oracle database is the most widely used object-relational database management software. The latest version of this tool is 12c where c means cloud computing.
It supports multiple Windows, UNIX, and Linux versions.
Few features of Oracle RDBMS are as follows:
It is secured, occupies less space, supports large databases, and reduces CPU time to process data.
Cost: It’s a commercial tool.
#3) IBM DB2

Latest release 11.1. Developed in the year 1983. The language used is Assembly Language, C, C++ for writing it.
It supports multiple Windows, UNIX, and Linux versions.
Few features of IBM DB2 are as follows:
It is very easy to install and set up and data is easily accessible, we can save the huge amount of data almost up to pet bytes.
Costs: It’s a commercial tool.
#4) Microsoft SQL Server

Developed in the year 1989. The latest updated version came in 2016. The language used is Assembly C, Linux, C++ for writing it.
Works on Linux and Windows operating systems.
Few features of MS SQL server include:
Compatible with Oracle provides efficient management of workload and allows multiple users to use the same database.
Costs: It’s a commercial tool.
#5) SAP Sybase ASE

ASE stands for Adaptive Server Enterprise. Its latest version is 15.7. It was started in the middle of the eighties.
Few features of ASE are:
It can perform millions of transactions in a minute, using cloud computing even mobile devices can be synchronized with the database.
Costs: It’s a commercial tool.
#6) Teradata

Started in 1979
Works on Linux and Windows operating systems.
Few features of Teradata are:
Data import and export is easy, multiple processing is possible at the same time, data can be easily distributed, useful for very large databases.
Costs: It’s a commercial tool.
#7) ADABAS

ADABAS stands for Adaptable Database System.
Runs on Windows and Unix, Linux operating systems.
Few features of this tool are:
Data processing speed is fast, irrespective of the load, the output of any transaction is reliable, its architecture is quite flexible and keeps pace with the changing demands.
Costs: It’s a commercial tool.
#8) MySQL

Latest version 8. The language used is C and C++.
Works on Linux and Windows.
Few features of this tool are:
High-speed data processing, use of triggers increases productivity, with rollback and commit helps in data recovery if required.
Costs: It’s a commercial tool.
#9) FileMaker

The latest stable release is 15.0.3.
Works on Mac, Unix, Linux, Windows operating systems.
Few features of Filemaker are:
It can be connected across platforms like connections to SQL are possible, information sharing is easier because of the cloud.
Costs: It’s a commercial tool.
#10) Microsoft Access

Latest stable version 16.0.4229.1024.
Works on Microsoft Windows.
Few features of this tool are:
It is an affordable database management system used mostly by e-commerce sites.
Costs: It’s a commercial tool.
Further Reading => Importance and Features of School Management Software
#11) Informix

Latest stable release 12.10.xC7. Coded in assembly, C, C++.
Few features of this tool are:
Hardware uses less space, data is available at all times and does not need maintenance time. It is developed by IBM.
Costs: It’s a licensed tool and the cost of each license is affordable.
#12) SQLite

It is used as a database system for mobiles. It is coded in C language.
It can work on Linux, Windows, and Mac operating systems.
Few features of this tool are:
It does not need much space hence, it can be used for storing small to medium size websites. It is fast and does not need to set up.
Costs: It’s an open-source tool.
#13) PostgreSQL

It is an advanced database. The current version is 9.6.2.
It can be used across Linux and Windows operating systems.
Few features of this DBMS are:
It is an object-relational database. The data remains secure. Data retrieval is faster. Data sharing through dashboards is faster.
Costs: It’s an open-source tool.
#14) Amazon RDS

It is also called the Amazon Relational Database Service.
Few features of this system are:
Setting up and operating is very easy and the database is very secure. The backing up of the database is an inbuilt feature. Recovery of data is also an inbuilt feature managed within.
Costs: It’s a commercial tool.
#15) MongoDB

