At a glance
| Source databases | SQL Server 2008 to 2025, Azure SQL, SQL Server on Amazon RDS; backups, snapshots and script folders |
| Target databases | SQL Server, Azure SQL, SQL Server on Amazon RDS, script folders |
| Schema conversion | No cross-engine conversion; schema compare and sync within the SQL Server family |
| Data migration | No; row-level differences need SQL Data Compare |
| Automation and CLI | Command line in Pro (Windows; Linux in beta); Redgate pipelines need a Flyway Enterprise, Redgate Deploy or SQL Toolbelt licence |
| Deployment | Windows desktop application and SSMS add-in |
| Licensing | Per user per year, Standard or Pro; USD 327 per user for 1 to 4 users as listed; Pro included in SQL Toolbelt Essentials |
SQL Compare suits SQL Server teams that compare and deploy schema changes often and want to compare against backups, snapshots and source-controlled scripts, not only live databases. For occasional drift checks the free Schema Compare in SSMS 22 or VS Code may be enough; the Pro edition is what adds backups, script folders and command-line deployments.
Overview
SQL Compare is Redgate Software's schema comparison and synchronisation tool for the SQL Server family. It compares two sources, shows object-by-object differences down to individual lines of SQL, and generates a deployment script ordered by dependencies, with warnings before risky changes such as data loss. Redgate lists SQL Server 2008 to 2025, Azure SQL and SQL Server on Amazon RDS, including SQL Server on Linux instances.
It runs as a Windows desktop application and inside SSMS. The Standard edition compares live databases and snapshots; Pro adds native and SQL Backup Pro backup files, script folders, command-line deployments, scripting a database out as individual object files and restoring single objects from a backup. A Linux command line is in beta. Version 16.1 is the latest listed in Redgate's release notes (3 November 2026).
Key features
- Comparison of live databases, schema snapshots, backup files and script folders (backups and script folders in Pro)
- Dependency-aware deployment scripts with pre-deployment warnings such as possible data loss
- SSMS integration for comparing, synchronising and deploying from inside SQL Server Management Studio
- Command-line deployments in Pro, with a Linux command line in beta
- Export of a database to individual object scripts and deployment from those scripts (Pro)
- Restore of single objects from a backup without a full restore (Pro)
- HTML and Excel difference reports
Pros and cons
Pros
- Compares against backups, snapshots and source-controlled scripts as well as live databases
- Dependency-ordered scripts with warnings before deployment
- Works inside SSMS as well as standalone
- Published per-user price for small teams and a 14-day trial
Cons
- SQL Server family only; Redgate sells separate products for Oracle, MySQL and PostgreSQL
- Backups, script folders and the command line need the Pro edition
- Annual subscription, and data compare is a separate product unless you buy the bundle
- Desktop application is Windows only
Pricing
Redgate sells SQL Compare per user as an annual subscription in Standard and Pro editions. As shown on the product page on 7 November 2026, a one-year subscription for 1 to 4 users is USD 327 per user (about USD 27.25 per user per month); the page does not say which edition that price applies to, and prices for 5 or more users are on request or in the online cart. SQL Compare Pro is also included in SQL Toolbelt Essentials, listed at USD 1,410 per user per year for 1 to 4 users. A 14-day free trial is available.
Pricing checked on the vendor's official page on 7 November 2026. Prices change; confirm before buying.
Who it is best for
SQL Server developers and DBAs who build deployment scripts or check drift between environments regularly, including against backups and source control.
Who should look elsewhere
- Occasional schema checks where a free tool will do: SSMS 22 and the VS Code MSSQL extension include Schema Compare (see database comparison tools).
- Teams that want versioned migration scripts rather than state-based compare: see Flyway vs Liquibase.
Verdict
SQL Compare is a mature, focused schema compare tool for the SQL Server family, and the Pro edition covers backups, script folders and automation that free tools do not. Weigh the per-user subscription against the free Schema Compare in SSMS 22 and VS Code if you only need live database comparisons.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Redgate SQL Compare cost?
Redgate's product page lists a one-year subscription at USD 327 per user for 1 to 4 users, without naming the edition; larger teams get volume pricing through the cart or sales. SQL Compare Pro is also part of SQL Toolbelt Essentials, listed at USD 1,410 per user per year for 1 to 4 users.
What is the difference between SQL Compare Standard and Pro?
Pro adds comparison of backup files and script folders, command-line deployments, exporting a database as individual object scripts, deploying from those scripts and restoring single objects from a backup.
Does SQL Compare compare data?
No. SQL Compare handles schema. Row-level differences are the job of Redgate SQL Data Compare, which is sold separately and also included in SQL Toolbelt Essentials.
Sources
- Redgate SQL Compare product page
- Redgate SQL Compare pricing
- SQL Toolbelt Essentials
- SQL Compare release notes (documentation)
Checked November 2026.
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