SQL Compare
Database comparison software
Database software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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What is SQL Compare
SQL Compare is a database comparison tool for Microsoft SQL Server that compares and synchronizes database schemas. It is used by database developers and DevOps teams to review differences between environments (for example, development, test, and production) and to generate deployment scripts. The product focuses on schema-level comparison with options to filter objects, review diffs, and apply changes through synchronization scripts.
SQL Server schema diffing
SQL Compare specializes in comparing SQL Server database schemas, including tables, views, stored procedures, functions, and other programmable objects. It highlights object-level and definition-level differences to support review before deployment. This focus makes it well-suited for teams standardizing SQL Server change management across multiple environments.
Script-based synchronization workflow
The tool generates SQL scripts to bring a target database in line with a source, supporting controlled deployments. Teams can review and adjust the generated script before execution, which helps align with change-control practices. This workflow supports repeatable releases compared with manual, ad hoc schema edits.
Filtering and comparison options
SQL Compare provides options to include or exclude specific object types and individual objects during comparison. This helps teams limit changes to a defined scope (for example, excluding permissions or specific schemas). Such controls are useful when coordinating partial releases or when environments intentionally differ in certain areas.
SQL Server-centric scope
SQL Compare is primarily designed for Microsoft SQL Server schema comparison. Organizations with heterogeneous database estates may need additional tools for other database platforms. This can increase tooling complexity when standardizing database DevOps across multiple engines.
Limited to schema, not data
The product focuses on schema comparison and synchronization rather than row-level data comparison. Use cases such as validating reference data drift or synchronizing lookup tables typically require a separate data comparison tool. Teams may need to combine products to cover both schema and data deployment needs.
GUI-first for many tasks
Many workflows are oriented around interactive comparison and review in a desktop UI. While this supports detailed human review, it can be less convenient for fully automated pipelines without additional command-line or CI/CD integration components. Teams aiming for end-to-end automation may need extra configuration and licensing to operationalize it at scale.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 4 users (per-user subscription) | Not displayed on official pricing page (price shown as image in cart) | Per-user subscription billed per year; adjust subscription length in cart; 14-day free trial available; sold standalone or as part of SQL Toolbelt Essentials. |
| 5 - 9 users (per-user subscription) | Not displayed on official pricing page (price shown as image in cart) | Volume tiers with reduced per-user pricing implied; contact sales for quotes and larger volumes. |
| 10 - 19 users (per-user subscription) | Not displayed on official pricing page (price shown as image in cart) | Volume tiers with reduced per-user pricing implied; minimum quantities may apply when purchasing via reseller/cart. |
| 20+ users | Contact sales / personalized quote | For 20+ users Redgate asks to contact sales for a personalised quote (phone/email provided on pricing page). |
Seller details
Redgate Software Ltd
Cambridge, United Kingdom
1999
Private
https://www.red-gate.com/
https://x.com/redgate
https://www.linkedin.com/company/redgate-software/
