ODBC Driver for MySQL and MariaDB: A Paid Alternative to Connector/ODBC With 32-bit Support and SSH Built In
Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL is a commercial ODBC driver that connects Excel, Access, Power BI, Tableau, SQL Server and other ODBC tools to MySQL, MariaDB, Amazon Aurora and other MySQL-compatible databases, on 32-bit or 64-bit Windows, macOS and Linux. A single-desktop license costs $139.95 a year, or $279.95 as a perpetual license.
MySQL has a free ODBC driver, so the real question is what this one adds. The short answer: 32-bit builds, which MySQL stopped making, built-in SSH and HTTP tunnels, a graphical setup on Mac and Linux, and a support team.
Quick facts
- Version: 6.2.0, released October 16, 2026
- Developer: Devart
- Platforms: Windows x86 and x64 (including Terminal Server), macOS Intel and Apple Silicon, Linux x86 and x64 (DEB and RPM packages)
- Databases: MySQL 3.23 to 9.x, MariaDB 5.x to 12.x, Amazon RDS for MySQL, Amazon Aurora, Azure Database for MySQL, Google Cloud SQL for MySQL
- Client needed: none in Direct mode (default port 3306)
- Security: SSL/TLS, SSH tunneling, HTTP/HTTPS tunneling
- Price: $139.95 per year for the Desktop edition (subscription), $279.95 perpetual
- Trial: 30 days, free, activated with a trial key from a Devart account
What we checked: version 6.2.0 (released October 16, 2026) on Devart's download page and revision history, installer sizes of 31.29 MB (Windows EXE), 32.92 MB (MSI), 18.13 MB (macOS PKG) and 3.79 to 5.79 MB (Linux DEB/RPM), and prices on the order page of $139.95 a year for Desktop for Windows, $279.95 for two years, $419.95 for three years, $279.95 perpetual, and $899.95 a year or $1,799.95 perpetual for Server Standard, all on November 5, 2026. We didn't install the trial (the download needs a Devart account) or connect it to a MySQL server.
Before you buy
MySQL Connector/ODBC is free and open source. If you run a 64-bit tool on a machine that can reach the server directly, try it first. Devart's driver earns its price for 32-bit applications (MySQL stopped building 32-bit Connector/ODBC with version 8.1.0), for a server you reach only through SSH or HTTP, for a graphical DSN setup on Mac and Linux, and for a team that wants paid support.
The default price is a subscription: the driver works only during the paid term, and it needs an internet connection to activate and to check the license. A perpetual license costs about twice as much, activates offline and keeps the version you bought working.
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Overview
Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL connects applications to MySQL over TCP/IP with no MySQL client libraries, and it maps MySQL data types to ODBC types in both directions. The same driver reaches the databases that speak MySQL's protocol: MariaDB, Aurora, Amazon RDS, Azure Database for MySQL and Google Cloud SQL.
It follows new server releases closely. MySQL 9.6 support came in version 6.1 in April 2026 and MySQL 9.7.x in 6.2.0 in October 2026, which also improved the gssapi authentication plugin and fixed an SSH "negotiation of mac algorithm" error. Recent versions added MariaDB 12, the VECTOR data type, and MariaDB's UUID, INET4 and INET6 types.
Features
MySQL, MariaDB and the cloud versions in one driver
Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL works with MySQL 3.23 to 9.x and MariaDB 5.x to 12.x, plus Amazon RDS for MySQL, Amazon Aurora, Azure Database for MySQL and Google Cloud SQL for MySQL. You set up a DSN with a server, port 3306, user, password and database, click Test Connection, and every ODBC tool on the machine can use it.
The driver's Windows configuration dialog with server, port 3306, user, password and the sakila sample database, after a successful Test Connection.
32-bit and 64-bit drivers, on Windows, Mac and Linux
Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL installs a 32-bit and a 64-bit driver on Windows, and has packages for macOS on Intel and Apple Silicon and for Linux. This is the biggest practical difference from Connector/ODBC, whose 32-bit builds ended with the 8.0 series. If you still run 32-bit Office, Access or another 32-bit application, it can load this driver.
The Windows setup's Select Components page: the driver for Win32, the driver for Win64 and the Help and Manual, about 22.2 MB in all.
