Mac App Store Differences

There are two ways to get Postico: You can download it from this website (direct download version) or you can buy it on the Mac App Store.

The differences between the two versions are minimal, and for most of our customers the decision which version to get boils down to personal preferences. The direct download version is probably easier for organisations to purchase, while the Mac App Store version is easier if you buy all your apps on the Mac App Store.

However, there are some differences between the two versions, and they are documented below.

Direct Download Version

Automatic Updates via Sparkle
Stable Builds or Development Builds (development builds allow you to try new features before they are released in stable builds)
Flexible licensing options for individuals or organisations, including support for MDM solutions
All features are available
Discounted upgrades for personal license
Free evaluation version available

Mac App Store version

Automatic Updates via Mac App Store
Stable Builds only
Standard Mac App Store licensing
Some features are not allowed on the Mac App Store (see below)
No Upgrade Pricing is available
No trial version available

Missing features in the Mac App Store version

Pre-connect shell scripts: Not allowed on the Mac App Store because they require a privileged helper tool
Automatic migration of Postico 1.x settings: If you previously used Postico 1, you need to export PostgreSQL connection settings manually from Postico 1.x and import them into Postico 2.