Few features of MongoDB are:
It can process a large amount of data simultaneously and uses internal memory so the data is easily accessible, the use of very complex joins is not supported, scaling is easily possible. Queries can be easily optimized for output.
Costs: It’s an open-source tool
#16) Redis

The latest stable release is 3.2.8.
It can work on Windows and Linux operating systems. It is coded in ANSI C language.
Few features of Redis are:
The database speed is very good, data types like hashes and strings are also supported and the performance of queries is high.
Costs: It’s an open-source tool that is BDS licensed.
#17) CouchDB

Latest stable release2.0.0. Written in Erlang Language.
Works on Windows and Linux operating systems.
Few features of this tool are:
Secure system network, efficient error handling, the output is reliable and fast.
Costs: It’s an open-source tool.
#18) Neo4j

The latest stable version is 3.1.0. It is coded in Java
It can be used on Windows and Linux/Unix operating systems.
Few features of this tool are:
It has a large capacity server, this database stores data in the form of graphs. It is also called a graph database management system.
Costs: It’s an open-source tool.
#19) OrientDB

The latest stable version is 2.2.17. It is coded in Java language
It can be used on Windows and Linux platforms.
Few features of this DBMS are:
It is a graphical database. It is widely used across big data market and in real-time web-based applications.
Costs: It’s an open-source tool.
#20) Couchbase

The latest stable version is 4.5 and is coded in C, C++/Eriang. It’s an open-source tool. It can work on Windows and Linux operating systems.
Few features of this tool are:
The latency and throughput are good for loads of medium size. Data Corruption proof system.
Costs: It’s an open-source tool.
#21) Toad

Few features of Toad DBMS are:
Easy to use, faster to install, highly efficient output and data can be exported in many formats, lesser time required for its management, it can export a large amount of data in various formats.
Costs: It’s a commercial tool.
#22) phpMyAdmin

The latest stable release is 4.6.6. It is coded in PHP, Javascript, and XHTML.
It can work on Windows and Linux operating systems.
Few features of this tool are:
The interface is user-friendly, data can be exported in CSV, SQL, XML files and it can be imported from both CSV and SQL file formats.
Costs: It’s an open-source tool.
#23) SQL Developer

The latest stable release is 4.1.5.21.78. It is coded in Java.
It can work on Windows and Linux operating systems.
Few features of this DBMS are:
Lesser execution time needed for queries. Queries can be run and generated in many formats such as HTML, PDF, XML, and Excel.
Costs: It’s an open-source tool.
#24) Sequel PRO

Few features of this tool are:
Used for Mac databases. It is easy to use and works with My SQL databases. Connectivity is easy and flexible. Installation is easy and quick. It makes work smooth for web applications using it and the output is fast.
Costs: It’s an open-source tool.
#25) Robomongo

It can be used across Windows and Linux platforms. Free and open-source tool.
Few features of Robomongo are:
The tool is robust and can be used for a large quantity of load. Error handling is better, more stable as a tool and has many upcoming features.
Costs: It’s an open-source tool.
#26) Hadoop HDFS

Few features of Hadoop HDFS are:
It provides large data storage and uses many machines for storing data, therefore, the data is easy to access. Data loss is prevented by storing data redundantly. Data authentication is also available. Parallel processing of data is possible.
Costs: It’s a commercial tool.
#27) Cloudera

Few features of Cloudera are:
High-speed data processing makes it an attractive option for large enterprises. Greater efficiency for a large amount of data provides a high level of security, this tool improves performance.
Costs: It’s an open-source tool.
#28) MariaDB

Works on Mac/Unix/Linux/Windows operating systems
Few features of this tool are:
It has higher uptime or availability and is highly scalable, has multicore support, uses multiple threads, supports Internet Protocol. It provides real-time database access.
Costs: It’s an open-source tool.
#29) Informix Dynamic Servers

