The Best SQL Query Builders

Are you tired of having to write SQL queries manually from scratch? Do you want to generate queries to extract data from your database easily? Then, it is likely that you are looking for an SQL query builder.

SQL query builders allow you to create and edit SQL queries without having code. On the basic level, these tools are usually visual SQL builders. Some advanced tools include features such as auto-complete, data visualization, query history, and more. This blog post will look at the best SQL query builders available today. We will go through the most popular paid and free SQL query builders.

Here is our list of the best SQL Query Builders:

1. SentryOne SQL Sentry – FREE TRIAL A query builder with actionable metrics and features like a Performance Analysis Dashboard, Advisory Conditions, and more. Available for a 14-day free trial.
2. DbVisualizer A highly-rated universal visual database client with a user-friendly interface.
3. AquaFold Cross-platform IDE for SQL development and database management. It supports +40 data sources.
4. DbForge Query Builder A top visual query builder and SQL editor with code completion and debugging.
5. FlySpeed SQL Query A low-cost visual query builder developed by Active Database Software.
6. Query Xtractor A user-friendly data extraction and transformation tool for databases.
7. Skyvia Query Builder A cloud-based SaaS query builder tool. It comes with drag-and-drop builder mode, visual mode, online SQL editor mode, and more.
8. Redgate SQL Prompt A SQL query builder tool with code completion capabilities and other advanced features.
9. APEX SQL Complete An SQL query building add-on for SQL Server Management Studio and Visual Studio. It includes features such as auto-complete, SQL code snippets, and more.
10. Active Query Builder An SQL database tool that automates SQL routines.

The Best SQL Query Builders

1. SentryOne SQL Sentry – FREE TRIAL

SolarWinds’ SentryOne (or SQL Sentry Portal) is a robust database performance monitoring solution. It is designed for SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, and the Microsoft Data Platform. This tool is perfect for monitoring databases and managing complex data environments. It allows you to identify and resolve SQL Server performance problems.

Some key features include:

• The Performance Analysis Dashboard Graph server activity and use the “Jump To” navigation to see granular data views.
• Top SQL A helpful feature to see query history, execution plan diagrams, and other relevant information. This feature helps you identify and fix problematic queries.
• Advisory Conditions Set customized and actionable alerts based on specific conditions. For instance, set alerts based on T-SQL query results, a WMI query, or a combination of values or queries.
• SQL Sentry Portal An easy-to-use web user interface to see vital performance data for your monitored targets.

SentryOne SQL Sentry offers precise, actionable, and detailed metrics to help you solve everyday issues with your database and data. Aside from providing a complete monitoring solution, SQL Sentry also provides SQL query-building capabilities. With the “Build Option”, you can use SQL Sentry to create queries without writing much code.

Pricing: SentryOne’s price is not listed on the official site. You can start by requesting a quote.

Free Trial: Download a free, fully functional 14-day free trial of SQL Sentry from SolarWinds.

Start 14-day Free Trial!

2. DbVisualizer

DbVisualizer is a well-known universal visual database client. It has been consistently rated number one by its users. As of April 30, DbVisualizer has a score of 4.6 out of 5 on G2.com.

Some key features include:

• Advanced SQL code editor Write, edit, and execute complex SQL queries with syntax highlighting, code completion, and more.
• Database connection management It helps connect various databases, manage their connections, and switch between them.
• Query execution DbVisualizer also helps you execute SQL queries and view the results in real-time.
• Query history It keeps logs of previously executed SQL queries. This feature can help troubleshoot or repeat queries.
• Intelligent visual query optimization Analyzes the SQL code and offers suggestions to improve it. For example, to optimize indexes or rewrite queries.

DbVisualizer provides a single place to manage all data coming from various sources. It supports many databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, SQLite, and more. This tool is one of the best visual SQL query builders. It comes with a user-friendly graphical interface to build and edit SQL queries quickly. With DbVisualizer, you can create and change queries using the drag-and-drop functionality.

Pricing: There are three types of licenses, Free (limited feature-set and support at $0). The Basic license with 60 days of basic support at $197 for the first year and $69 for each next year. The Pro license with premium support costs $229 for the first year and $99 for each subsequent year.

Free Download: Download DbVisualizer for free.

3. Aqua Data Studio

Aqua Data Studio (by AquaFold) is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for databases and visual analytics. It is built for developers and analysts to manage multi-platform databases and their data.

Some key features include:

• Visual query builder Use the drag-and-drop interface to create queries, select columns, aggregate properties, and more.
• SQL editor The editor will automatically format SQL, colorize syntax, suggest keywords, and more.
• Data visualization Create charts, graphs, and dashboards to analyze data visually. With this visual information, you can also identify patterns and trends.
• Entity relationship modeling Create and edit database models using an intuitive graphical interface.

