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Databases · head to head

DataGrip vs Sublime Text

DataGrip logo

DataGrip

Databases

Cross-platform database IDE from JetBrains for SQL and NoSQL databases

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit DataGripFull review
Sublime Text logo

Sublime Text

Developer Tools

A sophisticated text editor for code, markup and prose

From
$99/license
Free plan
No
Visit Sublime TextFull review

The short version

  • DataGrip has a free plan, then $8.25/mo; Sublime Text starts at $99/mo.
  • Only DataGrip lists intelligent SQL Completion; only Sublime Text lists lightning fast performance.
  • Where DataGrip falls short: commercial use requires a paid subscription; the free tier is non-commercial only.
  • Where Sublime Text falls short: personal license requires payment after evaluation period.
  • Prices and features on this page were last checked on 13 November 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which DataGrip and Sublime Text actually diverge.

Attributes where DataGrip and Sublime Text differ
AttributeDataGripSublime Text
Starting priceFree$99/license
Pricing modelSubscriptionOne-time
Free tierYesNo
CategoryDatabasesDeveloper Tools
Founded20002007

Identical on both: platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux).

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 Sublime Text

  • Lightning fast performance
  • Multiple selections
  • Command palette
  • Instant project switch
  • Plugin ecosystem
  • Customizable UI
  • Advanced search and replace
  • Split editing

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 Sublime Text
  • Browsing and editing schema and table data visuallynot Sublime Text
  • Version-controlling database migration scriptsnot Sublime Text
  • Standardizing database tooling across a JetBrains-based teamnot Sublime Text

Sublime Text

  • Editing code and text files in a fast native desktop editornot DataGrip
  • Working across large files and projects with multi cursor editingnot DataGrip

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

Sublime Text

  • Personal license requires payment after evaluation period
  • Business licenses use annual subscription model requiring renewal
  • After 3 years of updates on personal license, upgrade required for continued updates

Pricing, plan by plan

DataGrip

Free
  • Free (non-commercial)Free
    • Personal, non-commercial use only
  • Individual - Year 1$99/yr
    • Full DataGrip license
    • Free updates during subscription
  • Individual - Year 2+$79/yr
    • Continuity discount from second year onward

Sublime Text

$99/license
  • Personal License$99 one-off
    • One license for all computers and operating systems
    • 3 years of updates
    • Free evaluation available
  • Business License - 1-10 seats$65/yr
    • Per seat annual subscription
    • Volume discount for 11-25 seats at $60
    • Further discount for 26+ seats

Which should you pick?

Choose DataGrip if

  • You need intelligent sql completion.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want schema navigation.
DataGrip review

Choose Sublime Text if

  • You need lightning fast performance.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want multiple selections.
Sublime Text review

Questions people ask

Is DataGrip or Sublime Text better?
Neither clearly leads. DataGrip starts at Free and Sublime Text at $99/license, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, DataGrip or Sublime Text?
DataGrip has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for DataGrip and $99/license for Sublime Text.
Does DataGrip or Sublime Text run on more platforms?
Both run on Windows, macOS, Linux, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use DataGrip for free?
Yes. DataGrip has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Sublime Text starts at $99/license.
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 Sublime Text is typically brought in for.
What can DataGrip do that Sublime Text cannot?
DataGrip covers Intelligent SQL Completion, Schema Navigation, Data Editor, Version Control for Scripts. Sublime Text covers Lightning fast performance, Multiple selections, Command palette, Instant project switch.

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.

Source
Sublime Text: How much does Sublime Text cost?

Sublime Text costs $99 USD as a one-time personal license covering all your computers and operating systems, with 3 years of updates included.

Source
DataGrip: 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.

Source
Sublime Text: What are the business license pricing tiers?

Business licenses use annual subscription pricing: $65 per seat per year for 1-10 seats, $60 per seat for 11-25 seats, $55 per seat for 26-50 seats, and $50 per seat for 51+ seats.

Source
DataGrip: 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.

Source
Sublime Text: Can I evaluate Sublime Text for free?

Yes, Sublime Text may be downloaded and evaluated for free, though payment is required to continue using it after evaluation.

Source
DataGrip: 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.

Source
DataGrip: 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.

Source
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