Best FREE SQL Server Tools for Database Developers and Administrators!

This article has recently been extensively revised. In particular, we reworked the article structure, and navigation, and updated descriptions of the tools featured. We have also thoroughly checked all links to guarantee their active status and ensured that the information regarding all tools is current and accurate.

The current material comprehensively lists the best SQL Server FREE tools for database developers and administrators, including the stand-alone solutions and add-ins for SQL Server Management Studio. You can download the following tools and use them in your commercial projects!

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Free SQL Server Tools

In this section, we’ll review the most popular stand-alone solutions for database tasks in SQL Server and corresponding cloud platforms, both free and paid software options. We’ll discuss their functionalities and assess their suitability for tasks within SQL Server databases.

dbForge Studio for SQL Server

dbForge Studio for MySQL is an all-in-one integrated development environment (IDE) designed specifically for database developers, managers, administrators, and analysts. Its expansive functionality combined with an intuitive graphical interface makes it an efficient solution for a wide range of database challenges and streamlines the automation of routine tasks.

Key features include:

• Multi-featured code assistant
• Database comparison and synchronization
• Source Control with all major version control systems support
• Generation of test data
• Data migration supporting over 10 formats
• Comprehensive source control compatible with major systems
• Tools for DevOps configuration
• Effective management of users and sessions
• Advanced data reporting and analysis capabilities

Pros:

• Extensive configuration and customization options
• Professional support available through various channels
• Comprehensive documentation and educational resources

Cons:

• More advanced features are exclusive to paid editions
• Lack of offline documentation available

Price: 30-day free trial, free Express edition, paid starts from $199.95/year

DBeaver

DBeaver is a widely-used multi-database IDE compatible with major database management systems, including MS SQL Server. It empowers users to create and manage databases and database objects, configure database users, and handle database connections, among other functionalities.

Key features include:

• A comprehensive data viewer and editor
• A tool to generate realistic test data for tables
• An SQL editor equipped with coding assistance
• A visual Query Builder for crafting complex queries
• A metadata browser
• Tools for comparing and synchronizing database schemas

Pros:

• A variety of data viewing options
• Advanced security features
• An ER (Entity-Relationship) diagram generator for visualizing databases and tables

Cons:

• Data import is limited to CSV format
• Limited support for users of the free version
• High resource usage, which might impact system performance

Price: Free (Community edition), paid starts from $11/month $110, free trial is available

HeidiSQL

HeidiSQL is a well-regarded open-source database management tool, known for its user-friendly graphical interface. Its lightweight design and ease of use make it an excellent choice for performing standard tasks across major database management systems.

Key features include:

• An SQL editor enhanced with a code-completion feature
• Efficient user and session management capabilities
• The ability to export data into several popular formats
• Direct data export between different databases
• A connection manager, along with the option to connect via the command line

Pros:

• Supports SSH and SSL for secure connections
• Features a search function to find specific text across all tables and databases
• Enables batch operations for efficient database management

Cons:

• Offers less functionality compared to other IDEs
• Limited documentation and support options are available

Price: Free (open source)

dbForge SQL Tools

dbForge SQL Tools is a comprehensive suite of 15 expert-level tools tailored for SQL Server and Azure SQL professionals. These tools function as add-ins for both SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and Visual Studio, significantly upgrading the standard SSMS interface by integrating a wide range of enhancements and novel features.

Key features include:

• An advanced SQL coding assistant
• Tools for comparing and deploying database schemas and table data
• Source Control with a detailed history of database changes
• High-quality test data generation capabilities
• Data migration tools for different databases
• A database performance tracking and analysis tool

Pros:

• The DevOps module
• Seamless integration with SSMS and Visual Studio
• Extensive and versatile functionality

Cons:

• The tools are exclusive enhancements for SSMS/Visual Studio
• The DevOps module is only included in the premium edition
• Relatively high cost

Price: 30-day free trial

dbForge SQL Decryptor

dbForge SQL Decryptor is an efficient tool that integrates flawlessly with SSMS. It provides users with the convenience of effortlessly viewing and decrypting stored procedures, views, triggers, and functions. The tool features a user-friendly interface and employs syntax highlighting in DDL statements to facilitate a straightforward and secure decryption process.

