A lightweight browser-based alternative to DataGrip
Planche is an alternative for developers who need a focused database workspace rather than a full SQL IDE. Planche runs its interface in the browser and keeps network database connections in a local agent. DataGrip is a cross-platform JetBrains IDE with deeper code intelligence, refactoring and a much broader data-source catalog.
Open Planche
| Consideration | Planche | DataGrip |
|---|---|---|
| Product style | Focused browser SQL client | Full cross-platform database IDE |
| Connection path | Browser to local Planche Agent to database | The installed IDE connects through database drivers |
| SQL assistance | Syntax highlighting, schema-aware autocomplete, keyword help and query structure | Deeper inspections, intentions, refactoring, formatting and context-aware completion |
| Database breadth | Six core SQL engines, Redis, Elasticsearch and OpenSearch, plus selected hosted services | A broad range of relational, NoSQL, cloud and analytics data sources |
| Data and schema tools | Editable grid, schema tree, ERD, explain plan and history | Data editor, database explorer, diagrams, explain plans and IDE project tooling |
| Free use | Free for commercial and non-commercial use; selected advanced features require Pro | Free for qualifying non-commercial use; commercial use requires a subscription after the trial |
| Installation | Browser plus a small local agent for network databases | JetBrains desktop application |
When Planche is the better fit
Choose Planche when you want to open a browser, connect locally and get directly to the SQL editor, grid, schema and ERD. Its free client has no restriction between commercial and non-commercial database work, and no account is required.
Planche also makes the database boundary explicit: Browser → 127.0.0.1 → Planche Agent → Database. Read the full local connection architecture.
When DataGrip may be the better fit
Choose DataGrip when advanced code analysis, refactoring, project and version-control integration, a broader database catalog or JetBrains IDE integration matters more than a small browser-based workspace. Planche does not present itself as an equivalent replacement for those IDE capabilities.
Questions
Is Planche a free DataGrip alternative?
Yes, for Planche’s supported database workflows. The core client is free for commercial and non-commercial use. DataGrip is free for qualifying non-commercial use and otherwise uses a commercial subscription.
Does Planche have DataGrip-level SQL inspections and refactoring?
No. Planche provides syntax highlighting, schema-aware autocomplete, keyword help and query structure, but DataGrip is a full IDE with deeper inspections, refactoring and code assistance.
Which databases does Planche support?
MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQLite, SQL Server and Oracle, plus Neon, Supabase, Cloudflare D1 and local Cloudflare Durable Objects development.
Where do Planche database connections run?
Network database connections run in the Planche Agent on your computer. The browser talks to it over loopback. SQLite files can run directly inside the page with WebAssembly.
Does Planche include query history and local history?
Yes. Query history and local editor history are included in Free and stored locally.
Free to use
Planche has a free tier that needs no account and uploads none of your data — connection profiles live only in your browser. A few advanced features need Pro; see pricing.