AquaFold is one of the best SQL query builders because it is easy to use and versatile. It also provides centralization to 40+ different data sources, including relational, cloud, and NoSQL databases.

Aqua Data allows you to build SQL queries visually. It will enable you to drag and drop tables and views into a visual whiteboard. It also has relevant features such as SQL development, schema comparison, data visualization, and more.

Pricing: Aqua Data Studio comes in two versions: Standard and Ultimate. Both versions are licensed per user, with prices of $499 for Standard and $699 for Ultimate.

Free Trial: Aqua Data Studio is available for a free 14-day trial.

4. DbForge Query Builder

DbForge Query Builder (dbForge Studio for SQL Server) by Devart is an intuitive visual query builder. It allows you to build complex SQL queries without needing to write coding. Its graphical user interface, with drag-and-drop, helps you design and edit queries easily.

Some key features include:

• Visual Query Builder Design, build and change queries. It comes with one of the best drag-and-drop and graphical interfaces.
• Query Profiler Analyzes query execution statistics and creates a profile. This can help identify query performance issues and suggest optimizations.
• Code Completion Get intelligent suggestions for syntax and code auto-completion of code. Useful if you are looking to save time and cut errors.
• T-SQL Debugger This feature lets you debug stored procedures, functions, triggers, and scripts.
• Data Export and Import Export data from one database to another. Or import data from various formats, including CSV, Excel, and XML.
• Test Data Generation Generate realistic test data for database testing and development purposes.

DbForge Query Builder supports various types of queries and is compatible with many databases, including SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and SQLite. DbForge Query Builder is one of the best SQL query builders because of its comprehensive set of features.

Pricing: DbForge Query Builder comes in three different pricing/licensing editions. The Standard edition (basic plan at $369.95), the Professional edition (advanced plan at $599.95), and the Enterprise edition (full-featured plan at $829.95.

Free Trial: The dbForge Studio for SQL Server is available for a free trial for 30 days.

5. FlySpeed SQL Query

FlySpeed SQL Query is an SQL query builder developed by Active Database Software. It is a well-known SQL query builder because its primary builder is free, but they also offer a low-cost visual query builder with simple but robust capabilities.

Some key features include:

• Customize the grid View and edit data in grid form or a customizable form view.
• Advanced search With FlySpeed SQL Query, you can easily find and filter data.
• Simplify data presentation Set up master-detail views to simplify the presentation of complex data.
• Save work for later Save your execution history and queries along with the database connection. This feature can make it easier for you to reopen and continue working on them later.
• Export and import capabilities Exporting data to popular formats like Excel, CSV, and HTML. And import data from the clipboard, CSV, and Excel files.

FlySpeed SQL Query lets you connect different data sources and create SQL queries through its visual query builder. It connects to all modern database servers. It also supports popular desktop databases and office file formats such as CSV and Excel. With FlySpeed visual builder, you can easily analyze, create, and change SQL queries. Its GUI also includes drag-and-drop functionality for a more streamlined query generation process.

Pricing: The basic FlySpeed SQL Query is free. But they do offer two commercial versions: Express and Professional. The pricing starts at $49.00 for FlySpeed SQL Query Express (Desktop version) and ranges to $137.00 for the FlySpeed SQL Query Professional (Portable version) for a per-user license.

Free Trial: You can download the free FlySpeed SQL Query builder.

6. Data Xtractor

Query Xtractor (from Data Xtractor) is a powerful and visual SQL query builder. It was built to help developers, data analysts, and database administrators write SQL queries. It helps create vendor-specific SQL queries without being an expert on query writing. The tool has a visually-appealing graphical tool to help write queries and connect to any relational database.

Some key features include:

• Visual SQL query builder Design and create SQL SELECT queries visually rather than writing them manually.
• Automatically populate fields Automatic lookup fields and drill-down through relationships, bottom page summaries, and cell highlighting.
• Create diagrams Use the Model Xtractor to create comprehensible and modular diagrams.
• Wide generic support Data Xtractor supports the most popular client-server, cloud, and desktop relational databases.

Although its foundation is to help design and write SELECT read-only queries, it can do much more. It can also execute those queries against various supported connected relational databases. It supports Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Azure, Amazon Redshift, SQLite, and Firebird.

Pricing: For $132 per year, you can use Query Xtractor to build SQL queries without restriction for all the supported databases.

Trial: Try Query Xtractor for a 7-day free trial with full access to all supported databases. The trial is activated once you install the product.

