Comparison

SQL Play vs HiSQL

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SQL Play

Learn and practice SQL directly on your phone without installing complex software. This app provides built-in tables and over 45 syntaxes with examples to help you master SQL queries. It supports dark mode and allows data export to CSV.

Highlights
  • SQL runner on mobile
  • 10+ inbuilt practice tables
  • 45+ SQL syntaxes with examples
  • DDL, DML, DQL support
  • Dark mode theme
  • Export data to CSV
  • Query history and auto-complete
Features
Read full description

Learning and Practicing SQL couldn't be Easier! Presenting you with a beautiful SQL Runner App for all your devices - SQL Play. Say goodbye to installing heavy software like MySQL or Microsoft SQL Server on your computers, just to get SQL running. You don't have to spend hours figuring out what commands to type: - Just to write a simple SELECT query - How to use the WHERE clause - Group data using HAVING clause - What are the data types to be used - And many more Guess what? You don't even need to make your own tables and insert bunch of data by yourself just to test your queries. We already have 10+ inbuilt tables just for you to get your hands dirty with SQL faster than ever. It includes: Albums, Artists, Customers, Employees, Genres, Invoices and more. You get 45+ syntaxes along with their description and easy-to-follow examples in order of their execution, which will guide you firsthand. You don't have to keep scrolling for the commands, you can simply start typing your command and the desired command with syntax will show up. It covers DDL (Data definition language), DML (Data manipulation language) and DQL (Data query language) If you prefer dark mode we have got you covered, SQL Play theme matches your system theme. So that your eyes get the deserved rest. You are not tied to our app with your data, you can export any of your tables into CSV (Comma separated values) using the Export Data feature. Your data goes with you, whether it be Excel, Google Sheets or any other spreadsheet editor or the database of your choice. /// Go down the memory lane Every time you run your query, it gets saved locally in your device which can be accessed by pressing the Up and Down arrow button. You also get auto-complete from history as you type your query, so that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. TLDR; Saves you a lot of time Popular SQL supported databases: • IBM DB2 • MySQL • Oracle DB • PostgreSQL • SQLite • SQL Server • Sybase • OpenEdge SQL • Snowflake

About

HiSQL

Connect to and manage MySQL databases from your mobile device. Perform CRUD operations, utilize SSH tunneling, and enjoy smart SQL formatting. An optional Pro version unlocks advanced features like multiple connections and data export.

Highlights
  • CRUD operations on MySQL
  • SSH tunneling
  • SSL connection option
  • IntelliSense and SQL formatting
  • Execution plan visualization
  • iCloud Sync for profiles
  • Data export to CSV, JSON, SQL
Features
Read full description

Basic Features (Free): • Perform CRUD operations on MySQL databases. • Built-in SSH tunneling with password or key authentication. • Optional SSL connection for enhanced security. • Smart IntelliSense and SQL formatting. • Explain and visualize execution plans. • Light and dark themes for comfortable use. • iCloud Sync for your connection profiles. Pro Features (with in-app purchase): • Manage multiple MySQL connections. • Export query results to CSV, JSON, and SQL formats. • Access advanced syntax highlighting themes for SQL scripts. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://sites.google.com/view/hisql-privacy-policy

Screenshots

SQL Play4 screens
HiSQL4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: HiSQL at 5.0 against SQL Play's 3.4. HiSQL also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months). SQL Play's advantage is ratings volume (38 vs 1). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. SQL Play sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and HiSQL sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

HiSQL holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SQL Play has 38 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of SQL Play's written reviews are positive against 100% of HiSQL's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SQL Play ships an update every 3 months, HiSQL every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
SQL Play versus HiSQL: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSQL PlayHiSQL
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.4 (38 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews76.5% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings38 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.6
Further details — not scored
Size38 MB47 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperShivam Kumar丹 姜

Customer experience

SQL Play

All ratings38 ratings
Positive57.9%
Neutral7.9%
Negative34.2%
Written reviews68 reviews
Positive76.5%
Neutral4.4%
Negative19.1%

HiSQL

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

SQL Play

Reported bugs

16 issues
  • Items smushed together on download
  • Syntax errors on first launch
  • Query box does not clear
  • Errors near SELECT even with correct query
  • Cannot open pro even after activation
Show 11 more
  • Command window does not accept indentations
  • Learn button absent
  • App cannot be deleted
  • App does not work properly for queries
  • App got stuck with pinwheel of death
  • Not up to date with current version of SQL
  • App doesn't display code output
  • Paywall nag after going unlimited
  • Date input bug (adds up years)
  • Tables displayed not correctly
  • Table won't show if not in typing mode on iPhone 7

Requested features

6 requests
  • Solid update required
  • Hire better iOS developers
  • Show databases function
  • Show tables function
  • Add 'desc' command
Show 1 more
  • Add 'rename' command

HiSQL

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

SQL Play

One-time1
  • SQL Play Premium$9.99
2 purchases

HiSQL

Subscriptions2
  • Pro (Monthly)3 Days trial$0.991 Month
  • Pro (Annual)3 Days trial$6.991 Year

Questions

Is SQL Play free?
SQL Play is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is HiSQL free?
HiSQL is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, SQL Play or HiSQL?
HiSQL is rated higher. SQL Play averages 3.4 out of 5 from 38 ratings, while HiSQL averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do SQL Play or HiSQL have ads?
SQL Play shows ads; HiSQL does not.
Which is updated more often, SQL Play or HiSQL?
SQL Play ships an update every 3 months, and HiSQL every 2 weeks. Most recently, SQL Play was updated on September 24, 2026 and HiSQL on September 5, 2026.

Other comparisons