At a glance
| Source databases | SQL Server 2008 to 2025, Azure SQL, SQL Server on Amazon RDS; backups and script folders |
| Target databases | SQL Server, Azure SQL, SQL Server on Amazon RDS |
| Schema conversion | No; schema differences are handled by SQL Compare |
| Data migration | Row-level compare and sync scripts for matching tables; not a bulk cross-engine migration tool |
| 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 Data Compare suits SQL Server teams that copy reference and lookup data between environments, check that two databases hold the same rows, or need to recover a few damaged rows from a backup without a full restore. Free Microsoft tools do not cover row-level compare, so the real choice is between this and another paid tool; the Pro edition is needed for backups, source control and automation.
Overview
SQL Data Compare is Redgate Software's data comparison and synchronisation tool for the SQL Server family. It matches rows between two tables by key (including custom comparison keys), shows inserts, updates and deletes needed, and generates a T-SQL script to make the target match. Redgate lists SQL Server 2008 to 2025, Azure SQL and SQL Server on Amazon RDS, and native, encrypted and compressed backups as well as SQL Backup Pro files.
It is the companion to SQL Compare, which handles schema. The Standard edition compares and synchronises live databases, including from SSMS; Pro adds comparison from backups, deployment from source control, row, column and table-level restore of damaged or missing data, a backup of the target before changes, and command-line use on a build server. Version 16.1 is the latest listed in Redgate's release notes (3 November 2026).
Key features
- Row-level comparison of live databases with generated T-SQL synchronisation scripts
- Custom comparison keys and filtering rules for tables without suitable primary keys
- Comparison from native and SQL Backup Pro backup files (Pro)
- Restore of damaged or missing data at row, column or table level without a full database restore (Pro)
- Optional backup of the target before synchronising (Pro)
- SSMS integration for comparing and synchronising data
- Command-line deployments for CI builds (Pro), with a Linux command line in beta
Pros and cons
Pros
- Covers a job the free Microsoft schema compare tools do not: row-level differences
- Can restore individual damaged rows from a backup (Pro)
- Custom keys and filters for awkward tables
- Published per-user price for small teams and a 14-day trial
Cons
- SQL Server family only
- Backups, source control and command-line automation need the Pro edition
- Schema compare is a separate product unless you buy SQL Toolbelt Essentials
- Desktop application is Windows only
Pricing
Redgate sells SQL Data 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 larger teams get volume pricing. SQL Data 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 teams that synchronise reference data between environments, verify data after a deployment or migration, or recover specific rows from backups.
Who should look elsewhere
- Moving whole databases between engines: see database migration methods.
- Teams that need data compare across several engines from one client: see database comparison tools.
Verdict
SQL Data Compare is a focused tool for row-level differences in SQL Server, with useful extras such as row restore from backups in the Pro edition. It is SQL Server only and priced per user per year, so it makes most sense for teams that compare data regularly or already use Redgate's bundle.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Redgate SQL Data 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. SQL Data Compare Pro is also part of SQL Toolbelt Essentials, listed at USD 1,410 per user per year for 1 to 4 users.
Is there a free alternative to SQL Data Compare?
The free Schema Compare tools in SSMS 22 and the VS Code MSSQL extension compare schema only, not rows. Row-level data compare for SQL Server is mainly found in paid tools such as dbForge Data Compare or the paid editions of multi-database clients.
Sources
- Redgate SQL Data Compare product page
- SQL Toolbelt Essentials
- SQL Data Compare release notes (documentation)
Checked November 2026.
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