7. Skyvia Query Builder

Skyvia Query Builder is a SaaS-based online query builder tool for cloud and DB data. You can access Skyvia Query Builder anywhere via an Internet connection and a web browser. In addition, you can also integrate it with various cloud applications and databases, making it a universal data platform.

Some key features include:

• Explore your data Discover tables, relations, and field types.
• Use the SQL editor Use SQL against both database and cloud app data.
• Use the SQL visual query Configure joins, filtering, and aggregation.
• View and export View your data in the browser or export it to CSV or PDF.
• Query gallery Save and reuse your queries or access sample queries for common use cases.

Skyvia comes with “Builder mode” to help you create complex SQL queries via its drag-and-drop functionality. Besides, Skyvia also comes with the online SQL editor mode and data mode to preview your data in the web browser and make it ready to export. With Skyvia, you can even go beyond and automate workflows. Also solve data-related tasks such as data integration, backup cloud data, build reports and dashboards, and more.

Pricing: Skyvia offers a free plan for basic integration with limitations. They also have paid plans that range from $15 to $399 per month, with advanced features. For enterprise-level needs, Skyvia offers custom pricing to match specific requirements.

Trial: Sign up for Skyvia and start with your free plan.

8. Redgate SQL Prompt

SQL Prompt from Redgate is an add-in for SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and Visual Studio. It comes with IntelliSense-style functionality for code completion capabilities.

Some key features include:

• Speed up your workflow Use Command Palette for quick access to frequently used functions and quickly discover new features.
• Use predefined styles for code formatting This feature included collapsed, commas before, default, indented, and right aligned.
• Refactoring in SQL Prompt Allows for the safe renaming of variables and aliases and encapsulating SQL as a new stored procedure.
• Code Analysis Offers over 90 out-of-the-box rules to discover code issues and hidden pitfalls while typing.

Redgate SQL Prompt is considered one of the best SQL query builders because it helps users write accurate and neat code without worrying about formatting or syntax errors. Its advanced features make coding easier and faster, saving you valuable time. Some of these features include code completion, code analysis, object suggestions, and more. The tool also supports many databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and Microsoft SQL Server.

Pricing: The SQL Prompt is $198 for a 1-year subscription and one license.

Trial: Register for a 28-day, fully-functional free trial of SQL Prompt.

9. Apex SQL Complete

ApexSQL Complete (by Quest) is an add-on for SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and Visual Studio designed to speed up your coding. The tool comes with powerful features such as auto-complete, SQL code snippets, and auto-replacement.

Some key features include:

• Complete SQL statements Automatically fills in SQL keywords and names to complete the statement as you type them.
• Improve productivity with snippets Use reusable code fragments and insert them into the SQL script.
• Understand and navigate the code Identify the structure of complex SQL queries.
• Log every executed query Record every query executed on the SQL Server, along with the query content.
• Check queries in test mode Execute queries without affecting the database, reducing the risk of accidental data damage.

ApexSQL Complete helps you navigate through SQL objects and identify complex SQL query structures. It can also help you review object scripts and descriptions, track tabs, log executed queries, and search and export query results. With its comprehensive features, ApexSQL Complete is recognized as one of the top SQL query builders available.

Price: Request a quote.

Trial: No free trial is available.

10. Active Query Builder

Active Query Builder provides solutions to make SQL databases more accessible to non-technical users. The tool automates SQL routines, helping users handle SQL requests. It helps build new SQL queries with simple drag and drop, change an existing one, and more. Additionally, users can integrate the database querying module with queries and quickly turn data into information.

Some key features include:

• Instant Data Browsing With this feature, you can view information as you build your query.
• Reverse Engineering and Parsing Active Query Builder supports reverse engineering, parsing, and visually representing plain text SQL queries.
• Visual and Text SQL Editing Edit SQL queries visually and in text form using the query and filter builders and the SQL text editor.
• SQL Query API Available API for SQL query operations, including parsing, analysis, modification, and formatting.

Active Query Builder is known as one of the best SQL query builders because of its graphical UI. It is pretty easy to transform user questions into SQL queries. It is, in fact, quite handy for ad-hoc reporting and data analysis, data export, data import, and convenient data browsing.

Pricing: The software is licensed per developer. Prices range from $199 to $999, depending on the package and platform selected.

Trial: Sign up to get the free trial version.

Conclusion

You don't need a solid background in SQL query language to create queries. Try SQL query builders. These are powerful tools that help you generate SQL queries quickly. With a visual GUI, auto-complete, drag-and-drop functionalities, and more, you can build flawless queries in seconds!

In this blog post, we've listed ten of the best SQL query builders available in the market today. Whether you choose a visual, free, or paid SQL query builder, always ensure it has the features and capabilities you need to do the job.