ODBC MySQL drivers have become a critical layer in the performance, stability, and scalability of modern analytics systems. And the broader market confirms that shift. Forecasts now put the ODBC market segment at USD 4.38 billion by 2029, clear proof that this once-overlooked layer is becoming a priority inside enterprise data stacks.
But what many teams still underestimate is the spread in quality of these tools. While ODBC drivers serve the same purpose, they do not all deliver the same results. This guide highlights the top MySQL ODBC drivers of 2026: the ones that consistently keep systems running cleanly and reliably.
Table of contents- Best ODBC Drivers for MySQL
- All ODBC drivers summary
- Why use a MySQL ODBC Driver?
- Making the right choice: Tips for choosing MySQL and MariaDB ODBC Drivers
- Conclusion
Best ODBC Drivers for MySQL
Six MySQL ODBC drivers stand out this year, each built for a different class of workload. From modern BI pipelines to legacy hybrid environments, these are the connectors shaping how teams interact with MySQL.
1. Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL and MariaDB
Company: Devart
The Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL and MariaDB is engineered for teams that treat performance and connection stability as infrastructure priorities. Its standout advantage is direct connectivity without client libraries, which gives it faster response times and more predictable behavior than most alternatives. For BI workloads, automation pipelines, and high-concurrency operations, this level of consistency is hard to match.
The only consideration is that its value is maximized in environments where teams want tight performance controls and enterprise-grade reliability. Smaller teams with simpler workflows may not fully leverage its depth.
Key details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Starts from $139.95 (perpetual desktop license); 30-day free trial available |
| Compatibility | MySQL 9.0, 5.7, 5.6, 5.5, 5.1, 5.0, 4.1, 4.0, 3.23; MariaDB 5.x–12.x; Azure Database for MySQL; Amazon RDS for MySQL; Amazon Aurora |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux (32-bit, 64-bit, including Apple Silicon) |
| Distribution | Devart website; Visual Studio Marketplace |
Specifications:
- Compliant with ODBC 3.52.
- Direct connection without MySQL client libraries.
- Full support for ODBC API and data types.
- Compatibility with the latest MySQL and MariaDB versions.
- SSL-secured communication without external libraries.
- SSH-tunneled connections for secure remote access.
Download Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL and MariaDB
2. MySQL Connector/ODBC
Company: Oracle Corporation
MySQL Connector/ODBC carries the advantage of being the official Oracle-maintained driver. That gives it clean API alignment, predictable behavior, and broad compatibility across MySQL versions. It’s an ideal fit for development teams, standard reporting, or environments where vendor consistency matters more than advanced performance tuning.
Its limitation is scalability. The connector is functional but not deeply optimized, making it less suited for modern BI workloads or concurrency-heavy data flows. As analytics pressure increases, most teams eventually outgrow what it can reliably deliver.
Key details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Free (open-source) |
| Compatibility | MySQL 9.1, 5.7, 5.6, and earlier supported versions |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Distribution | MySQL/Oracle official website |
Specifications:
- Official Oracle-maintained ODBC driver for MySQL.
- ODBC 3.8–compliant, with Unicode and ANSI driver variants.
- Supports server-side prepared statements (enabled by default in 8.0+).
- Full compatibility with the MySQL authentication protocol.
- Supports MySQL-specific data types and standard ODBC API functions.
- Includes configurable connection attributes, diagnostics, and tracing options.
Download MySQL Connector/ODBC
3. Simba MySQL ODBC Connector
Company: Simba Technologies (acquired by InsightSoftware)
The Simba MySQL ODBC Connector is built for organizations that live inside enterprise analytics ecosystems. Its strength is integration: Simba’s drivers are widely embedded in BI platforms and data tools, allowing for cleaner interoperability and fewer edge-case mismatches. For teams running multiple analytics systems at scale, this alignment often makes the connector feel native.
However, the tradeoff is cost-to-benefit fit. Smaller teams with simpler workflows may not need this level of ecosystem alignment.
Key details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Commercial license (pricing based on deployment and volume) |
| Compatibility | MySQL and MariaDB databases; widely used in enterprise BI and analytics environments |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Distribution | InsightSoftware (Simba) website |
Specifications:
- ODBC 3.80–compliant with full Unicode support.
- Available in 32-bit and 64-bit builds for high-performance workloads.
- Engineered for BI, reporting, and analytics scenarios on MySQL data.
- Supports multiple authentication methods, including native MySQL, SHA-256, and Windows SSO.
