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SQL Server (mssql) extension for VS Code vs Navicat for SQL Server: catalog facts
SQL Server (mssql) extension for VS Code	Navicat for SQL Server
Free Free and open source from Microsoft.	Paid Commercial license with a free trial available.
Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
Query SQL Server and Azure SQL from inside VS Code Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux	Wide feature set including synchronization, backup and data masking Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
Requires Visual Studio Code Focused on SQL Server and Azure SQL only	Paid license required after the trial Supports only SQL Server; other engines need Navicat Premium or another edition
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is 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 October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026

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