Key features include:

• User-friendly point-and-click decryption process
• Capability to restore the original T-SQL body
• Option to export decrypted objects as files
• An integrated SQL editor for editing database objects

Pros:

• Comprehensive Unicode support
• Batch mode is available for decrypting multiple objects efficiently

Cons:

• Absence of a stand-alone software variant
• Compatibility is limited to SSMS only

Price: Free

SQL Formatter

SQL Formatter is an accessible and complimentary online tool tailored for instant SQL code formatting, aimed at improving readability, precision, and consistency. It specializes in fundamental formatting tasks like adding indents, line breaks, and proper capitalization to SQL code.

Key features include:

• Text case formatting capabilities
• Specific settings for formatting SQL commands
• Specialized formatting for procedures and functions

Pros:

• Highly adaptable formatting settings
• Capability to format code directly or via file uploads
• Offers SQL samples to aid in pre-setting formatting preferences

Cons:

• No dedicated desktop version for SQL formatting
• Formatting features are part of the dbForge SQL Complete suite
• Advanced formatting options are exclusive to SQL Complete

Price: Free (online tool)

ApexSQL Refactor

ApexSQL Refactor is a specialized add-in for SSMS and Visual Studio, boasting an impressive array of nearly 200 formatting options and 15 refactoring choices. It aims to enhance SQL code readability, consistency, and overall quality. Its primary goal is to ensure a uniform coding style across teams or organizations and to safeguard SQL code against errors stemming from database schema changes.

Key features include:

• Customizable formatting profiles that can be shared among team members
• A preview feature that highlights differences in changes
• Code obfuscation capabilities for enhanced security
• Safe renaming of various SQL objects
• Reliable replacement of one-to-many relationships
• Conversion of complex primary keys to single-column surrogate keys

Pros:

• Ability to batch format SQL objects and scripts
• Features for detecting and highlighting unused variables and parameters
• Tools for converting SQL code into equivalent code in other languages

Cons:

• Availability restricted to ApexSQL Fundamentals Toolkit for SQL Server
• Relatively high cost

Price: 30-day free trial (ApexSQL Fundamentals Toolkit for SQL Server)

Redgate SQL Scripts Manager

SQL Scripts Manager is a convenient resource offering a curated collection of essential scripts developed by expert database administrators and developers. These scripts are designed to facilitate the automation of routine tasks in database maintenance, diagnostics, and troubleshooting. Redgate SQL Scripts Manager features a total of 28 refined scripts.

Key features include:

• Scripts tailored for database maintenance and optimization
• Scripts focused on performance monitoring and tuning
• Tools for data backup and recovery
• Management scripts for queries and templates
• Scripts for system and user monitoring

Pros:

• Capabilities for checking and managing database indexes
• Tools for ensuring data integrity
• Identification of resource-intensive queries
• Detection of top resources causing system wait times
• Analysis of query execution plans
• Export functionality for specific query templates
• Auditing of user logins
• Monitoring of ongoing processes and user activities

Cons:

• Not a stand-alone application
• Absence of a graphical user interface
• Requires a certain level of professional expertise for efficient script application

Price: Free

SQLCheck

SQL Check is a free tool designed to gather and monitor critical performance metrics, aiding in the analysis and enhancement of system efficiency and health. It is compatible with SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, and Amazon RDS for SQL Server.

Key features include:

• Real-time monitoring of database performance
• Identification of various issues
• Detection of system bottlenecks
• Rapid diagnostics of issues

Pros:

• Simple deployment process without the need for installation
• User-friendly and customizable graphical dashboard
• Supports Azure Active Directory authorization

Cons:

• Restricted functionality, focusing solely on database monitoring
• Limited features available in the free edition

Price: Free

SQL Server Maintenance Solution

SQL Server Maintenance Solution is a tool built upon stored procedures. It offers a collection of scripts crafted for key database management tasks such as backing up data, managing indexes, updating statistics, and conducting integrity checks. This tool is compatible with Microsoft SQL Server, starting from the 2008 version, and is widely adopted in various organizations, particularly for its excellent performance in critical environments.