SSL, SSH and HTTP tunnels without extra software
Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL encrypts connections with SSL/TLS, using certificates set in the DSN, and has its own SSH and HTTP/HTTPS tunneling, so a MySQL server kept off the internet can be reached through a bastion host or a web server. Since version 6.1, SSL and SSH can be used together. Connector/ODBC handles SSL, but SSH access means setting up a tunnel yourself.
The Security Settings tab with SSH switched on: host, port 22, user name, password, client private key, server public key and storage path.
Linked Server support for SQL Server
Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL has had specific work done for SQL Server Linked Server use: support for the SELECT TOP clause and, in version 6.1, significantly improved compatibility in SQL Server Management Studio. That's a common way to pull MySQL data into T-SQL queries and reports.
Options for slow links and fussy tools
Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL can compress traffic for slow connections, set connection and query timeouts, and make a connection read-only on server 5.6.5 or later. For awkward tools it can force ODBC 2.x or 3.x behavior, return strings as ANSI or Unicode, map TIMESTAMP to VARCHAR, and control the ANSI_QUOTES SQL mode. Connection pooling and bulk updates help with volume.
The Advanced Settings tab: metadata options, character set, timeouts, Compress, Interactive, Read Only Connection, ODBC behavior, string types and TimeStamp as VarChar.
Benefits
- 32-bit tools stay useful. Old Office and line-of-business software keeps a current, supported MySQL driver.
- No port to open. SSH or HTTP tunneling lets a report reach a private server without exposing 3306.
- One driver across a mixed estate. MySQL, MariaDB and Aurora all use the same install and DSN format.
- Someone to ask. Devart has a dedicated support team and nightly builds with hotfixes.
Real-World Uses
- An office on 32-bit Access links tables from a MySQL back end and keeps its forms working after moving off an old driver.
- A web shop owner pulls orders from a hosted MySQL server into Excel through an SSH tunnel.
- A SQL Server DBA queries a MariaDB system through a Linked Server for a cross-database report.
- A Mac analyst connects Excel or Tableau to Aurora with a DSN set up in Devart's graphical configurator.
- A Linux ETL job reads MySQL through unixODBC from Python or PHP.
Who It's For, and Who Should Skip It
It's for anyone with a 32-bit ODBC application, teams that need tunneling built into the driver, and companies that want a commercial vendor behind their database connections.
Skip it if Connector/ODBC already works for you, since this would add a yearly bill for no gain. Skip it too if your tool has a native MySQL connector you're happy with, or if your code can use a native library. If you need several sources, price Devart's ODBC Universal Bundle (from $499.95 a year for all its ODBC drivers).
Usage Guide
- Get the installer. Sign in to or create a Devart account on the download page, then download the EXE or MSI for Windows, the PKG for macOS, or the DEB or RPM package for your Linux distribution. Only one version of the driver can be installed at a time.
- Install and activate. Run the wizard, keep or clear the 64-bit and 32-bit drivers, and enter your trial or purchased key, or activate later. The driver must be activated even for the trial.
- Create a DSN. On Windows, open ODBC Data Sources in the bitness of your application, choose User DSN or System DSN, click Add and pick Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL.
- Enter the connection. Server, port 3306, user, password and database, plus the Security Settings tab for SSL, SSH or HTTP. Click Test Connection.
- Connect your tool. In Excel use Data, Get Data, From Other Sources, From ODBC, or from code use
DRIVER={Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL};User ID=myUsername;Password=...;Server=myServer;Database=myDatabase
On macOS, the same settings in Devart's graphical configurator.
Where It Falls Short
- It competes with a free driver. For a plain 64-bit connection, you'd be paying for something Connector/ODBC does at no charge.
- The trial takes paperwork. The installer sits behind a Devart sign-in, and the driver won't work until you enter a trial key.
- The price is per seat and per platform. Desktop for Windows, macOS and Linux are separate purchases, and a shared server needs Server Standard at $899.95 a year.
- Activation shows up in the change log. Past fixes include re-activating the driver under another Windows user and license validation for a Linked Server.
- Linux DSN handling depends on unixODBC. Version 6.2.0 had to add a workaround for unixODBC 2.3.13 and 2.3.14.