Works on Mac/UnixLinuxx/Windows operating systems.
Few features of this DBMS are:
It is highly available and scalable, has multicore support, uses multiple threads, supports Internet Protocol. It provides parallel processing of data.
Costs: It’s a commercial tool.
#30) 4D (4th Dimension)

Works on Windows and Mac operating systems.
Few features of 4D are:
It has the facility to import and export data. There is a script debugger, it supports XML format, it has drag and drop facility.
Costs: It’s a commercial tool.
#31) Altibase

Altibase is an enterprise-grade, high-performance, and relational open-source database. Altibase has over 650 enterprise clients including 8 Fortune Global 500 companies and has been deployed over 6,000 mission-critical use cases in various industries.
Its main characteristics include:
- Altibase is a hybrid DBMS. A single database that delivers high-intensity data processing through an in-memory database portion and a large storage capacity through an on-disk database portion.
- Altibase is among a very small subset of relational DBMSs that currently provide scale-out technology, sharding, etc.
Costs: Altibase is an open-source DBMS that includes its sharding
#32) DbVisualizer

DbVisualizer is a Universal Database Tool for runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS and connects to most major databases and JDBC drivers. Browse, administer and visualize your database objects with a single tool and user interface.
Features:
Friendly user interface in both light and dark themes, with quick and easy setup and installation. Simple navigation of database objects and their properties, Table data editing in the spreadsheet, Visual rendering of primary/foreign key, Visual query builder using drag and drop, Query optimization with an explain plan feature, and more.
Cost: Both Free and Pro versions are available. All licenses are perpetual, cost starting from $199 (volume discounts apply). Free Pro license is offered to students and teachers with confirmed status. Fully functional 21-day DbVisualizer Pro evaluation offered for free.
Further Reading => List of the TOP SIS Software of the Year
#33) SolarWinds Database Performance Analyzer

SolarWinds Database Performance Analyzer is the database management software that can perform SQL query performance monitoring, analysis, and tuning.
It supports cross-platform database performance tuning and optimization.
Few features of SolarWinds are as follows:
SolarWinds Database Performance Analyzer has the features of Machine Learning, Cross-Platform Database Support, Expert Tuning Advisors, Cloud Database Support, and Automation Management API, etc.
Costs: The price for the software starts at $2107 and it offers a fully functional free trial for 14 days.
#34) dbForge Edge

dbForge Edge is a versatile software solution offering advanced functionality across multiple database systems. It handles various tasks related to database management, design and development, administration, data analysis, and reporting.
It supports MySQL, MariaDB, SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and a wide range of cloud services.
Features of dbForge Edge:
- SQL Development. Create and optimize queries effortlessly with integrated SQL coding assistance tools, T-SQL Debugger, visual Query Builder, Query Profiler, Source Control, and more.
- Database Design. Construct and edit database structures and relationships using visual object editors and database diagrams. Generate full database documentation with the integrated Documenter.
- Data Management: Collect, store, organize, and utilize data via Data Editor. Migrate data easily with up to 14 most popular formats and smart import/export wizards at your service.
- Database Management and Operations. Compare and sync schemas or table data and use Backup/Restore utilities to ensure data availability, consistency, and security.
- Data Analysis & Reporting. Explore related data with Master-Detail Browser. Aggregate data in pivot tables. Create and present compelling data reports.
- Database Administration. Manage user accounts, monitor server performance, track sessions, and resolve issues.
- Automation via CLI. Streamline repetitive tasks to enhance efficiency.
Pricing: dbForge Edge is a commercial tool offering a fully functional free trial for 30 days and a free Express edition with basic functionality.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, we can say all the above-mentioned database management systems have their advantages and disadvantages, some might be useful whereas others might not be that suitable per your requirements.
Today’s time is the time of data where an enormous amount of data has to be stored, updated, and created daily. The demand for Database Management Tools is growing exponentially and the competition is also high.
With each tool trying to be better in terms of features compared to the others, you can select a DBMS per your requirement from the above list.














