Comparison

GizmoSQL vs MCP Explorer Mobile

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

Head to head
About

GizmoSQL

Transform your mobile device into a powerful SQL database server. Connect from any device on your network using the Arrow Flight SQL protocol. Explore and query your data with built-in tools.

Highlights
  • DuckDB and SQLite backends
  • Arrow Flight SQL protocol
  • Built-in SQL client
  • Data browser
  • Network connectivity
  • TLS encryption
  • Username/password authentication
Features
Read full description

The GizmoSQL app turns your iPhone or iPad into a high-performance SQL database server using the Arrow Flight SQL protocol — the same columnar data transfer standard used in enterprise analytics. START A SERVER IN SECONDS Choose DuckDB or SQLite as your backend, tap Start, and you have a fully functional database server running on your device. Connect from laptops, desktops, or other devices on your network using any Arrow Flight SQL client — including JDBC, ADBC (Go, Python, C++), ODBC, and Node.js drivers. DUCKLAKE COMPATIBLE Access your DuckLake using your GizmoSQL mobile server. The PostgreSQL and httpfs extensions are pre-loaded so you can connect to and query your data lake seamlessly. BUILT-IN SQL CLIENT Write and execute SQL queries directly on your device with a terminal-style interface. Features include syntax highlighting, box-drawing table output, query timing, and automatic result pagination for large datasets. DATA BROWSER Explore your database visually. Navigate catalogs, schemas, and tables. View column names, types, and constraints. Preview data and manage tables — all without writing a query. KEY FEATURES - DuckDB and SQLite database backends - Arrow Flight SQL protocol for high-performance columnar data transfer - Automatic TLS encryption with self-signed certificates - Username/password authentication with JWT session tokens - Configurable query timeout, logging, and init SQL commands - Export database files via the Files app — copy to iCloud Drive, AirDrop, or any sharing method - Real-time server logs with color-coded severity levels - Active session monitoring BUILT FOR ANALYTICS DuckDB is an analytical database engine optimized for complex queries over large datasets. Combined with Arrow Flight SQL's columnar transport, GizmoSQL delivers fast query results whether you're running TPC-H benchmarks or exploring real-world data on the go. CONNECT FROM ANYWHERE ON YOUR NETWORK Once the server is running, any device on the same Wi-Fi network can connect using the displayed connection string. GizmoSQL supports the full Arrow Flight SQL protocol including prepared statements, transactions, catalog metadata, and bulk data ingest. See: https://gizmodata.com/gizmosql for more details. View the source code at: https://github.com/gizmodata/gizmosql

About

MCP Explorer Mobile

Features
Read full description

Explore remote Model Context Protocol servers natively on iPhone and iPad. MCP Explorer connects directly to compatible Streamable HTTP endpoints and gives you a clear, mobile workspace for understanding and inspecting their capabilities: • Discover tools, resources, prompts, and server instructions • Sign in securely with OAuth 2.1 and PKCE • Run real tool calls with forms generated from JSON Schema • Inspect structured results and raw JSON-RPC traffic • Review request history and save useful calls in collections • Keep server configurations and activity separated on your device Security is built in. OAuth tokens and API credentials are stored in iOS Keychain, authorization headers are excluded from traffic logs, and remote connections require HTTPS. MCP Explorer is a native SwiftUI app, not a web wrapper. Requirements: • A compatible remote MCP server using Streamable HTTP • Valid credentials when required by that server Local stdio servers cannot run as child processes on iOS. Expose them through a secure remote endpoint before connecting.

Screenshots

GizmoSQL4 screens
MCP Explorer Mobile4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: MCP Explorer Mobile at every 2 days against GizmoSQL's every 2 weeks. GizmoSQL's advantage is chart position (#179 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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

GizmoSQL costs $0.99 and MCP Explorer Mobile $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GizmoSQL ships an update every 2 weeks, MCP Explorer Mobile every 2 days. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
GizmoSQL versus MCP Explorer Mobile: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGizmoSQLMCP Explorer Mobile
Price$0.99$0.99
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
Best chart rank#179 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 — better17.4
Further details — not scored
Size67 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGizmo Data LLCGabriel Schreiber

In-app purchases

None

GizmoSQL

No in-app purchases

None

MCP Explorer Mobile

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GizmoSQL free?
GizmoSQL costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is MCP Explorer Mobile free?
MCP Explorer Mobile costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do GizmoSQL or MCP Explorer Mobile have ads?
Neither GizmoSQL nor MCP Explorer Mobile shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GizmoSQL or MCP Explorer Mobile?
GizmoSQL ships an update every 2 weeks, and MCP Explorer Mobile every 2 days. Most recently, GizmoSQL was updated on October 31, 2026 and MCP Explorer Mobile on October 31, 2026.

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