At a glance
| Supported databases | SQL Server 2014 to 2025, Azure SQL, Synapse, Fabric SQL endpoints, RDS and Cloud SQL for SQL Server |
| Query analysis | Static code analysis rules and AI Explain SQL |
| Execution plans | Redgate Assistant can fetch a query execution plan (preview) |
| Wait statistics | Not applicable (editor add-in) |
| Index recommendations | Query Index Analysis (Prompt AI, SSMS only) |
| Slow-query detection | Not applicable; no runtime monitoring |
| Tuning automation | Suggested fixes for code analysis issues; you apply them |
| Hosts | SSMS 2017 to 22; Visual Studio 2019, 2022, 2026 |
| Licensing | $210 per user per year (1-4 users); in SQL Toolbelt Essentials |
SQL Prompt is a long-running choice for SQL Server developers who live in SSMS and want faster, cleaner T-SQL. It is a coding aid rather than a monitoring tool: its performance value comes from code analysis rules, Query Index Analysis and AI explanations of queries. At $210 per user per year for small teams, try it on your own code before deciding, and check your organisation's policy before enabling the AI features.
Overview
SQL Prompt plugs into SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS 2017 through SSMS 22) and Visual Studio (2019, 2022 and 2026). It adds IntelliSense-style completion of T-SQL, one-click formatting to shared styles, refactoring such as renaming objects, reusable snippets, code analysis rules with suggested fixes, and SSMS extras such as query history and tab colouring. It works against SQL Server 2014 to 2025 and the Azure, Fabric, Amazon RDS and Google Cloud SQL variants of SQL Server; PostgreSQL is not listed.
Version 11 added Prompt AI, which is opt-in, off by default and available only in SSMS: text-to-SQL, Explain SQL, intelligent suggestions and Query Index Analysis, plus Redgate Assistant, a chat panel that is still in preview. Redgate says prompts, editor contents, errors, execution plans and relevant schema may be sent to its AI services, that table data is not sent, and that nothing sent is stored or used for training. The current release line is 11.5, first shipped on 11 August 2026, with build 11.5.7.28121 on 27 October 2026.
Key features
- T-SQL code completion with object, column and join suggestions in SSMS and Visual Studio
- Formatting to configurable styles, with styles and snippets shareable across a team (Toolbelt Essentials adds bulk formatting and team sharing)
- Code analysis rules that flag problem patterns, with automatic fixes
- Refactoring, snippets, SSMS query history and tab colouring by connection
- Prompt AI (opt-in, SSMS only): text-to-SQL, Explain SQL, intelligent suggestions and Query Index Analysis
- Redgate Assistant chat panel (preview) with tools such as getting a query execution plan and fixing code analysis issues (11.5)
Integrations and ecosystem
Pros and cons
Pros
- Mature SSMS add-in with broad support for current SSMS and Visual Studio versions
- Shared formatting styles and code analysis help keep team T-SQL consistent
- Published entry price for small teams
- AI features are opt-in and can be restricted centrally through the Redgate Portal
Cons
- SQL Server family only; no PostgreSQL or MySQL support listed
- Windows only, because it runs inside SSMS or Visual Studio
- AI features are SSMS only and need an active subscription, not a perpetual licence
- It does not monitor running workloads, so it cannot find slow queries in production
Pricing
Redgate's product page lists SQL Prompt at $210 per user per year for 1 to 4 users, and SQL Toolbelt Essentials (which includes SQL Prompt and 10 other tools) at $1,410 per user per year. The pricing page itself loads prices through an interactive cart, so the 5-9 and 10-19 user bands could not be read; 20 or more users are quote-only. Prompt AI features need an active subscription to SQL Prompt, SQL Toolbelt Essentials or SQL Toolbelt; perpetual licences are excluded. A free trial is offered.
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 write T-SQL in SSMS every day and want completion, consistent formatting and code analysis, with optional AI help.
Typical use cases
- Writing and refactoring T-SQL faster in SSMS
- Enforcing one formatting style across a database team
- Catching risky T-SQL patterns with code analysis before review
- Explaining an unfamiliar stored procedure or getting index ideas with Prompt AI
Who should look elsewhere
- Teams that need to find slow queries in production: use a monitor from SQL Server monitoring tools.
- Cross-platform or multi-database developers who want one IDE: see SQL IDEs.
Verdict
SQL Prompt remains a strong productivity add-in for T-SQL in SSMS, now with opt-in AI that can explain queries and suggest indexes. It is a development tool, not a performance monitor, so pair it with Query Store or a monitoring product if your goal is diagnosing production performance.
Frequently asked questions
Does SQL Prompt support SSMS 21 and SSMS 22?
Yes. Redgate lists SSMS 22, 21, 20, 19, 18 and 2017, and Visual Studio 2026, 2022 and 2019.
How much does SQL Prompt cost?
Redgate's product page shows $210 per user per year for 1 to 4 users. Larger bands are shown only in the pricing cart, and 20 or more users need a quote. It is also included in SQL Toolbelt Essentials at $1,410 per user per year.
What are the SQL Prompt AI features?
Prompt AI adds text-to-SQL, Explain SQL, intelligent suggestions and Query Index Analysis in SSMS, plus the Redgate Assistant chat panel in preview. The features are off by default, need an active subscription, and Redgate states that table data is not sent and that submitted content is not stored or used for training.
Does SQL Prompt work with PostgreSQL?
No PostgreSQL support is listed. The supported databases are SQL Server and its Azure, Fabric, Synapse, Amazon RDS and Google Cloud SQL variants.
Sources
- SQL Prompt product page
- SQL Prompt pricing
- SQL Prompt 11.5 release notes
- SQL Prompt AI FAQ
- SQL Prompt AI data handling
Checked November 2026.
Listed in: Performance & Query Optimization.
How we research reviews and what star ratings mean: our editorial method.