View all SQL Server Development & DevOps Alternatives
Best Free Alternatives to Redgate SQL Toolbelt
Stop paying $1,209 - $3,300+/yr. Discover professional-grade tools that won't break your budget.
Category: SQL Server Development & DevOpsVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
dbForge Studio for SQL Server
FREEBest Direct Professional Rival
Why we like it
A single IDE that replaces almost every tool in the Redgate belt; features top-tier schema/data comparison and AI-powered SQL completion; offers a perpetual license (buy once, own forever).
Keep in mind
Windows-only; the interface can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of features.
ApexSQL by Quest
FREEBest High-End Enterprise Alternative
Why we like it
Strongest competitor for database auditing and compliance; includes powerful free community tools for refactoring and search; excellent integration with SSMS.
Keep in mind
Pricing is modular, so buying every individual tool can eventually approach Redgate's price point; recently moved to a more complex Quest licensing model.
Idera SQL Toolset
Best for Database Administrators (DBAs)
Why we like it
Includes 28+ specialized tools for diagnostics, administration, and performance tuning; very lightweight; excellent for quick server-wide health checks.
Keep in mind
Less focus on the 'DevOps/Deployment' side compared to Redgate's Flyway-centric workflow.
DBeaver Ultimate
FREEBest Universal Multi-Platform Choice
Why we like it
Cross-platform (Win/Mac/Linux); supports not just SQL Server but virtually any database; 2025 version features impressive AI chat for SQL generation.
Keep in mind
Java-based UI can feel 'heavy'; comparison and synchronization tools are not as robust as specialized SQL Server engines like Redgate's.
dbGate
FREEBest Modern Lightweight Tool
Why we like it
Extremely fast Electron/Svelte app; includes schema comparison and visual query building for free; completely open-source Community edition.
Keep in mind
Lacks the deep 'Source Control' and 'DevOps Automation' features required for enterprise CI/CD pipelines.
SQL Data Toolbox
Best Value for Comparison/Sync
Why we like it
Focuses purely on the 'Big Three' (Schema Compare, Data Compare, and Data Generator) for a very low one-time fee; incredibly simple to use.
Keep in mind
Lacks the IntelliSense and search tools that make the Redgate Toolbelt a 'daily driver'.
SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT)
FREEBest Official Microsoft Tool
Why we like it
Completely free; integrated directly into Visual Studio; the 'official' way to handle database projects and source control via Git/Azure DevOps.
Keep in mind
Steep learning curve; comparison tools are slower and less user-friendly than Redgate's 'SQL Compare'.
Liquibase
FREEBest for Automated Deployments
Why we like it
The industry standard for CI/CD database migrations; allows you to track and version changes using SQL, XML, or YAML; excellent free tier.
Keep in mind
Requires a command-line first approach; does not offer a graphical UI for 'comparing' databases on the fly like Redgate.
Navicat Premium Lite
FREEBest for Professional UI Feel
Why we like it
A free version of the legendary Navicat software; supports SQL Server and PostgreSQL; extremely stable and visually polished.
Keep in mind
Lacks the advanced modeling, sync, and BI features found in the paid Navicat versions.
HeidiSQL
FREEBest Lightweight Utility
Why we like it
Portable version available; blazingly fast startup; excellent for quick data edits or exports on Windows; 100% free.
Keep in mind
Lacks professional DevOps tools, visual modeling, and code completion analysis.
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