10 Best SQL Tools & Software

Choosing the best SQL administration tool can be daunting due to many options. To simplify your decision, we've compiled a list of the top SQL tools for 2023, including both free open-source and paid commercial software. This segment highlights the characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and cost details, simplifying the process of selecting an instrument that aligns with your financial plan and fulfills the needs of your project.

Best SQL Tools & Software

1) ManageEngine

2) DBVisualizer

3) Site24x7's Database Monitoring

4) DbSchema

5) SysTools

6) Paessler PRTG MySQL Monitoring

7) Devart

8) EMS SQL Manager

9) Database Performance Analyzer

10) SQL Sentry

1) ManageEngine

ManageEngine, a comprehensive solution for SQL database monitoring, excels in overseeing the functionality and health of Microsoft SQL databases across all versions. Its design prioritizes maintaining optimal database performance, providing seamless integration with different SQL versions for maximum compatibility. By leveraging ManageEngine, users gain the advantage of identifying and resolving database concerns swiftly, guaranteeing both efficiency and reliability in their database operations.

Features:

• Real-time SQL Server Monitoring: Tracks SQL server performance indicators and query details in real time.
• Query Performance Enhancement: Provides detailed analysis of queries affecting server latency and load.
• In-depth Code Analysis: Offers code-level diagnostics for web application queries.
• Advanced Fault Detection: Utilizes smart technology to quickly identify and address faults, reducing resolution time.
• Immediate Alert System: Sends alerts through email, SMS, and push notifications.
• Comprehensive Reporting Tools: Features sophisticated analytical reports for resource management and planning.
• Wide Integration Capability: Seamlessly integrates with platforms like OpManager, AlarmsOne, Analytics Plus, Service Desk Plus, ServiceNow, and Slack.
• Support for Various Databases: Compatible with a range of databases, including RDBMS, NoSQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, Cassandra, Couchbase, MongoDB, Redis, Memcached, and Oracle NoSQL.

Pros:

• Scalable Project Management: Ideal for managing large projects and tracking end-user support tickets within ManageEngine ServiceDesk.
• Compliance Assistance: Aids in SOX compliance by tracking network domain and ERP system user account setups and modifications.

Cons:

• Database Compatibility: Primarily tailored for Microsoft SQL databases, potentially limiting for users of alternative database systems.

Pricing:

• Custom Quote: Available upon request from the sales team.
• Free Trial: Available: Offers a Lifetime Free Basic plan.

2) DBVisualizer

DBVisualizer stands as a pivotal software that streamlines database management for developers, DBAs, and analysts alike. It furnishes users with the capability to craft SQL queries effortlessly, thereby facilitating a clearer comprehension of data through visual representations like graphs and diagrams. Beyond query crafting, DBVisualizer excels in structuring and maintaining databases, ensuring all components—from tables to schemas—are efficiently organized. Esteemed for its utility and ease of use, this platform has garnered a global user base, with millions leveraging its features to navigate the intricacies of database management. In essence, DBVisualizer acts as a reliable navigator in the complex realm of data, simplifying tasks and enhancing productivity for professionals around the world.

Features:

• Versatile Platform Support: Operates effortlessly on various operating systems.
• Adaptable SQL Scripting: Supports flexible execution of SQL scripts, including parameters.
• SQL Beautification: Enhances SQL code readability through formatting.
• CLI Support: Offers a command-line interface for automation and script-driven tasks.
• Wide Database Compatibility: Seamlessly integrates with a vast array of databases, including Oracle, MongoDB, MySQL, and more.
• Simplified Data Importation: Facilitates the import of data from formats such as CSV, SQL, and JSON, among others.
• Extensive Toolset: Features an array of functionalities for database management, including query optimization, visual query building, and inline editing.
• Dedicated Support: Access to customer service through email, contact forms, and phone.
• Cross-Platform Availability: Available on Windows, Linux, iOS, and macOS.

Pros:

• Intuitive Interface: Simplifies complex database operations, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.
• Comprehensive Database Solution: A one-stop shop for SQL scripting, data visualization, and database component management, reducing the need for multiple tools.
• Global Recognition: Boasts over 6 million downloads and usage in more than 145 countries, highlighting its effectiveness and global appeal.

Cons:

• Learning Curve for New Users: Some advanced features may present a steep learning curve for beginners.

