What is SQL Explorer used for?

SQL Explorer is a Django-based SQL reporting tool for writing, running, and sharing queries with pivot tables, scheduled snapshots, JSON endpoints, and AI assistance. It is a good fit for sharing saved SQL reports with non-technical teammates and lightweight reporting inside a Django project.

Is SQL Explorer open source?

Yes. SQL Explorer is open source under a custom licence. Its source code is on GitHub at explorerhq/sql-explorer and is written mainly in Python.

Is SQL Explorer free?

Yes. SQL Explorer is open source, so the software itself is free to use under the terms of its own licence.

Can I self-host SQL Explorer?

Yes. SQL Explorer can be self-hosted on your own server or infrastructure.

What is SQL Explorer an alternative to?

SQL Explorer is an open-source alternative to Hex. Other open-source alternatives to Hex include Redash, Shaper and Evidence.

Is SQL Explorer actively maintained?

Yes. The most recent commit to SQL Explorer was on 25 September 2026, and the latest release is 5.3.1, published on 24 September 2026. The project has 2.9k stars on GitHub.

SQL Explorer: open-source alternative to Hex

About SQL Explorer

SQL Explorer is a Django application for SQL reporting. Analysts and developers write queries in a browser-based SQL editor with AI assistance, run them against connected databases, and share the results with teammates. Its tagline stresses simplicity: fast, simple, and free of surprises. The input lists its license only as other.

It supports MySQL, Postgres, Oracle, SQLite, Snowflake, MS SQL Server, and MariaDB, and users can manage connections or upload CSVs and database files. A schema browser with autocomplete, in-browser pivot tables, query history and logs, parameterized queries that generate friendly forms, and keyboard shortcuts are included. Results can be snapshotted on a schedule, emailed when long queries finish, or exposed as JSON endpoints.

The project offers a live demo and documentation, and its website has a pricing and features page, so check there for what is included in free and paid options. It suits teams that want lightweight reporting inside an existing Django project, or a simple tool for sharing queries without adopting a full business intelligence platform.

Key features

Browser-based SQL editor with AI assistance
Support for MySQL, Postgres, Oracle, SQLite, and more
Schema browser with autocomplete
In-browser pivot tables
Scheduled result snapshots and email reports
Parameterized queries with generated forms
Queries exposed as JSON endpoints

Good fit for

→Sharing saved SQL reports with non-technical teammates
→Lightweight reporting inside a Django project

Built with: Python
Tags: sql; reporting; django; analytics; pivot-tables; ai; query-editor; business-intelligence

SQL Explorer: questions and answers

What is SQL Explorer used for?: SQL Explorer is a Django-based SQL reporting tool for writing, running, and sharing queries with pivot tables, scheduled snapshots, JSON endpoints, and AI assistance. It is a good fit for sharing saved SQL reports with non-technical teammates and lightweight reporting inside a Django project.
Is SQL Explorer open source?: Yes. SQL Explorer is open source under a custom licence. Its source code is on GitHub at explorerhq/sql-explorer and is written mainly in Python.
Is SQL Explorer free?: Yes. SQL Explorer is open source, so the software itself is free to use under the terms of its own licence.
Can I self-host SQL Explorer?: Yes. SQL Explorer can be self-hosted on your own server or infrastructure.
What is SQL Explorer an alternative to?: SQL Explorer is an open-source alternative to Hex. Other open-source alternatives to Hex include Redash, Shaper and Evidence.
Is SQL Explorer actively maintained?: Yes. The most recent commit to SQL Explorer was on 25 September 2026, and the latest release is 5.3.1, published on 24 September 2026. The project has 2.9k stars on GitHub.