# dbForge Studio for SQL Server Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra

> Is dbForge Studio for SQL Server the right Database solution for you? Explore 30 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/241291/dbForge-Studio-for-SQL-Server/reviews

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dbForge Studio for SQL Server

4.8 (30)

Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/)

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Last updated April 6th, 2026

# Reviews of dbForge Studio for SQL Server

Ease of use

4.8

Customer Service

4.6

## Pros and Cons in Reviews

DB

DENIS B

Senior developerComputer Software, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months.

“Ease of use, convenient utility functions, such as data export, import, in many formats“

March 15, 2024

JD

Jared D

Staff EngineerFarming, 1,001 - 5,000 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“The database connection UI, wizards and db drivers UI is a little clunky. “

March 14, 2024

GR

Greg R

Solutions ProviderComputer Software, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“It is a paid tool that is worth the money because it has saved me so much time and stress.“

August 31, 2023

Ville P

Systems ManagerEnvironmental Services, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months.

“Unfortunately I got the 3 year subscription, so that's making me still use it.“

March 15, 2024

## Showing most helpful reviews

Showing 1-25 of 30 Reviews

Sort by:

Most Helpful

Rating

Company Size

Reviewer's Role

Length of Use

Frequency of Use

DAVID I.  
Director of IT and infrastructure  
Hospital & Health Care  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "dbForge Studio for SQL Server keeps getting better!"

January 26, 2026

5.0

It has been very good. I still miss a few features, like keeping the database diagrams as part of the project. On the other hand, their resource control now allows them to manage source code and critical data without writing long scripts.

Pros

I have been using Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio for a long time, and dbForge Studio for SQL Server for the last 5 years. While SSMS was broken for several years, improving recently in version 22, dbForge improved all the time, adding good resource control and AI Assistant.

Cons

It was a little slow in introducing the latest authentication methods in the latest versions of SQL Server.

Alternatives considered

[Microsoft 365](https://www.capterra.com/p/227157/Microsoft-365/)

Reason for choosing dbForge Studio for SQL Server

Features and other products (Devart also offers UniDAC, EntityDAC, and several other products related to multiple databases). Their Technical Support is one of the best I ever experienced.

Review Source

Response from Devart

February 16, 2026

Thank you for your feedback on our product. It will help us get better!

bC

bruno C.  
ceo  
Information Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "After two years of usage"

March 15, 2024

4.0

Pros

DBForge SQL Server Studio stands out as a comprehensive and versatile tool tailored for database management, development, and administration, making it a valuable asset for SQL Server professionals. One of the most impressive aspects of DBForge Studio is its wide array of features designed to streamline and enhance the workflow of database developers and administrators.

Cons

Learning curve: dbForge Studio for SQL Server is a powerful and comprehensive tool, offering a wide range of features. However, this richness can also translate into a steeper learning curve for new users or those without prior experience with similar tools. Beginners may find it confusing to navigate through the many features and options available.

Switched from

[Visual Studio Code](https://www.capterra.com/p/186634/Visual-Studio-Code/)

much more easier for data integration, for example DBF files are handled quickly

Review Source

Ville P.  
Systems Manager  
Environmental Services  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Buggy, but with potential"

March 15, 2024

3.0

I still kinda like it, but I'm having so much issues that I'm probably going back to SSMS in the near future. Unfortunately I got the 3 year subscription, so that's making me still use it. You know - you bought it, so use it!

Pros

The promise of code completion and formatting with more affordable pricing compared to competition drew me to this software. I also liked the idea of a standalone product instead of using SSMS + plugins. Importing and exporting data has been such an easy task after bare SSMS.

Cons

Even after testing the software for a while, I keep bumping into bugs. In the beginning I was reporting them, but it feels like its not worth it. According to support some issues are because I'm using Azure SQL Database and other issues were just acknowledged as bugs but nothing has been fixed and it's been 4-5 months.

Reason for choosing dbForge Studio for SQL Server

More affordable pricing, no need for plugins.

Switched from

[Microsoft SQL Server](https://www.capterra.com/p/1417/SQL-Server/)

I wanted a better code completion with a profile and code formatting.