Pricing:

• Annual Subscription: Starts at $197, with a 10% discount offered for the second year.
• Free Version: Offers a lifetime free Basic plan, providing access to essential features.

3) Site24x7's Database Monitoring

Site24x7's Database Monitoring offers a comprehensive and user-friendly solution for optimizing your database engines, primarily focusing on SQL servers. By streamlining server configurations, it enhances efficiency, ensuring faster, smoother operations. This tool acts as a vigilant guardian for your data infrastructure, ensuring organization and peak performance, thereby facilitating a seamless data management experience.

Features:

• SQL KPI Monitoring: Streamlines monitoring of key SQL metrics within a unified interface.
• Dashboard Insights: Offers an all-encompassing view through easy-to-navigate dashboards and in-depth reporting.
• Job Oversight: Efficiently tracks the status of jobs—active, in the queue, or failed to optimize database operations.
• Locks and Latches Insight: Enhances workflow by monitoring lock and latch metrics.
• Server Uptime Assurance: Maintains server reliability through proactive SQL failover cluster monitoring.
• Memory Management: Provides detailed analysis of buffer and memory usage for strategic capacity management.
• Proactive Alerts: Enables configurable alerts for immediate notification and actionable insights upon performance deviations.
• Integrated IT Oversight: Offers a holistic monitoring solution by integrating with the broader IT infrastructure for complete visibility.

Pros:

• User-Friendly: Tailored for ease of use, making SQL server monitoring accessible to non-experts.
• Comprehensive Performance Tracking: Addresses a wide spectrum of server performance aspects for optimal SQL server functionality and enhanced efficiency.

Cons:

• Limited Advanced Features: It may lack the sophisticated features sought by experienced users, potentially diminishing its applicability for complex server environments.

Pricing:

• Custom Quotes: Pricing details are available upon request from the sales team.
• Trial Offer: 30-day free trial available to evaluate the service.

4) DbSchema

DbSchema stands out as a comprehensive tool for managing and designing databases, whether they're based on SQL, NoSQL, or hosted on cloud platforms. This robust application features an intuitive design for visually developing and overseeing database structures, enabling groups to work together on projects and implement them across various database platforms. It simplifies complex tasks like generating dynamic HTML5 documentation, exploring database content visually, and crafting intricate queries. DbSchema is a versatile solution tailored to meet the extensive needs of database professionals, streamlining workflow and enhancing project documentation.

Features:

• Schema Evolution and Scripting: Facilitates the comparison of schema versions and crafts scripts for migration.
• Interactive Documentation & Discovery: Features include HTML5 documentation, interactive visual diagrams, a relational data browser, and a visual query builder.
• Comprehensive Schema Tools: Offers synchronization, a random data generator, data importing capabilities, and insightful management reports.
• Intuitive SQL Editor: Equipped with auto-complete functionality for efficient coding.
• Broad Database Integration: Supports seamless integration with a range of databases, including NuoDB, Azure, and TimescaleDB.
• Streamlined Data Import: Simplifies importing data from formats like CSV, XML, XLS, and XLSX.
• Universal Database Compatibility: Works with a wide array of databases, such as Cassandra, SQL Server, various SQL and NoSQL databases, Apache Ignite, Apache Drill, and cloud solutions like Azure and Aurora.
• Extensive Functionalities: Provides a holistic suite of tools for logical design, database connection and schema reverse-engineering, interactive diagrams, schema synchronization, relational editing, and customized reporting.

Pros:

• User-Friendly Design Interface: Simplifies the creation of complex database schemas, minimizing the learning curve and accelerating schema development.
• Versatile Database Support: Compatible with a wide range of database types, including SQL, NoSQL, and cloud-based solutions, catering to diverse project needs.
• Collaborative Workflow: Enhances team efficiency by supporting real-time synchronization and collaboration during the database design phase.

Cons:

• Learning Curve for Beginners: While user-friendly, newcomers to database design or management tools may initially find DbSchema challenging.

Pricing:

• Subscription Model: Starts from $98 per month.
• Free Plan: Offers a Lifetime Free Basic plan for introductory usage.

