Query Streams

Overview

Query Streams gives spreadsheets, AI clients, apps and scheduled syncs governed access to databases and APIs through an outbound-only Network Agent. It suits people who need to query or move data across sources without handing spreadsheet recipients SQL or opening inbound network access. Its broad mix of integrations and query controls is compelling, but Free’s traffic and row caps make it a limited starting point for larger workloads.

Key features

Nova AI takes plain-English questions, reads a database schema, then generates and runs read-only SQL and returns metrics, tables and charts. That can make database exploration more approachable, though Nova is included only with Business Core, which starts at $50 a month.

The hosted MCP server connects database and API sources to Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT and Grok through a revocable key. Excel and Google Sheets add-ins run shared saved queries and stream results into cells without exposing SQL to recipients. These features make Query Streams useful when data needs to reach existing spreadsheet or AI workflows, rather than another standalone dashboard.

Federated queries combine data from multiple databases and APIs in one SQL statement and return one table. The connector directory covers 53 sources across database engines, managed services, business APIs and file types. Scheduled SQL results can flow to Smartsheet, Airtable, Google Sheets, SeaTable, Baserow and Anvil as frequently as every five minutes.

The Network Agent makes an encrypted outbound connection, needs no inbound ports or VPN, and keeps database credentials on the user's network. It permits only SELECT, WITH and EXPLAIN queries. Those constraints are a meaningful fit for controlled read access, not for workloads that need writes or unrestricted SQL.

Usage is measured in megabytes processed, not rows. Free includes 5 MB per month, with API and federated calls capped at 250 rows each; scheduled pushes are capped at 125 rows. That distinction matters: a low row count does not necessarily mean low traffic, and the Free tier can constrain both query volume and result size.

Pricing

New accounts get a 30-day trial with every feature unlocked, no credit card required, then move to Free. That is enough time to assess the broader feature set before deciding whether the usage caps fit.

• Free — free: 5 MB monthly query traffic, one data source, 125 rows per scheduled push, 250 rows per API or federated call, one MCP key at 30 requests per minute, and one daily in-app alert. It is best for a small proof of concept; a single source and tight quotas limit ongoing or multi-source use.
• Personal Core — $15 a month: 25 MB per month, three data sources, Query Manager, five times the Free API rate and larger federated results. It is the entry paid plan for individuals needing more than one source and higher API capacity, though its traffic allowance remains modest.
• Personal Plus — $30 a month: 90 MCP requests per minute, two Network Agents, five data sources, dynamic filters and query sharing. It suits personal setups needing more agents and shared, filterable queries; it does not include Nova AI.
• Business Core — $50 a month: Includes Nova AI and monthly Nova credits. It is the relevant tier for users who want natural-language database querying, at a substantial step up from Personal Plus.

Platforms

Query Streams supports API, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web and Windows. Its access protocols include SQL, REST API and MCP, with hybrid deployment. The range accommodates both hosted access and an agent running within a user's network.

Who it's for

Query Streams is a strong fit for teams or individuals who need controlled, read-only access to multiple data sources from spreadsheets, AI clients or scheduled destinations. It is less suitable when the workload requires write queries, large recurring transfers on Free, or a low-cost way to unlock Nova AI.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Outbound-only encrypted connectivity and read-only query enforcement reduce the network exposure and write risk associated with database access.
• Pro: Federated SQL, spreadsheet add-ins, MCP integrations and scheduled pushes cover several practical ways to query and distribute data.
• Pro: The no-card, 30-day full-feature trial gives users a chance to assess paid capabilities before committing.
• Con: Free is constrained to 5 MB monthly, one source and capped result sizes, so it is not a dependable fit for heavier use.
• Con: Nova AI starts at Business Core, while Personal Core and Plus do not include it.
• Con: Every listed plan is constrained to read-only query types, ruling it out for data modification workflows.

Alternatives

For a wider comparison, browse Data Virtualization Software.

• Virtuoso Universal Server is a free-plan option with one-time Personal and Developer pricing; choose it if that purchase model and its workstation-oriented Personal plan suit your needs.
• Apache Drill is free, open-source under Apache License 2.0, and supports embedded or cluster deployment; pick it if you want downloadable software rather than Query Streams' managed integrations.
• Denodo Platform offers a free Developer plan with a single server, 4 cores, 50 data products and 2.5 TB/year; consider it if those Developer allowances match your needs.
• Enterprise Enabler is another option in this category.
• Stardog has a free tier with a renewable one-year license, up to 1 million stored edges and three databases; choose it if those bounds and community support fit.
• Teradata VantageCloud has a free plan and trial; consider it if you want to evaluate its database and analytics offering.
• Spice.ai OSS is a free Apache 2.0-licensed self-hostable binary or Docker image; choose it if a self-hosted open-source option is the priority.
• PrestoDB is a free, open-source SQL query engine with self-hosted deployment; consider it if that model is a better fit.

Verdict

Choose Query Streams if you want read-only, network-conscious access that can carry database and API results into spreadsheets, AI clients and scheduled syncs. Its main advantage is the combination of guarded connectivity and multiple practical destinations; its main drawback is that Free’s small traffic allowance and strict row caps quickly limit serious use, while Nova AI requires the $50 a month Business Core plan. For high-volume work or database writes, look elsewhere.