- Offers secure SSL/TLS connections.
- Optimized for stable interoperability with major analytics platforms (per documentation, without naming tools not explicitly listed by the vendor).
Download Simba MySQL ODBC Connector.
4. Progress DataDirect ODBC Driver for MySQL
Company: Progress Software
Progress DataDirect is built for teams operating under strict SLAs, high concurrency, and tight security expectations. Its wire-protocol architecture delivers controlled, low-latency performance without relying on MySQL client libraries, an advantage that becomes clear in enterprise-scale analytics and reporting.
Its depth becomes most useful in mature environments that actively tune performance and enforce governance. Lightweight pipelines won’t fully benefit from the engineering behind it, and the configuration options may be more than small teams need.
Key details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Commercial license (varies by deployment and support level) |
| Compatibility | MySQL and MariaDB across on-premises and cloud deployments |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Distribution | Progress DataDirect official website |
Specifications:
- Wire-protocol architecture (no MySQL client required).
- Performance-tuned for low-latency and high-volume analytics.
- Supports secure SSL/TLS connections and enterprise-grade security controls.
- Offers advanced diagnostics and logging features.
- Includes performance optimization settings for large-scale workloads.
- Full Unicode and ODBC API support.
Download Progress DataDirect ODBC Driver for MySQL.
5. Easysoft MySQL ODBC Driver
Company: Easysoft Limited
Easysoft’s MySQL ODBC Driver is built for environments where compatibility and predictability outweigh raw performance. Its real strength is stability across legacy systems and mixed operating setups, a combination that makes it a dependable choice for organizations maintaining older applications or hybrid infrastructure.
Its tradeoff is scale. The driver handles everyday connectivity well, but it isn’t engineered for heavy concurrency or high-throughput analytics. Teams running modern BI platforms or automation workloads will reach its limits faster than with enterprise-optimized alternatives.
Key details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Commercial license (varies by platform and deployment) |
| Compatibility | MySQL and MariaDB across legacy and modern systems |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Distribution | Easysoft official website |
Specifications:
- Provides direct connectivity to MySQL and MariaDB.
- Broad interoperability with legacy and mixed-system environments.
- Full ODBC API support with Unicode capabilities.
- Stable, predictable operation for general connectivity workloads.
- Diagnostics and tracing options available for troubleshooting.
- Designed for straightforward installation and minimal configuration overhead.
Download Easysoft MySQL ODBC Driver
6. CData MySQL ODBC Driver
Company: CData Software
CData’s MySQL ODBC Driver is designed for teams that need connectivity across a wide mix of BI tools, cloud services, and SaaS platforms. Its advantage is reach: CData prioritizes broad integration coverage, making it a strong fit for organizations that move MySQL data through many layers of modern applications and automation tools.
The tradeoff is performance tuning. While the driver excels at interoperability, it does not specialize in the low-latency, high-concurrency optimization that enterprise-focused drivers offer. Teams running heavy analytics pipelines will benefit more from solutions built for throughput rather than coverage.
Key details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Commercial license (varies by edition and deployment) |
| Compatibility | MySQL and MariaDB; strong support for cloud apps and BI tools |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Distribution | CData official website |
Specifications:
- ODBC 3.8–compliant, native protocol implementation.
- Full Unicode and SQL-92 support.
- Supports major BI tools including Tableau, Excel, and SSIS.
- Designed for broad interoperability with cloud apps and SaaS platforms.
- Strong metadata discovery and schema-mapping capabilities.
- Supports query pushdown where applicable.
- Secure MySQL authentication support with encrypted connections.
- Configurable caching options for performance.
- Virtualization features available depending on edition.
Download CData MySQL ODBC Driver
All ODBC drivers summary
For quick reference, here’s a side-by-side summary of the MySQL ODBC drivers reviewed above, outlining their ideal use cases and key details.
