JustDB vs pgAdmin
A native alternative to pgAdmin.
pgAdmin is the official PostgreSQL admin tool — thorough, but it runs a local server and drives its UI through the browser, and it is built for deep administration. When you just want to see your tables and edit a row, JustDB is a native app that gets out of your way.
Side by side
JustDB vs pgAdmin
| JustDB | pgAdmin | |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Native desktop app (Rust + Tauri) | Python server + browser-based UI |
| Startup & workflow | Open the app, connect, see rows | Boots a local server, opens in the browser, more steps to data |
| Databases | PostgreSQL, SQLite, Turso/libSQL | PostgreSQL only |
| Focus | Browse, query and edit day to day | Full database administration |
| Price | Free — no paid tier | Free and open-source |
| Account / signup | None | None |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows | macOS, Windows, Linux |
JustDB
Comparison reflects publicly documented behaviour and pricing models; product details can change.
Why developers switch
Less tool, more database.
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No browser tab
JustDB is a real desktop window, not a local web server you reach through a browser. Passwords live in the OS keychain, not in a web session.
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Straight to the data
Skip the server boot and the admin dashboard. Connect, pick a table, and you are looking at rows.
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SQLite and Turso too
pgAdmin is Postgres-only. JustDB opens the same window onto SQLite files and Turso/libSQL databases.
Being fair
When pgAdmin is the better pick.
JustDB is deliberately small. If any of these describe you, pgAdmin is the right tool — and we would rather say so.
- You do serious PostgreSQL administration — managing roles, tablespaces, backups and server configuration.
- You need Postgres-specific tooling like the PL/pgSQL debugger or the server dashboard.
- You are on Linux, where JustDB does not yet publish a packaged build.
FAQ
Common questions.
Can JustDB replace pgAdmin?
For everyday work — browsing schemas, running queries and editing rows — yes, with a lighter, native experience. For deep server administration (roles, backups, configuration), pgAdmin remains the more complete tool.
Does JustDB run in the browser like pgAdmin?
No. JustDB is a native desktop app. There is no local server to start and no browser tab — it connects straight from your machine to your database.
Does JustDB only work with PostgreSQL?
No. Unlike pgAdmin, JustDB also opens SQLite files and Turso/libSQL databases from the same app.