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SQL Server Management Studio vs Navicat for SQL Server: catalog facts
SQL Server Management Studio	Navicat for SQL Server
Free Free to download from Microsoft.	Paid Commercial license with a free trial available.
Windows	Windows, macOS, Linux
Official Microsoft tool for SQL Server and Azure SQL Query editor, scripting and administration in one place	Wide feature set including synchronization, backup and data masking Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
Windows only Focused on Microsoft database platforms	Paid license required after the trial Supports only SQL Server; other engines need Navicat Premium or another edition
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Closed source
License: Proprietary	License not stated
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.