Review Source

DB

DENIS B.  
Senior developer  
Computer Software  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Excellent work tool"

March 15, 2024

5.0

I increased my productivity with greater development satisfaction

Pros

Ease of use, convenient utility functions, such as data export, import, in many formats

Cons

Before I used SQL Server Management Studio and I can't find things worse

Reason for choosing dbForge Studio for SQL Server

Good reviews on the web and good experience in the trial period

Switched from

[Microsoft SQL Server](https://www.capterra.com/p/1417/SQL-Server/)

To have a tool that allowed me to be more productive

Review Source

JG

Johan G.  
Allication Specialist  
Computer Software  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Great help with SQL server management"

July 26, 2024

5.0

We had a customer with a lot of stores where the items didn't match up. With comparing tables between databases we found the issues and cound correct it fast.

Pros

Compare and sync tables between databases is a lifesaver to find errors.

Cons

I think it works great for what I have used it for.

Reason for choosing dbForge Studio for SQL Server

It was the best alternative for our needs.

Review Source

Nicholas B.  
Software Engineer  
Financial Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Great productivity tool"

June 12, 2023

5.0

Productivity increases - for example in the past we needed to use a combination of SSMS, Excel and some query tuning utility programs - now dbForge Studio for SQL Server can replace and do them much better without needing to shift around dataTesting and debugging - ability to simply create tSQL scripts from output window or copy data from one server to another is fantastic for testing and debugging and saves a ton of time

Pros

The worst part about SQL Server Management Studio is how it can just lose all Intellisense in the middle of a high-pressure situation. I have never had such a problem with dbForge. Additionally, the Intellisense is far superior and the ability to save (and share) customizable tSLQ templates saved so much time! Being able to see the history of query performance as you adjust it is also really good.

Cons

No integration with SQL Sever Agent is the only downside, so one has to keep SQL Server Management Studio around for that - otherwise I would switch over whole heartedly.

Review Source

Amy H.  
Senior Software Engineer  
Computer Software  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Great tool for managing, analysing, and querying SQL database"

June 13, 2023

5.0

It's a great tool for maintaining multiple connections, and many multiple queries / files open at once. I use this tool daily for everyday queries, and I use it's schema and data compare functionality to mirror and sync changes between different databases. These tools have a lot of customisability which is fantastic. The software is rock solid, and the ability for the software to keep un-saved documents in case of a reboot or scratch pad situation is fantastic. No more getting spammed to name or save files when closing SQL Management Studio

Pros

The autocomplete and various time saving features are a must have in the modern tech landscape.

Cons

The separate pricing for different flavours of SQL (MySql, SQL Server, etc.)

Review Source

JD

Jared D.  
Staff Engineer  
Farming  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Excellent MSSql IDE"

March 14, 2024

4.0

I've relied on DBForge Studio to do my job.

Pros

Ease of navigation, performance tuning tools, data discover/navigation tools, and data development utilities. This is a premium alternative to MS Sql Server Mgmt Studio.

Cons

The database connection UI, wizards and db drivers UI is a little clunky. Could use better source control and 3rd party database migration utility integrations ( even if these are competitors to your IP, you can't control what others use and should instead be flexible and supportive) - liquibase, GOMigrate, etc.

Review Source

GR

Greg R.  
Solutions Provider  
Computer Software  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "More intuitive than SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)"

August 31, 2023

5.0

I am not critical of SSMS because it's a great free tool but dbForge Studio for SQL Server is so much more convenient and efficient. It is a paid tool that is worth the money because it has saved me so much time and stress. The customer support is great, also.

Pros

For me, it's the ease of use that makes this a joy to use. I am not a SQL Server specialist (I only use SQL Server Express) but I write a lot of TSQL. The features I love are (a) Debug of Stored Procedure (this feature seems to be removed in later versions of SSMS (b) Database Sync: you can first compare either Schema or Data between two versions of the same database. Then you can update the target (e.g. production) database from the source (e.g. dev) (after selecting the differences you want to update). Previously I used Visual Studio for this but it stopped working and many users have reported the same. The dbForge Data Sync has a 100% success rate for me. It just works. (c) Duplicate Object: 2 clicks to copy a View or Stored Proc. Handy when you want to backup an object before updating it. (d) Find Database Object: easy to search for existing tables, views, procs etc. (e) Find data (f) Format document(g) Manage Index Fragmentation.

