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ApexSQL Refactor VS DbVisualizer

Compare ApexSQL Refactor VS DbVisualizer and see what are their differences

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Contents:
  1. ยป Base Details
  2. ยป Videos
  3. ยป Reviews
  4. ยป Alternatives

ApexSQL Refactor logo ApexSQL Refactor

ApexSQL Refactor is a free SQL formatter and database refactoring tool for SQL Server.

DbVisualizer logo DbVisualizer

DbVisualizer is the universal database client and SQL tool built for developers, analysts, DBAs, data engineers, and anyone working with data.
  • ApexSQL Refactor Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-21
  • DbVisualizer Screenshot set
    Screenshot set //
    2024-09-17

Key features in DbVisualizer include :

  • A powerful SQL editor with intelligent autocomplete, visual query builders, variables, and query execution tools
  • A built-in AI Assistant to ask questions, explain errors, and analyze code
  • Built-in Git integration for managing SQL scripts and collaborating with your team
  • Customizable window layouts, key bindings, and UI themes
  • The ability to mark scripts or database objects as favorites for quick access
  • Configurable security settings to meet organizational requirements

DbVisualizer connects to many popular databases through JDBC drivers, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle, Snowflake, SQLite, Cassandra, and BigQuery. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

With nearly 7 million downloads and Pro users in 150 countries, DbVisualizer scales from solo projects to enterprise-grade database management.

ApexSQL Refactor

Website
quest.com
Pricing URL
-
$ Details
-
Platforms
-
Release Date
-
Edit details

DbVisualizer

Website
dbvis.com
Pricing URL
Official DbVisualizer Pricing
$ Details
freemium $199.0 / One-off (Renew for $89/year to receive updates 2nd year onwards.)
Platforms
Windows MacOS Linux
Release Date
2002 January
Startup details
Country
Sweden
Founder(s)
Roger Bjรคrevall
Employees
20 - 49
Edit details

ApexSQL Refactor features and specs

  • Improved Code Readability
    ApexSQL Refactor formats SQL code, helping to improve readability and maintainability by ensuring consistent styling.
  • Productivity Enhancements
    The tool automates repetitive refactoring tasks, allowing developers to focus on more complex issues and speeding up the development process.
  • Code Analysis
    It includes features for analyzing code to ensure it adheres to best practices, potentially reducing bugs and improving performance.
  • Integration
    Seamlessly integrates with SQL Server Management Studio, which is familiar to many developers, requiring less time to adapt.

Possible disadvantages of ApexSQL Refactor

  • Learning Curve
    Initial setup and learning to use all features can be time-consuming for new users unfamiliar with the tool.
  • Potential Overhead
    Some users might find the addition of another tool into their workflow adds complexity and overhead, depending on the current environment.
  • Resource Intensive
    Running the tool can be resource-intensive, possibly affecting performance, especially on systems with limited resources.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    While useful for basic refactoring, advanced users might find it lacks certain deep refactoring capabilities compared to other specialized tools.

DbVisualizer features and specs

  • Support for Multiple Databases
    It supports a wide range of databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server, DB2, etc.), which allows users to manage different database systems using a single tool.
  • Advanced SQL Editor
    DbVisualizer provides an advanced SQL editor with features such as syntax highlighting, auto-completion, code folding, and SQL formatting, improving productivity for developers.
  • Git
    Version control your scripts and connections with GitHub, BitBucket or other Git-based platform
  • Data Visualization
    It offers various data visualization options like charts and diagrams, which help users better understand their data at a glance.
  • Performance Monitoring
    The tool includes features to monitor database performance, run diagnostics, and identify performance bottlenecks.
  • Extensive Documentation
    DbVisualizer has comprehensive documentation and a supportive community, making it easier for users to learn and resolve issues.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software has an intuitive and user-friendly interface, including features like a graphical query builder, which makes it easier for users to create complex queries without extensive SQL knowledge.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    DbVisualizer is available on major platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile tool for developers working in different environments.

Analysis of ApexSQL Refactor

Overall verdict

  • ApexSQL Refactor is a solid, free SQL code formatting and refactoring tool that integrates directly into SQL Server Management Studio and Visual Studio, making it a valuable productivity add-in for T-SQL developers and DBAs.

Why this product is good

  • It's completely free, offering excellent value for teams and individuals working with SQL Server
  • Integrates seamlessly with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and Visual Studio
  • Provides extensive code formatting options with over 160 customizable formatting rules
  • Includes useful refactoring capabilities like safe object renaming, splitting tables, and encapsulating code as stored procedures
  • Helps enforce consistent coding standards across development teams
  • Offers features like adding surrogate keys, replacing one-to-many relationships, and object dependency tracking

Recommended for

  • SQL Server developers who want to standardize and clean up T-SQL code
  • Database administrators managing schema changes and refactoring tasks
  • Development teams needing consistent SQL formatting and coding conventions
  • Users of SSMS or Visual Studio looking for a free formatting add-in
  • Organizations wanting to improve code readability and maintainability without extra cost

Analysis of DbVisualizer

Overall verdict

  • Overall, DbVisualizer is a well-rounded database management tool that is highly rated by users for its versatility, ease of use, and robust feature set. It is particularly appreciated by those who need to manage multiple types of databases within a single interface.

