drawDB vs DbSchema
Free and in the browser, versus a paid desktop modeller.
DbSchema is a desktop application that connects to more than 100 SQL and NoSQL databases and covers schema design, documentation, synchronisation and querying. It has a free Community edition, with the Pro edition starting at $294 for a perpetual licence. drawDB is free and open source, runs in the browser with nothing to install, and generates SQL DDL for seven relational dialects. DbSchema is the broader tool if you need NoSQL coverage, schema comparison and a SQL client in one desktop package; drawDB is the faster and cheaper way to design a relational schema and get the DDL out.
drawDB vs DbSchema at a glance
| Feature | drawDB | DbSchema |
|---|---|---|
| License | AGPL-3.0 (open source) | Proprietary |
| Free tier | Unlimited diagrams, no account required | Free Community edition, desktop only |
| Account required to start | No | No, but a desktop install is required |
| SQL (DDL) export | 7 dialects | Yes, 100+ databases |
| SQL import / reverse engineering | Yes (paste DDL, get a diagram) | Yes, via database connection |
| DBML | Import and export | Not a primary format |
| Self-hosting | Yes | Desktop application |
| MCP server for AI agents | Yes, official MCP server | Not offered |
| Paid plans from | $14 / month | $294 perpetual licence |
Figures taken from each vendor's public pricing page. Last checked 2026-09-09.
Which should you pick?
Choose DbSchema if
- You need NoSQL coverage such as MongoDB alongside relational databases.
- You want schema comparison, synchronisation and a SQL client in one desktop tool.
- You prefer a one-off perpetual licence to a subscription.
Choose drawDB if
- You want to design a relational schema in the browser with nothing to install.
- You want an open-source tool rather than a proprietary licence.
- You want to share a diagram with a link instead of a file.
- You want DBML import and export and an official MCP server for AI agents.
drawDB vs DbSchema
Yes. DbSchema offers a free Community edition of its desktop application. The Pro edition starts at $294 for a perpetual licence.
drawDB runs entirely in the browser with no install and no account, and it is free and open source under AGPL-3.0.
DbSchema advertises support for over 100 SQL and NoSQL databases. drawDB supports seven relational dialects: Generic, MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, MariaDB, SQL Server and Oracle.