Cons

I can't really think of any. I can't speak to all the features because I don't consider myself to be a SQL Server expert.

Review Source

SM

Scott M.  
President  
Computer Software  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "A great replacement for SSMS"

June 12, 2023

5.0

Pros

The tabbed interface and ability to create tabs from several different SQL queries at the same time is a real time saver for me. I often do data comparisons and having several tabs each with a different view of the data makes my job much easier. Autocomplete and autojoin when creating queries also saves keystrokes. About the only thing I use SSMS for now is tracing, but you can also do that in some of the more expensive versions of dbForge Studio (I'm running the Standard edition).

Cons

I can't really find anything not to like. I've not used all the features, but the ones I've used have all done exactly what I expect them to do.

Reason for choosing dbForge Studio for SQL Server

None of the others had the features I was looking for. I do use HeidiSQL as a "portable" database viewer/editor, but it's nowhere close to dbForge Studio

Review Source

CC

Craig C.  
Manager of Information Systems  
Utilities  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "dbForge Studio for SQl just makes my life easier!"

April 20, 2022

5.0

This has made coding and creating large projects for data conversion from one billing system to another so much easier as well as moving massive amounts of meter data from system to another, and i am so glad i bought it.

Pros

One phrase: One Stop Shopping! it is easy to find what i need in the feature rich studio, from searching for fields across giant database, to looking at formatted code, to creating data dictionaries and reports.

Cons

I wish it had more integrations into SQL

Review Source

SB

Steeve B.  
Concepteur/développeur  
Computer Software  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "dbForge Studio for SQL Server allows me perform many cyclical and daily tasks very quickly"

April 13, 2022

5.0

For specific situations, I particularly like the interface linked to queries which allows me to easily consult or modify the data by facilitating the mapping between the different relationships of the tables.

Pros

I have been using dbForge Studio Entreprise since 2013 to manage, develop, administer and maintain my MS SQL databases linked to my .net business applications. Given my workflow, I often have updates of my products, tests and other tasks on my development and production databases. dbForge allows me by simple script to perform these cyclical and daily tasks very quickly in addition to providing me with several tools to achieve this that can be found in the particularities of the product.

Cons

I have nothing special about it because this product fully meets my needs.

Reason for choosing dbForge Studio for SQL Server

Several functions are not available to perform my tasks!

Review Source

IY

Isaac Y.  
IT  
Logistics and Supply Chain  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Good choice for you to manage your SQL Server"

March 15, 2024

5.0

Pros

Easy to use and UI interface is clear. The function provided to manipulate SQL Server are fully provided in the Studio. You can select an edition to fit your need with difference price.

Cons

It's kind of not so cheap software tool for an employee.

Review Source

VS

Vaughn S.  
Owner  
Information Technology and Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "dbForge the number 1 product to turn to for DB management"

April 13, 2022

5.0

I had been using a competing product for some time and when ran into issues, I did a search for another solution and found dbForge and haven't regetted the decision.

Pros

Creating, editing, and searching DB components.

Cons

Changing DB objects that have foreign key constraints could made more convenient.

Reason for choosing dbForge Studio for SQL Server

It just worked intuitively and seemed to operate solidly. The UI seemed more professional.

Review Source

GA

Geoff A.  
Software Architect  
Information Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "The swiss-army chainsaw of SQL Server development tools"

April 13, 2022

5.0

I first purchased dbForge Studio for SQL Server for its database schema compare and synchronization features, and it does a wonderful job. I really like the SQL completion (e.g. predicting the JOINs that I'd want to do), so going back to SSMS to do something really sucks now.

Pros

It's pretty comprehensive. I use it for all of my entire SQL Server and Azure SQL Database development workflow. Everything from designing my schema, tables, views and triggers to synchronizing these changes between development, test and production environments.