Why this product is good

  • DbVisualizer is considered a good tool because it offers a comprehensive set of features for database management and analysis. It supports a wide range of databases, including Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and many others. The tool provides a user-friendly interface, powerful data visualization capabilities, and advanced features like query optimization and performance tuning. Additionally, it allows for easy connection setup and efficient database administration.

Recommended for

    DbVisualizer is recommended for database administrators, developers, and data analysts who work with multiple database systems and require a reliable, versatile tool for database management, performance optimization, and data analysis. It's especially useful for those who appreciate a unified, cross-platform solution with strong visualization capabilities.

ApexSQL Refactor videos

+ Add

An introduction to ApexSQL Refactor

More videos:

  • Review - ApexSQL Refactor - Using the "Convert to code" feature

DbVisualizer videos

No DbVisualizer videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to ApexSQL Refactor and DbVisualizer)

ApexSQL Refactor

DbVisualizer

Databases
6 6%
Databases
94% 94
Database Management
4 4%
Database Management
96% 96
SQL Tools
100 100%
SQL Tools
0% 0
MySQL Tools
0 0%
MySQL Tools
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare ApexSQL Refactor and DbVisualizer

ApexSQL Refactor Reviews

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DbVisualizer Reviews

  1. V Sheregar
    ยท director at pacificspecialty insurance company ยท
    useful tool

    simple to use, versatile and increases productivity

    ๐Ÿ‘ Pros:    One tool for multiple db visualization
  2. Amedeo Zottola
    ยท Software Architect at GSD Sistemi e Servizi ยท
    One of the best develop's tool for database

    I use DbVisualize since 2004... My personal idea is that DBVisualize is the best tool to develop complex SQL query, trigger, stored procedure...dbvis has a very simple export function to convert a query result in various format (csv, xlsx, JSON, SQL) In addition, dbvis has a very simple function to import flat data file into a table, or to generate DDL of entire database. another great functionality is a graphical editor to create a complex joins between two or more tables. Without dbvis my work be impossible!!!

    ๐Ÿ Competitors: Aqua Data Studio, IntelliJ IDEA
    ๐Ÿ‘ Pros:    Simple yet powerful and efficient tool|Great customer support
Top 8 PostgreSQL GUI Tools with AI for 2026
Recent versions also introduce an integrated AI assistant that can help generate SQL queries, explain query logic, and troubleshoot database issues directly inside the interface. Combined with strong cross-database support and consistent performance across platforms, DbVisualizer is widely used in professional database workflows.
Source: dbajamey.github.io
Top Free SQL Database Software and GUI Tools
DbVisualizer is a universal database tool for developers, DBAs, and analysts, designed to be user-friendly and suitable for varying levels of expertise in database management. Moreover, it is a multidatabase solution that supports a range of popular DBMSs and offers a convenient GUI, letting the users speed up their routine tasks.
Source: www.devart.com
Best GUI Client for SQL Databases
DbVisualizer is a database GUI tool that offers a free version with limited functionality and a PRO subscription with a query builder, table export and import, charts, client-side commands, and table management. Within this toolโ€™s PRO version, youโ€™ll be able to perform most of the basic database development and design tasks.
Source: blog.devart.com
Best SQL Server GUI Tools for Database Management on macOS
DbVisualizer is a cross-platform solution tailored for database developers, administrators, and data analysts. It supports a variety of database systems, including SQL Server and Azure SQL Database, and provides users with a set of helpful features for efficient database design, management, and maintenance.
Source: blog.devart.com
Top 16 MySQL GUI Clients for Mac
DbVisualizer is a smart and well-focused SQL editor and database manager, marketed as a database client with the highest customer satisfaction rating on G2. It is a valuable solution that enables you to work with SQL code, access and explore your databases, and manipulate data. DbVisualizer is available in Free and Pro editions.
Source: www.devart.com

What are some alternatives?

When comparing ApexSQL Refactor and DbVisualizer, you can also consider the following products

dbForge SQL Complete - Try Intellisense functionality and Improved SQL Formatter in SQL Server Management Studio and Visual Studio using SQL Complete!

DBeaver - DBeaver - Universal Database Manager and SQL Client.

SQL Prompt - SQL Prompt Pro strips away the repetition of coding by making writing, formatting, and refactoring...

DataGrip - Tool for SQL and databases

ApexSQL Diff - SQL compare - Compare SQL schemas from databases, backups, scripts and source control

SQL Developer - Oracle SQL Developer is a free, development environment that simplifies the management of Oracle Database in both traditional and Cloud deployments.

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