Jam SQL Studio SQL Server Management Tool: 2026 Comparison
Compare the top SQL Server management tools for development and administration. Find the right SQL Server IDE for your platform and workflow — from traditional SSMS to modern AI-native alternatives.
Free for personal use • Mac, Windows, Linux • No account required
SQL Server Management Tool Comparison: 2026
How the top SQL Server tools compare for development and management tasks.
| Feature | Jam SQL Studio | SSMS | Azure Data Studio | DBeaver | DataGrip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Status | ✓ Active | ✓ Active | ✗ Retiring Feb 2026 | ✓ Active | ✓ Active |
| Platform | Mac, Win, Linux | Windows only | Mac, Win, Linux | Mac, Win, Linux | Mac, Win, Linux |
| AI-Native (MCP + Workspace) | ✓ Built-in | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | Limited |
| Claude Code CLI Integrated | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Execution Plans | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Schema Compare | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Pro only | ✓ |
| Data Compare | ✓ | Via tools | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| IntelliSense / Autocomplete | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Built-in Charting | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | Pro only | ✗ |
| Azure SQL Support | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Entra ID Auth | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Via driver | Via driver |
| Backup & Restore | ✓ | ✓ | Limited | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free Tier | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ Community | ✗ 30-day trial |
Why Choose Jam SQL Studio for SQL Server
The modern SQL Server management tool that brings SSMS-level features to every platform, with AI agent support built in.
SSMS Features, Any Platform
Execution plans, schema compare, IntelliSense, backup and restore, and data compare — the core SSMS features you rely on, now available on Mac and Linux alongside Windows.
AI-Native Development
Built-in MCP server and AI Workspace let you use Claude Desktop, Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, and other AI tools to safely query and explore your SQL Server databases.
Azure SQL & Entra ID
First-class support for Azure SQL Database and Managed Instance. Authenticate with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) using device code flow with MFA support.
Multi-Database Bonus
When you need to work with PostgreSQL, MySQL, or SQLite alongside SQL Server, Jam SQL Studio handles them all. No need for separate tools per database engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SQL Server management tools.
What is the best SQL Server management tool in 2026?
For Windows-only SQL Server administration, SSMS remains the most complete tool. For cross-platform SQL Server development with AI support, Jam SQL Studio is the best choice. DBeaver is good for multi-database environments. DataGrip suits JetBrains users.
Can I manage SQL Server from a Mac or Linux?
Yes. Jam SQL Studio, DBeaver, and DataGrip all support SQL Server on Mac and Linux with IntelliSense, execution plans, and query execution. Jam SQL Studio additionally offers schema compare, data compare, and AI agent integration.
Is there a free SQL Server management tool for Mac?
Yes. Jam SQL Studio has a free Personal tier with unlimited SQL Server connections on Mac, including IntelliSense, query execution, table explorer, and charting. DBeaver Community Edition is also free for Mac.
What replaces Azure Data Studio for SQL Server management?
Azure Data Studio retires February 28, 2026. Jam SQL Studio is designed as a direct replacement with execution plans, schema compare, charting, cross-platform support, and added AI agent integration and data compare.
Download Jam SQL Studio
Professional SQL Server management on every platform. Free for personal use.
Comparing Other SQL Tools?
See how Jam SQL Studio compares to other popular database tools.