5) SysTools

SysTools introduces a pioneering tool, the SQL Password Recovery software, designed as a vital resource for users confronting the obstacle of retrieving entry to password-secured SQL database files. This innovative software functions as a master key, enabling the seamless unlocking of your database's guarded doors. It stands out by offering an effective strategy for either removing or resetting passwords on SQL files, thereby facilitating access to otherwise inaccessible databases. Whether dealing with the formidable SQL Server SA account or user-specific passwords, this tool ensures users can effortlessly reclaim access. It promises a dependable pathway for individuals aiming to recover entry to their crucial SQL data, acting as a professional locksmith at your service, guaranteeing access is always within reach.

Features:

• Master.MDF Password Reset: Enables resetting of both individual user and SA passwords directly from the master.MDF file, showcasing its powerful command-line functionality.
• SQL Server MDF Password Recovery: Assists in retrieving passwords for SQL Server MDF files, enhancing data security management.
• Multilingual Password Recovery: Offers capabilities to successfully recover passwords for MDF Files, regardless of language complexity.
• Adaptable SQL Password Recovery: Aids in the recovery and reset of SQL passwords, irrespective of their complexity or length.
• Smooth Integration: Harmoniously works with platforms like Zapier, Outlook, Gmail, Salesforce, and Leadformly for enhanced workflow integration.
• Effortless Data Import: Simplifies data importation from Excel and CSV files, facilitating easy data management.
• Extensive Database Support: Compatible with a broad range of databases including MYSQL, Mongo DB NoSQL, Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, DB2, and others.
• All-encompassing Password Solutions: Provides a suite of password recovery solutions, including the recovery of SQL Database File Passwords, selective ID and password resets, SQL Server SA Password Recovery, and custom report generation.

Pros:

• Effective Password Recovery: Offers a streamlined solution for the recovery or reset of SQL database file passwords, ensuring users can access their locked data.
• User-friendly Interface: Designed to simplify the password recovery process, making it accessible to users of all technical backgrounds.
• Versatility: Caters to a wide range of needs, supporting both SQL Server SA accounts and user passwords, making it ideal for various access restoration scenarios.

Cons:

• Database Version Sensitivity: The software's effectiveness may vary depending on the SQL database's version and configuration, which could limit its utility in certain situations.

Pricing:

• Starting Plan: Available from $69 per month.?
• Free Trial: Lifetime Basic Plan: Offers a free basic plan for life, providing users with an opportunity to explore some features without cost.

6) Paessler PRTG MySQL Monitoring

Paessler PRTG MySQL Monitoring emerges as a crucial ally for database administrators, offering a concise snapshot of pivotal SQL queries. Envision this resource as a revealing portal, unveiling the intricate operations within your MySQL database, thus ensuring optimal performance. It champions the enhancement of your projects, enabling meticulous adjustments and enhancements that bolster efficiency and reliability. This tool is indispensable for ensuring your database-driven endeavors excel by providing real-time insights and fostering a proactive approach to database management.

Features:

• Real-Time Health Monitoring: Offers a comprehensive snapshot of your database's health, equipped with alerts for proactive management.
• Query Optimization: Identifies and rectifies high-impact SQL queries, enhancing database performance.
• Broad Integration: Effortlessly connects with a range of applications such as Dropbox, Google Analytics, Jira, and more, facilitating a unified workflow.
• Effortless Data Management: Simplifies the importation of data from Excel, PDF, and CSV files, ensuring ease of access and analysis.
• Universal Database Support: Compatible with a wide array of databases, including MongoDB, SQL Server, and Amazon RDS, catering to diverse infrastructures.
• Insightful Analytics: Delivers critical insights with actionable metrics, storage projections, and customized reporting for informed decision-making.
• Dedicated Support: Offers extensive customer assistance through chat, email, and telephone, ensuring reliable service.

Pros:

• Simplified Monitoring: Streamlines the surveillance of crucial SQL queries, providing a hassle-free method to oversee vital database functions.
• Clear Overview: Presents an uncomplicated summary of key database activities, enabling users to remain updated without the complexity.
• Performance Enhancement: Aids in honing project efficiency through targeted query management, fostering smoother, more effective operations.

Cons:

• Limited Depth: While offering a broad view, it may fall short in delivering detailed analytics for those needing extensive query performance insights.

Pricing:

• Custom Quotes: Pricing information can be obtained directly from the sales team.
• Trial Offer: A 14-day free trial is available, allowing users to evaluate the service before committing.

