# SQL Play vs HiSQL

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | SQL Play | HiSQL |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.4 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sql-play-learn-sql/id1546888933/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hisql/id6753840035/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **38** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 76.5% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 38 MB | 47 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Shivam Kumar](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546888935) | [丹 姜](https://appshunter.io/developer/1845040567) |

## What reviewers say

### SQL Play

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sql-play-learn-sql/id1546888933)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SQL Play Premium | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Good for learning SQL
- 👍 Helpful for beginners
- 👍 Simple interface
- 👍 Useful for practicing SQL
- 👍 Explains commands step-by-step

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Broken and unusable
- 🐛 Syntax errors on launch
- 🐛 Query box does not clear
- 🐛 Shows errors near SELECT
- 🐛 Tutorial impossible to use

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- Solid update required
- Hire better iOS developers
- Show databases function
- Show tables function
- Add 'desc' command


### HiSQL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hisql/id6753840035)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro (Monthly) | $0.99 | per month |
| Pro (Annual) | $6.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked 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.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*