Key features include:

• Intelligent backup processes that can distribute data across multiple files
• Comprehensive backup support, encompassing both Differential and Transaction Log backups
• Advanced index management, including the detection and rebuilding of fragmented indexes
• Flexible statistics updates, offering both full and partial options
• Capability to conduct integrity checks on large-scale databases

Pros:

• Integration with dynamic management views (DMV)
• Ability to back up data directly to Azure Blob Storage
• Backup operation compatibility with Linux systems

Cons:

• Absence of a graphical user interface
• Some limitations in functionality across various aspects

Price: Free

Free SSMS Plugins

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is the go-to solution for working with SQL Server databases, highly favored by SQL Server specialists who appreciate its familiar interface and robust features, which can be further improved with the use of plugins. In this section of our article, we’ve compiled a list of the most functional and useful add-ins for SSMS.

dbForge SQL Complete

SQL Complete is an advanced add-in for SSMS and Visual Studio designed to improve the SQL coding experience. It offers a comprehensive set of features for coding assistance, formatting, debugging, and refactoring, enabling users to produce superior SQL code and significantly boost their productivity.

Key features include:

• Context-sensitive IntelliSense-style code completion
• Intelligent filtering of suggested keywords
• Real-time code beautification with customizable settings
• Safe and efficient refactoring tools
• A library of code snippets for reusing code fragments

Pros:

• Function hints, including parameter information
• Customizable settings for enhanced flexibility
• Personalized formatting templates
• A powerful T-SQL debugger
• Session restoration capability
• Professional-grade technical support

Cons:

• The free Express edition offers only basic functionality

Price: free Express edition, 14-day free trial of the aid ed

SSMS Tools Pack

SSMS Tools Pack is an advanced enhancement tool for SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), designed to augment its default functionalities in several critical areas. This tool enhances data exportation, simplifies query construction and analysis, offers code formatting features, eases database connection management, and improves results handling.

Key features include:

• Capability to add custom folders in Object Explorer
• Data export options, including result sets, tables, or whole databases to Excel (XLS)
• SQL code snippets for efficient code fragment reuse
• Analysis and optimization tips for query execution plans
• Simplified generation of CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) stored procedures

Pros:

• Collection of column statistics for detailed analysis
• Color-coding of database connections for streamlined management
• Ability to search within results in grid mode
• Feature for saving the history of SQL queries

Cons:

• No free edition
• The primary payment method through PayPal, with alternative payment methods requiring direct contact with the provider

Price: 60-day demo license (free trial)

ApexSQL Complete

ApexSQL Complete is an add-in tailored for SSMS and Visual Studio, designed to enhance coding speed and quality. It aids users in accelerating their coding tasks with features like code auto-completion, code snippets, and automated generation of CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) procedures, among others.

Key features include:

• On-the-fly formatting of auto-completed words
• Direct navigation from a query to the specific database object
• Safe execution of queries in a test mode

Pros:

• Effortless navigation between different tabs
• An extensive history of queries for easy reference
• Enhanced protection against accidental data loss
• Efficient object caching for improved performance

Cons:

• Only available as part of the ApexSQL Fundamentals Toolkit for SQL Server
• Lacks a free edition option

Price: 14-day free trial

dbForge Event Profiler

dbForge Event Profiler for SQL Server is an essential add-in for database administrators using SSMS. It acts as a potent instrument for collecting and examining vital database performance data. This tool assists users in detecting problems and bottlenecks, identifying their underlying causes, and effectively resolving them.

Key features include:

• Real-time monitoring of server sessions and query executions
• Identification of the most intensive activities
• Pinpointing the most significant queries
• Auditing user actions and responsibilities

Pros:

• In-depth analysis of individual statements and complex procedures
• Monitoring of SQL Server resource usage by users
• Tracking activities of the SQL Server database engine

Price: Free

dbForge Search for SQL Server

dbForge SQL Search is a helpful SSMS add-in crafted to swiftly find database objects, data, or text in SQL Server databases without the need to navigate through the entire Object Explorer.

Key features include:

• Speedy navigation to the desired objects in Object Explorer
• Capability to search across various object types
• Direct searching functionality within SSMS
• Options for sorting and filtering search results

Pros:

• Ability to search across multiple databases simultaneously
• Incorporates wildcard support in search queries

Price: Free

Redgate SQL Search

Redgate SQL Search is a popular add-in for SSMS and Visual Studio, designed to enhance user productivity by enabling the search for specific SQL code fragments across multiple databases. It streamlines the process of locating and navigating to target objects.

