8 Best SQL Server GUI Tools in 2026

SQL Server Management Studio has been the default SQL Server GUI for twenty years, and for administration it still is. Two things push people to look further. SSMS runs only on Windows, which leaves Mac and Linux users looking for something else. And it is a tool for database professionals, so it does nothing for the operations or finance person who needs to look up and correct a handful of records.

Below are eight SQL Server GUI tools, grouped by who they serve, with the point where each one stops. Most apply equally to Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance.

What a SQL Server GUI needs to do

• Authenticate with SQL logins and with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), including MFA, since most Azure SQL setups require it.
• Browse databases, schemas, tables, views, stored procedures and functions.
• Run T-SQL with IntelliSense and show actual and estimated execution plans.
• Edit rows safely, with a preview of the generated SQL.
• Handle administration if you need it: backups, jobs in SQL Server Agent, logins and permissions.

What none of the database clients do is give a non-technical person a narrow, safe view of the data. Every user needs a login and permissions on the database. The first tool on this list handles that differently.

The eight SQL Server GUI tools at a glance

For teams working on SQL Server data

1. Jet Admin

Jet Admin connects to SQL Server and Azure SQL and builds an app on top: searchable tables, record detail pages, forms that validate input before a row is written, and dashboards that read live from the database. You describe the app you need and Jet generates the screens, then you refine them in a visual editor or in code. Jet queries SQL Server in place and keeps no second copy of your data.

The difference from every tool below is who uses it. An operations manager who approves orders or a support agent who looks up customers signs in to the app and sees only the tables and columns their role allows. You connect SQL Server once, with one login scoped to what the app needs, instead of creating logins for every person. Granular permissions, SSO and audit logs are on the Business plan and above; unlimited users are on every plan, including Free.

Where it stops: it is not for execution plans, index tuning, backups or Agent jobs. DBAs should keep SSMS for that.

Microsoft's own tools

2. SQL Server Management Studio

SSMS is the complete SQL Server administration tool: object explorer, T-SQL editor with IntelliSense, graphical execution plans, Activity Monitor, backup and restore, SQL Server Agent, security management and more. Recent versions have modernized the interface and added features such as Copilot assistance. If you administer SQL Server on Windows, you almost certainly want it installed.

Where it stops: it runs only on Windows, and it is built for DBAs and developers. Handing it to a business user means handing them a login with direct database access.

3. mssql extension for VS Code

Microsoft's mssql extension for Visual Studio Code turns VS Code into a cross-platform SQL Server client, with a connection manager, object explorer, T-SQL IntelliSense, execution plans and a result grid. Microsoft has positioned it as the cross-platform path now that Azure Data Studio has been retired, so it is the natural choice for Mac and Linux users.

Where it stops: administration features such as Agent jobs and detailed security management remain in SSMS.

4. Azure portal query editor

For Azure SQL Database, the Azure portal includes a lightweight query editor. You can run T-SQL and browse tables from a browser without installing anything, which is useful for a quick check.

Where it stops: it has limits on query duration and result size, and it is not meant for day-to-day development.

Third-party desktop clients

5. DBeaver

DBeaver connects to SQL Server and Azure SQL with Microsoft's JDBC driver, on every desktop platform. It gives you a schema browser, SQL editor, editable result grid, ER diagrams and data transfer between databases. It is the most common free choice for developers on a Mac who work with SQL Server.

Where it stops: T-SQL-specific tooling, such as execution plans and Agent jobs, is shallower than in SSMS.

6. DataGrip

DataGrip supports SQL Server with schema-aware completion, refactoring and execution plans, and it works on every desktop platform. It suits developers who write a lot of T-SQL and keep it in version control.

Where it stops: it is paid for commercial use and focused on development, not administration.

7. dbForge Studio for SQL Server

dbForge Studio is a commercial IDE built only for SQL Server. It adds tools SSMS lacks or makes harder: schema and data comparison between databases, a visual query builder, test data generation, and T-SQL formatting. A free Express edition covers the basics.

Where it stops: it runs natively on Windows, and the full feature set is paid.

8. TablePlus

TablePlus is a fast native client that supports SQL Server alongside most common databases. For developers on a Mac who need to browse and edit SQL Server data quickly, it is lighter than DBeaver.

Where it stops: it covers querying and editing only, not administration, and the free version limits tabs and connections.

Which SQL Server GUI to use

• People outside IT need to view or edit SQL Server data: Jet Admin.
• You administer SQL Server on Windows: SSMS.
• You are on macOS or Linux: the mssql extension for VS Code, or DBeaver.
• You need a quick query against Azure SQL from a browser: the Azure portal query editor.
• You write a lot of T-SQL and keep it in a repository: DataGrip.
• You need schema comparison and data generation: dbForge Studio.
• You want a fast native Mac client: TablePlus.

Frequently asked questions

What is the default GUI for SQL Server?

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). It is free, made by Microsoft and covers querying and full administration, but it runs only on Windows.

Is there a SQL Server GUI for Mac?

SSMS does not run on macOS. Microsoft's mssql extension for VS Code is the official cross-platform option, and DBeaver, DataGrip and TablePlus all connect to SQL Server from a Mac.

What replaced Azure Data Studio?

Microsoft retired Azure Data Studio and recommends the mssql extension for Visual Studio Code as its cross-platform replacement, alongside SSMS on Windows.

Is SSMS free?

Yes. SQL Server Management Studio is free to download and use with any edition of SQL Server and with Azure SQL.

How do I let business users edit SQL Server data safely?

Avoid giving them SQL logins and SSMS. Build an internal tool on SQL Server that shows only the tables and fields they need, validates input and records changes. Jet Admin connects with one scoped login and manages roles in the app.

Start with who needs the data

For DBAs and developers, SSMS on Windows and the VS Code extension everywhere else will cover almost everything. For the people in operations, finance and support who need SQL Server data, a database client is the wrong tool. Connect SQL Server to Jet Admin and give them an app with only the data their role allows.