Software · head to head
DataGrip vs Knack
DataGrip
Software
Cross-platform database IDE from JetBrains for SQL and NoSQL databases
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only DataGrip has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: DataGrip commercial use requires a paid subscription; the free tier is non-commercial only.; Knack plans are priced by number of records and objects rather than users, ranging from $110 to $300 per month as data volume grows
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which DataGrip and Knack actually diverge.
Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in DataGrip
- Intelligent SQL Completion
- Schema Navigation
- Data Editor
- Version Control for Scripts
- Multi-database Support
Only in Knack
Nothing recorded that DataGrip does not also cover.
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
DataGrip
- Writing and running SQL queries across multiple database enginesnot Knack
- Browsing and editing schema and table data visuallynot Knack
- Version-controlling database migration scriptsnot Knack
- Standardizing database tooling across a JetBrains-based teamnot Knack
Knack
No use cases recorded yet. See the Knack review.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
DataGrip
- Commercial use requires a paid subscription; the free tier is non-commercial only.
- No built-in database administration features like backup scheduling found in dedicated DBA tools.
- Heavier resource footprint than lightweight single-purpose SQL clients.
- NoSQL support (e.g. MongoDB) is less mature than its relational database tooling.
Knack
- Plans are priced by number of records and objects rather than users, ranging from $110 to $300 per month as data volume grows
Pricing, plan by plan
DataGrip
Free- Free (non-commercial)Free
- Personal, non-commercial use only
- Individual - Year 1$99/year
- Full DataGrip license
- Free updates during subscription
- Individual - Year 2+$79/year
- Continuity discount from second year onward
Knack
On requestNo published plan breakdown. See the Knack review.
Which should you pick?
Choose DataGrip if
- You need intelligent sql completion.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on windows, mac, linux.
- You also want schema navigation.
Choose Knack if
Nothing in the data separates Knack from DataGrip on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.
Questions people ask
- Is DataGrip or Knack better?
- Neither clearly leads. DataGrip starts at Free and Knack at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, DataGrip or Knack?
- DataGrip has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for DataGrip and On request for Knack.
- Does DataGrip or Knack run on more platforms?
- DataGrip runs on windows, mac, linux. Knack runs on Web.
- Can I use DataGrip for free?
- Yes. DataGrip has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Knack starts at On request.
- What is DataGrip best used for?
- DataGrip is most often used for writing and running sql queries across multiple database engines, browsing and editing schema and table data visually, version-controlling database migration scripts, standardizing database tooling across a jetbrains-based team. Of those, writing and running sql queries across multiple database engines and browsing and editing schema and table data visually are not what Knack is typically brought in for.
- What can DataGrip do that Knack cannot?
- DataGrip covers Intelligent SQL Completion, Schema Navigation, Data Editor, Version Control for Scripts.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
DataGrip: Is DataGrip free for personal use?
JetBrains introduced a free non-commercial license for DataGrip in October 2025, allowing personal use, while commercial use still requires a paid annual or monthly subscription.
SourceDataGrip: Who qualifies for the free non-commercial license?
Only individuals are eligible, for uses like learning, open-source work, or content creation. Anyone paid by an employer, including at a non-profit, must use a commercial license instead.
SourceDataGrip: How long does the free non-commercial license last?
It lasts one year and auto-renews if DataGrip was used at least once in the final six months; otherwise you can simply reapply for a new license.
SourceDataGrip: Does the free license have fewer features than the paid version?
No, it is a full-featured IDE identical to the paid version, though it requires anonymized telemetry sharing that cannot be opted out of under the non-commercial agreement.
SourceDataGrip: Can I use DataGrip offline with the free license?
No, activation requires logging into a JetBrains Account; offline activation codes are not available for the free non-commercial license.
SourceRelated pages
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