Key features include:

• Ability to search across various databases and different object types
• Supports the use of wildcards for more flexible searches
• Capability to find all references to a specified object
• Facilitates object renaming while preserving dependencies

Pros:

Offers filtering and sorting options for search results, improving efficiency

Highlights search matches within the Object Explorer and script for easy identification

Price: Free

Apex SQL Search

ApexSQL Search, a component of the ApexSQL Fundamentals Toolkit for SQL Server, is a robust enhancement for SSMS and Visual Studio. It offers a broad spectrum of database search functions, along with additional capabilities such as object renaming and exporting results in various data formats.

Key features include:

• Rapid search functionality for data within SQL tables
• Effortless navigation to locate objects
• Secure renaming of SQL objects to maintain system integrity
• Capability to edit the extended properties of objects
• Options to export search results in formats like CSV, XLS, and HTML

Pros:

• Allows specification of object types for targeted searches
• Features grouping, sorting, and filtering of search results for better organization
• Maintains a search history, providing quick access to previously searched data

Cons:

• Lacks a stand-alone version
• Does not offer a free edition

Price: 14-day free trial

SSMSBoost

SSMSBoost is an add-in designed to enhance the functionality of SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio). It offers a range of features aimed at improving efficiency and data protection. These include data export to Excel, maintaining a query history, and safeguards against accidental data losses. The add-in primarily focuses on accelerating everyday tasks and providing robust data protection measures.

Key features include:

• Effective management of database connections
• Capability to view the source code of any database object
• Rapid search functionality for both data and database objects
• An extensive library of code snippets
• Advanced SQL code formatting tools

Pros:

• Automatic recovery of closed tabs and sessions
• Incorporation of wildcards and regular expressions in search operations
• A comprehensive history of SQL queries

Cons:

• The tool is quite outdated, with its latest version released in 2021
• It lacks support for versions of SSMS newer than 2018

Price: free Community license, paid Professional license, 30-day free trial is available

Plan Explorer

Plan Explorer is an SSMS add-in designed to facilitate easy access to query execution plan analysis. This user-friendly tool enables users to delve into execution plans, pinpoint and filter out low-cost operations, and view a detailed cost breakdown through an intuitive graphical interface within SSMS. Additionally, it provides practical recommendations for query optimization and database performance enhancement. Notably, Plan Explorer is compatible with all versions of SSMS, including version 19.

Key features include:

• An index analyzer that allows users to view, modify, and create indexes
• The ability to assess the impact of query parameters on performance
• Methods to identify the most resource-intensive operators
• Query profiling capabilities
• Direct comparison and viewing of estimated versus actual costs

Pros:

• Comprehensive statistics for plan operators
• Eliminates the need for external data collectors
• Utilizes scoring algorithms to determine the most efficient queries
• Offers real-time score updates as queries are optimized

Price: Free

SQLSmash

SqlSmash is an efficient SSMS add-in crafted to elevate overall performance. It provides a suite of features aimed at simplifying code writing, enabling quick location of data objects, and offering easy access to object details, among other benefits. The integration of keyboard shortcuts and contextual menus greatly improves the user experience.

Key features include:

• SQL code formatting for cleaner, more readable code
• History tracking for queries and recently accessed tabs
• Automated creation of INSERT statements, enhancing productivity
• Advanced search capabilities for database objects and text

Pros:

• Ability to view definitions of database objects
• On-the-spot summary view for any object pointed at by the cursor
• Capability to execute any query highlighted by the cursor with a single click
• Facility to see all references related to the object under the cursor

Cons:

• Absence of a free trial for the paid versions
• Personalized support is restricted to the paid edition

Price: Free (Community license), paid

Conclusion

When discussing SQL Server databases and the challenges faced by users, it’s essential to highlight the tools developed to address these challenges. Our article explores two key options: third-party tools for a wide range of database tasks in SQL Server, and dedicated plugins for enhancing SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).

Third-party software solutions often surpass SSMS in power and come with specialized support, ensuring quick and efficient resolution of any issues encountered. On the other hand, add-ins for SSMS provide the opportunity to enhance the default integrated development environment (IDE) for SQL Server databases. The robust functionality, stability, and predictability get more options.

We highlighted the most popular third-party IDEs and the most functional SSMS add-ins, developed by leading providers of database management software. We hope that it helped you define the most suitable approach for your workflow and decide which tools will suit you best.