7) Devart

Devart excels as a premier toolkit, offering the innovative dbForge Studio suite aimed at enhancing the management, development, and oversight of MySQL and MariaDB databases. This suite is celebrated for its comprehensive SQL handling capabilities, enabling users to seamlessly construct and execute queries, refine and debug routines, and streamline database operations with automation. Devart's suite is a game-changer, simplifying intricate database functions and propelling user efficiency to new heights.

Features:

• Schema and Data Management: Devart enables efficient handling of both data and schema modifications within MySQL and MariaDB environments.
• Structural Analysis: Offers tools for analyzing structural differences in databases and seamlessly applying changes to MySQL servers.
• Index Optimization: Provides solutions for rectifying index fragmentation issues, ensuring optimal database performance.
• Bulk Data Generation: Features an extensive array of generators for creating large data volumes and facilitating testing and development.
• Complex Alterations: Supports table rebuilding to accommodate intricate modifications, enhancing flexibility in database management.
• Documentation Generation: Includes a tool for automatic documentation creation of MySQL database structures, improving knowledge management.
• Cloud and Project Management Integration: Offers seamless integration capabilities with Azure for cloud management and Jira for project tracking.
• Simplified Data Import: Enables easy importation of data from various formats, including CSV, XML, JSON, MS Excel, and plain text.
• Extensive Database Support: Compatible with a wide array of databases including SQL Server, MongoDB, Oracle, PostgreSQL, among others, ensuring broad applicability.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Suite: Devart's dbForge Studio offers an all-encompassing toolkit for database management, development, and administration, simplifying the database lifecycle.
• Efficient Query Management: Enhances the ability to create and execute queries swiftly, streamlining data interaction and retrieval processes.
• Routine Development and Debugging: Assists in the development and refinement of database routines, guaranteeing high functionality and performance.

Cons:

• View Editing Challenges: While it allows for direct SQL editing in view creation or modification, this can sometimes lead to logical errors due to imperfect conversion between SQL statements and the visual interface.

Pricing:

• Contact for Quote: Pricing details can be obtained by reaching out to the sales team.
• Trial Offer: A 30-day free trial is available, providing users with an opportunity to explore features before committing.

8) EMS SQL Manager

EMS SQL Manager stands as a comprehensive solution, enabling seamless navigation and manipulation of SQL Server databases. This advanced platform serves as a versatile workshop, where database components—ranging from tables and views to complex procedures—can be meticulously crafted, edited, and maintained. It also provides a robust environment for the execution and refinement of SQL queries, fostering an interactive and productive workspace for database professionals to fine-tune and optimize their database architectures efficiently.

Features:

• Visual and Textual Query Creation: Offers both visual aids and textual tools for efficient query formulation, alongside a powerful visual database designing tool.
• Swift Database Management: Facilitates quick and easy management and navigation of databases.
• Maintenance Wizards: Provides user-friendly wizards for PostgreSQL database maintenance tasks.
• HTTP Server Access: Enables access to PostgreSQL Server via HTTP.
• Dropbox Integration: Offers seamless integration with Dropbox for easy file management.
• Diverse Data Import/Export: Supports data import/export from/to formats like MS Excel, MS Access, DBF, XML, ODF, TXT, and CSV.
• Extensive Database Support: Compatible with leading databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle, Interbase, DB2 Server, etc.
• Rich Feature Set: Includes Data Manipulation tools, Customizable reports, Database Maintenance, Security Management, Change Management, Database Management, Migration, Analysis, Customizable toolbars, and a Localizable interface.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Toolkit: Provides a rich array of tools for database creation, management, and modification, centralizing database administration.
• Advanced Query Handling: Enhances productivity by enabling efficient generation, alteration, execution, and storage of SQL queries.
• Versatile Database Object Manipulation: Simplifies the creation and modification of tables, views, procedures, etc., streamlining database development and evolution.

Cons:

• Learning Curve: The extensive features and capabilities might present a steep learning curve for newcomers to SQL or database management systems.

Pricing:

• Custom Quotes: Pricing details are available upon request from the sales team.?
• Trial Offer: 30-Day Free Trial: A comprehensive free trial period to explore the full capabilities of EMS SQL Manager.

