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Azure Data Studio alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Azure Data Studio: retired, with no security fixes, and extensions and features will not be updated. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Azure Data Studio, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. MSSQL extension for VS Code currently ranks first.

Azure Data Studio has been discontinued. Retired by Microsoft on 28 February 2026; no further updates or security fixes.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1DBeaver logoDBeaverOpen sourceYesWindows, macOS, Linux5 of 559.6
2Beekeeper Studio logoBeekeeper StudioFree plan + paidYesWindows, macOS, Linux5 of 555.3
  1. DBeaver logo

    1. DBeaverTop pick

    Best for: Developers and analysts who work with many different SQL databases and want one free tool

    Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux

    59.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Azure Data Studio

    Free and cross-platform, with SQL Server and PostgreSQL support.

    Pros

    • Free and open source, with support for a huge range of databases
    • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
    • ER diagrams, data editor and export tools included

    Cons

    • Java/Eclipse interface feels heavy and cluttered
    • NoSQL and cloud databases need a paid PRO edition
    • Slower to start than native clients
    Visit DBeaver Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is DBeaver a good Azure Data Studio alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    License
    Apache-2.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Price
    Free (Community edition)
    Checked Oct 25, 2026dbeaver.io(opens source in a new tab)
    NoSQL support
    PRO editions only (MongoDB, Cassandra, Redis)
    Checked Oct 25, 2026dbeaver.io(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Linux
    Checked Oct 25, 2026dbeaver.io(opens source in a new tab)
    AI chat
    Included in Community
    Checked Oct 25, 2026dbeaver.io(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Beekeeper Studio logo

    2. Beekeeper Studio

    Best for: Developers who want an easy, good-looking SQL client on any desktop OS

    Free plan + paidOpen sourceWindows, macOS, Linux

    55.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from Azure Data Studio

    A simple cross-platform client covering SQL Server and Postgres.

    Pros

    • Clean, approachable interface
    • Open-source Community Edition on all three desktops
    • Paid licences keep working after you cancel

    Cons

    • Import/export and some editing features are paid
    • Fewer databases and admin tools than DBeaver
    • Subscription pricing for the full feature set
    Visit Beekeeper Studio Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Beekeeper Studio a good Azure Data Studio alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Open source
    Community Edition under GPLv3
    Checked Oct 25, 2026beekeeperstudio.io(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $9 per user/month, billed yearly (Indie)
    Checked Oct 25, 2026beekeeperstudio.io(opens source in a new tab)
    Pro price
    $14 per user/month, billed yearly
    Checked Oct 25, 2026beekeeperstudio.io(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Linux, macOS, Windows
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026beekeeperstudio.io(opens source in a new tab)

The best Azure Data Studio alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

MSSQL extension for VS Code logo

Best Azure Data Studio alternative for most people

MSSQL extension for VS Code

Microsoft's official replacement, with the same queries and projects working unchanged.

SQL Server Management Studio logo

Best Azure Data Studio alternative for a free option

SQL Server Management Studio

The full SQL Server management tool for anyone on Windows.

DataGrip logo

Best Azure Data Studio alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

DataGrip

Cross-platform IDE with strong SQL Server and Postgres support.

DBeaver logo

Best Azure Data Studio alternative for open source

DBeaver

Free and cross-platform, with SQL Server and PostgreSQL support.

Beekeeper Studio logo

Best Azure Data Studio alternative for Mac

Beekeeper Studio

A simple cross-platform client covering SQL Server and Postgres.

MSSQL extension for VS Code logo

Best Azure Data Studio alternative for Windows

MSSQL extension for VS Code

Microsoft's official replacement, with the same queries and projects working unchanged.

MSSQL extension for VS Code logo

Best Azure Data Studio alternative for Linux

MSSQL extension for VS Code

Microsoft's official replacement, with the same queries and projects working unchanged.

Azure Data Studio alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Azure Data Studio?

MSSQL extension for VS Code ranks first right now. Microsoft's official replacement, with the same queries and projects working unchanged. SQL Server Management Studio and DBeaver follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Azure Data Studio?

Yes. MSSQL extension for VS Code (free), SQL Server Management Studio (free), DBeaver (open source) and DataGrip (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Azure Data Studio?

Yes: DBeaver and Beekeeper Studio.

Which Azure Data Studio alternatives work on Linux?

MSSQL extension for VS Code, DBeaver, DataGrip and Beekeeper Studio run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Azure Data Studio?

The complaints we hear most: retired, with no security fixes; extensions and features will not be updated; replacement requires switching to VS Code.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Azure Data Studio, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.