Cons

Missing feature: I'm always writing and running SQL statements (some of them complicated), and I wish it would keep a history of my previously (successfully executed) SQL for each instance/database, so if I have a SQL tab that is connected to instance X on database Y that I can browse the history of SQL that I've run for that database (from newest to oldest) so that they're all automatically saved. Right now I do all that manually in a "handy SQL" file for each of my databases, but I often forget to save SQL that I end up re-writing again.

Review Source

JS

Joseph S.  
Lead Software Engineer  
Information Technology and Services  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Excellent Database Tool"

June 12, 2023

5.0

Pros

Features and Cost as compared to SQL Toolbelt.

Cons

Very few negatives about this product. The suite is very helpful.

Review Source

CG

Catalin G.  
CTO  
Computer Software  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "The "tool" for SQL Server"

February 5, 2023

5.0

A nice smooth tool, a smart one, my go to tool when targeting SQL Server.

Pros

Is how SQL Server Management Studio should be, fast, good UX, lot of features.

Cons

The price is the issues, even though fair priced, the alternative is free.

Review Source

AN

Amit N.  
CTO  
Information Technology and Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "great, but still doesn't eliminate the use ssms"

April 24, 2022

5.0

Pros

data editor is best in class. very easy to use

Cons

several features are missing: data classification in both discovery and management. also missing from column editor

Reason for choosing dbForge Studio for SQL Server

liked your mysql/maria product

Review Source

RB

Robert B.  
developer  
Cosmetics  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Everything you need"

April 11, 2022

5.0

Overall I am satisfied. Thanks to dbForge I save a lot of time.

Pros

dbForge studio has everything you need for the daily work of a developer. All tools integrated in one program. I like the dependency search option the most. Comparing snapshots with the current database state.

Cons

Very few software updates, no new features.

Reason for choosing dbForge Studio for SQL Server

Price, ergonomics

Review Source

LM

Laurent M.  
Consultant  
Information Technology and Services  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Good tools"

April 12, 2022

5.0

Analyze customer database , performance, schema Developpe database distribute modification

Pros

Data comparaison is a must have. the global ergonomy is good (devexpress inside).

Cons

There is no Basic scripting the tools is not open to other databse. it would be nice if you merge différent database product in the same tools

Reason for choosing dbForge Studio for SQL Server

Price et effectiveness.

Review Source

OC

Omer C.  
DBA  
Mining & Metals  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Fast is DBA "

April 11, 2022

5.0

Pros

very fast coding and usage and code sniffer ver like me

Cons

ssms result export to excel feature none

Reason for choosing dbForge Studio for SQL Server

It is very practical to export result screens to excel.

Review Source

MV

Marcel V.  
IT Manager  
Chemicals  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "dbForge Studio for SQL Server review"

April 12, 2022

5.0

Pros

Autocomplete and Format works very well.

Cons

Missing feature to configure the SQL Server Agent and the option to simplify statements as example switch CASE to IIF

Switched from

[ApexSQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/210351/ApexSQL/)

Pricing and features

Review Source

eP

esteban P.  
Enterprise Architect  
Gambling & Casinos  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Good bye RedGate!"

April 27, 2022

4.0

I'm extremely happy with it, it is my goto SQL IDE now and a full replacement (its now gone) for the way too expensive SQL belt from Redgate.

Pros

The schema and data comparison are up to or even over Redgate similar tools. I love also the option to automatically generate SQL for structures and for data with a single right click. e.g. Data from a query, CRUD statements, etc.

Cons

There are some issues with the use of skins for the IDE (love the dark theme). You can see quite frequently refresh blinking while processing data. There are some small missing items to be a full replacement for MSSQL Studio e.g. schema creation, ability to see detailed information about the database (file location, db sizes, space available, etc)

Review Source

JMC

Jose Miguel C.  
CTO  
Information Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "A nice tool for all that develop over SQL Server"

April 20, 2022

5.0

Pros

Wealth of functionalities. Good "intellisense-like" auto-complete

Cons

Unable to change the visualization date format without changing the locale

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
DBA  
Animation  
Used the software for: I used a free trial

### "Excelent"

October 6, 2022

5.0

Pros

Excelent software database administrator excelent

Reason for choosing dbForge Studio for SQL Server

Excelent software database administrator excelent

Review Source

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