What Users Say
Praise
Capterra lists ODBC Driver for MySQL separately, but with no reviews yet, so most feedback is filed under Devart's ODBC line as a whole:
- "almost no connection failures" TrustRadius reviewer, on reliability
- "far less connection failures" TrustRadius reviewer, an automation tester comparing it with the tool used before
- "very simple and easy to install, setup and use" Software Advice reviewer
- "very fast for data transfers" Software Advice reviewer
Criticism
- "for each user, it is necessary to purchase a license" TrustRadius reviewer
- "prices are still high" TrustRadius reviewer
- "how-to and FAQs about functionality seeks addition" TrustRadius reviewer
- "licensing took a while to be ready and delivered" Software Advice reviewer
Ratings
These November 2026 figures cover Devart's ODBC drivers as one product, so they're a guide to the vendor rather than to this driver:
- Capterra: 4.7 out of 5 from 26 reviews of Devart ODBC Drivers
- Software Advice: 4.7 out of 5 from 26 users, with 4.5 for ease of use and 4.4 for customer support
- TrustRadius: a much lower 5.2 out of 10 from 58 ratings
The recurring picture: reliable, quick to set up and fast, but priced per user, with thin documentation in places. The TrustRadius score is the outlier.
Comparisons
Devart ODBC Driver vs. MySQL Connector/ODBC
Connector/ODBC is MySQL's own open source driver. It costs nothing and supports all active MySQL Server versions. Its current Windows builds are 64-bit only: 32-bit builds stopped at version 8.1.0. Devart's driver adds 32-bit support, SSH and HTTP/HTTPS tunneling, a graphical setup on Mac and Linux, tested compatibility with more than 200 tools and a dedicated support team. If none of those matter to you, use the free one.
Desktop vs. Server editions
Desktop covers one computer used by one person at a time, directly or remotely. Server Standard covers one server with up to 6 cores used by many people in one company, such as a web or report server. Server Enterprise removes the core limit. Site and OEM licenses are quoted on request.
Editions and Pricing
| Edition | Subscription | Perpetual | Who can use it |
|---|
| Desktop (Windows, macOS or Linux) | $139.95 per year | $279.95 | One user at a time on one computer |
| Server Standard | $899.95 per year | $1,799.95 | Many users on one server with up to 6 cores |
| Server Enterprise, Site, OEM | On request | On request | Any core count, whole company, or redistribution |
Each license is for one platform and includes a year of support and upgrades. A Desktop subscription paid up front costs $279.95 for two years and $419.95 for three, so a perpetual license costs the same as two years of subscription. Priority support is an optional extra, and Devart takes 5, 10 or 15 percent off for 5, 10 or 20 copies.
FAQs
Does Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL work with MariaDB?
Yes. Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL supports MariaDB 5.x to 12.x, including MariaDB's UUID, INET4 and INET6 data types.
Is there a 32-bit MySQL ODBC driver for current MySQL versions?
Yes. Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL has a 32-bit Windows build that supports MySQL up to 9.x. MySQL's own Connector/ODBC stopped building 32-bit binaries with version 8.1.0.
Can I use the driver with Amazon Aurora or Azure?
Yes. Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL supports Amazon RDS for MySQL, Amazon Aurora, Azure Database for MySQL and Google Cloud SQL for MySQL.
Do I need MySQL client libraries?
No. Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL connects directly over TCP/IP without them.
What happens when my subscription ends?
Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL on a subscription works only for the term you've paid for, and it checks the license online. A perpetual license keeps the version you bought working indefinitely.
Do I need separate licenses for Windows and Mac?
Yes. Devart sells ODBC Driver for MySQL licenses per platform: Desktop for Windows, Desktop for macOS and Desktop for Linux are separate items at the same price.
Can I install it on a web server?
Not with the Desktop license. Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL on a server used by several people at once needs Server Standard for up to 6 cores, or Server Enterprise beyond that.
System Requirements
- Windows: x86 or x64, including Windows Terminal Server. About 22 MB of disk space for both drivers and the help
- macOS: Intel or Apple Silicon
- Linux: x86 or x64, DEB or RPM package
- Database: MySQL 3.23 to 9.x, MariaDB 5.x to 12.x, or a MySQL-compatible cloud service. No client libraries required
- Installed versions: one version of the driver at a time
Conclusion
Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL is worth $139.95 a year if you have a reason not to use MySQL's free driver: a 32-bit application, a server you can only reach through SSH or HTTP, Mac or Linux users who want a simple setup, or a need for a vendor to call. It's well maintained and quick to support new MySQL and MariaDB releases. The main reason not to buy is that for an ordinary 64-bit connection, Connector/ODBC does the same job at no cost. If you do buy, compare the perpetual license: at $279.95 it costs the same as two years of subscription.
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