usql

A universal command-line SQL client that brings a psql-like interface to almost every database.

Verified facts: 3 of 3
Alternatives ranked: 3
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About usql

usql is an open-source command-line client written in Go that works with PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, SQLite, SQL Server and dozens of other SQL and NoSQL databases through one consistent interface. It is modelled on psql, so backslash commands for listing tables, describing objects, switching connections and running files behave the same way regardless of the database underneath, and connections are expressed as URLs. It supports syntax highlighting, completion, variables and conditional logic in scripts, copying data between databases, and several output formats. Because it is a single static binary with drivers built in, it is easy to install through Homebrew, Scoop, package managers or a direct download on Windows, macOS and Linux. It is free under the MIT licence. usql trades depth for breadth: database-specific features are thinner than in native tools like psql or pgcli, but for people who hop between many databases from the terminal it saves learning several clients.

Best for: Terminal users who move between many different databases.

What works

One consistent CLI for dozens of databases
psql-style commands and URL connections
Single binary, free and MIT-licensed

Why people leave

Thinner database-specific features
Terminal only
Smart completion is less advanced than pgcli

Top usql alternatives

See all 3

1
pgcli
Smarter completion and highlighting if you mostly use Postgres.
66.5
2
Harlequin
A full-screen terminal IDE with a schema browser.
62.6
3
DBeaver
A free graphical client for the same wide range of databases.
59.6

Why people left usql

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usql: common questions

Is usql free?

Yes. usql is free, open-source software.

Is usql open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at xo/usql.

What platforms does usql run on?

usql is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.

What are the best alternatives to usql?

The highest-ranked usql alternatives right now are pgcli, Harlequin and DBeaver. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 3 usql alternatives

usql facts

3 of 3 verified

License: MIT; Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “License: MIT (MIT License).”
Type: Universal SQL command-line interface; Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “Description: Universal command-line interface for SQL databases.”
Supported databases: PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, SQLite, SQL Server and many more; Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “usql is a universal command-line interface for PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle Database, SQLite3, Microsoft SQL Server, and many other databases including NoSQL and non-relational databases!”