9) Database Performance Analyzer

Database Performance Analyzer from SolarWinds stands as a vigilant guardian for database health, proactively scrutinizing and optimizing the performance of databases. This sophisticated tool not only monitors database activities in real-time but also uncovers the root causes of any slowdowns, promoting operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. With its analytical prowess, Database Performance Analyzer ensures databases operate at peak efficiency, safeguarding against unnecessary expenditures.

Features:

• Comprehensive Monitoring: Enables monitoring of database capacity, query performance, and server health.
• Rapid Problem Resolution: Quickly pinpoints the roots of intricate issues.
• Immediate Issue Detection: Facilitates real-time identification of database issues.
• Versatile Database Support: Offers support for various databases through a unified interface.
• Minimal Monitoring Footprint: Ensures low impact on the performance of monitored databases.
• Deadlock and Blocking Insights: Provides analysis on blocking and deadlock scenarios.
• Detailed SQL Examination: Allows for in-depth analysis of factors affecting SQL performance.
• Hybrid Setup Surveillance: Capable of monitoring databases across physical, virtual, and cloud environments.
• Forward-Looking Query Optimization: Aids in preemptive query optimization for enhanced application responsiveness.
• Smooth Integration: Effortlessly integrates with platforms like Orion, Jira, Zapier, Intune, MS Teams, and Zendesk.
• Simplified Data Importation: Supports easy import from Excel, PDF, and CSV formats.
• Broad Database Compatibility: Supports an extensive array of databases including PostgreSQL, Oracle, MongoDB, DynamoDB, Azure SQL, Microsoft SQL Server, MariaDB, Db2, MySQL, Amazon Aurora, and others.

Pros:

• Delivers precise and comprehensive insights into database performance, aiding administrators in understanding and optimizing their database environments.
• Functions as an investigative tool to uncover the causes of performance slowdowns or bottlenecks, facilitating rapid resolution and ensuring smooth database operations.
• Contributes to reduced operational costs through improved database efficiency and quick resolution of performance issues, minimizing the risk of expensive downtime.

Cons:

• Limited functionality in aggregating monitoring data for similar server groups, which could enhance analysis and troubleshooting.

Pricing:

• Available upon request. Contact SolarWinds Sales for detailed pricing information.
• A 14-day free trial is offered, allowing for evaluation before purchase.

Link: https://www.solarwinds.com/database-performance-analyzer

10) SQL Sentry

SQL Sentry stands out as a vigilant monitor for your database's performance within the Microsoft Data Platform. Envision it as a dedicated overseer, safeguarding the health of your database ecosystem. Expertly diagnosing slowdowns and providing a panoramic view of operations across your SQL Server and related data tools, it also offers an organizational boon with its Outlook-like calendar. This tool guarantees seamless database operations and superior organizational efficiency.

Features:

• Quick Database Health Overview: SQL Sentry offers a streamlined health check of your database environment.
• Advanced Alerting System: Stay proactive with an alerting system that preemptively flags potential problems.
• Identify High-Impact Queries: Pinpoint and rectify queries that heavily impact performance.
• Future-Ready Storage Predictions: Utilize predictive analytics for accurate storage forecasting.
• OS and Virtual Environment Diagnostics: Identify issues within your operating system and virtual setups.
• Seamless Third-party Integrations: Integrates effortlessly with platforms like Dropbox, Google Analytics, Jira, and more.
• Simplified Data Importation: Import data effortlessly from Excel, PDF, and CSV files.
• Broad Database Support: Compatible with a wide array of databases, including SQL Server, MongoDB, Azure SQL, and others.
• Insightful Performance Metrics: Features include actionable performance insights, storage forecasting, comprehensive health views, alerting systems, and customizable reporting.

Pros:

• Precise Performance Monitoring: Effectively identifies and addresses database performance issues within the Microsoft Data Platform.
• Rapid Problem Identification: Offers quick analysis to determine the causes of slowdowns, speeding up the resolution process.
• Comprehensive SQL Server Insight: Delivers an overarching view of Microsoft SQL Server performance, enhancing understanding and oversight of data tools.

Cons:

• Limited Outside Microsoft Platforms: Its focus on Microsoft Data Platform might reduce effectiveness in environments with varied databases.

Pricing:

• Obtain Pricing: Reach out to Sales for a tailored quote.?
• Trial Offer: 14-Day Free Trial: Experience SQL Sentry with a no-cost, two-week trial.

Link: https://www.solarwinds.com/sql-sentry