| Tool | Best for | Trial Info | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL and MariaDB | High-performance BI, automation pipelines, and enterprise workloads requiring direct, stable, and secure connectivity | 30-day free trial | From $139.95 (perpetual license) | Devart website |
| MySQL Connector/ODBC (Oracle) | Standard MySQL connectivity for development, light reporting, and teams prioritizing vendor alignment | Free, open-source | Free | Oracle MySQL website |
| Simba MySQL ODBC Connector | Enterprise analytics teams needing strong interoperability across BI tools and mixed data platforms | Vendor evaluation available | Quote-based licensing (varies by deployment) | InsightSoftware website |
| Progress DataDirect ODBC Driver for MySQL | Organizations with strict SLAs, high concurrency, and security-governed data operations | Vendor evaluation available | Quote-based licensing (varies by edition & support level) | Progress DataDirect website |
| Easysoft MySQL ODBC Driver | Legacy systems, mixed OS environments, and hybrid infrastructures needing broad compatibility | Trial available | Quote-based licensing (varies by platform) | Easysoft website |
| CData MySQL ODBC Driver | Teams routing MySQL data into modern cloud apps, SaaS tools, and multi-platform workflows | Trial available | Quote-based licensing (varies by edition & deployment) | CData website |
With the main contenders covered, let’s look at what makes a MySQL ODBC driver valuable.
Why use a MySQL ODBC Driver?
The ODBC driver MySQL layer shapes how data moves through the entire analytics stack. Here are the key benefits:
Standardized connectivity: A single ODBC layer gives BI tools, automation platforms, and internal systems the same entry point into MySQL, reducing integration overhead and keeping workflows aligned.
Live data without extra plumbing: Dashboards and automation services read directly from MySQL, allowing teams to move away from exports, sync jobs, and temporary data handoffs.
Predictable cross-platform behavior: A well-built driver handles queries and data types consistently across Windows, macOS, and Linux, which keeps cross-platform support clean and removes platform-specific drift.
Security controls at the point of connection: Encryption, certificate handling, and SSH tunneling enforce governance at the exact place data enters the environment, without relying on additional network tooling.
Throughput that holds under real workloads: Optimized wire protocols and efficient type handling support faster BI refreshes, steadier ETL cycles, and more reliable throughput as data volumes expand.
With the benefits clear, the next step is choosing the driver that fits your environment.
Making the right choice: Tips for choosing MySQL and MariaDB ODBC Drivers
Selecting the right MySQL ODBC driver comes down to understanding the realities of your environment. The drivers in this guide excel in different conditions, so the best fit depends on how your systems operate today, and how they’re expected to scale.
1. Platform and architecture fit
Start with your operating systems and deployment footprint. If your environment spans Windows, macOS, Linux, or legacy Unix variants, prioritize drivers with consistent cross-platform builds. Broad OS coverage keeps behavior aligned across teams and avoids platform-specific issues later.
2. Database versions and cloud services
Match each driver to the exact MySQL or MariaDB versions you run, including cloud services like Amazon RDS, Aurora, and Azure Database for MySQL. If upgrades are planned, choose vendors with a clear release cadence and transparent change logs to keep future maintenance predictable.
3. Security requirements
Security policies often dictate which drivers qualify. Look for support for modern TLS versions, certificate validation, and tunneling options such as SSH. These features allow connections to meet governance standards without relying on additional network tools.
4. Workload profile
Your workload determines which optimizations matter:
- Light reporting/dev: Basic, standard drivers are sufficient.
- BI and analytics: Choose wire-protocol drivers with strong type handling and concurrency stability.
- Mixed read/write & ETL: Prioritize drivers built for live updates, reliable type mapping, and stable long-running sessions.
5. Tool ecosystem integration
If your stack depends on tools like Power BI, Tableau, Qlik, Cognos, or SSIS, choose drivers with documented integration guides and well-tested interoperability. For product teams embedding MySQL connectivity, prioritize vendors with clear OEM programs and long-term support commitments.
6. Licensing and vendor support
Licensing varies widely across the ecosystem: from free, open-source options to perpetual licenses and subscription models. Beyond cost, evaluate the support structure: response times, escalation paths, and whether the vendor provides enterprise-grade assistance when production workloads depend on the connection.
Conclusion
Choosing a MySQL ODBC driver is a fundamental decision. The connector you standardize on will influence how reliably dashboards refresh, pipelines run, and applications move data at scale.
For teams that need high performance, strong security, and broad MySQL/MariaDB and cloud coverage, Devart’s ODBC Driver for MySQL and MariaDB remains a strong default. Its direct connectivity, consistent cross-platform behavior, and enterprise-grade encryption make it a dependable choice for serious data workloads.
For lighter needs (development, basic reporting, or teams that prefer staying within the Oracle ecosystem) the official MySQL Connector/ODBC remains a sensible baseline.
For every other scenario, the best approach is straightforward: shortlist the drivers that match your environment, install the trials, and run them against your real workloads. The driver that stays quiet, stable, and invisible while everything else works as expected is the one you keep.
Download the Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL and MariaDB and test it against your workflows.
