Short answer: For coding help inside SSMS, dbForge SQL Tools with dbForge SQL Complete covers the most ground: code completion, formatting, an AI Assistant, schema and data compare, and version control. Redgate SQL Prompt is the main alternative for code completion and formatting, and SSMSBoost adds session and history tools with a free Community Edition.
What are the must-have tools for SSMS?
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is the primary environment used by database administrators and developers to manage SQL Server databases. SSMS provides essential features, and SSMS 22 added GitHub Copilot, a SQL formatter, and Schema Compare in 2026. It still lacks some advanced productivity capabilities that third-party tools can offer. To improve efficiency, reduce errors, and simplify complex tasks, many professionals rely on specialized extensions and add-ons.
But what are the must-have tools for SSMS? Generally, these tools focus on enhancing SQL coding, automating routine processes, improving code readability, and providing deeper insights into database structure and performance.
Essential Productivity Tools for SSMS
1. dbForge SQL Tools (including SQL Complete)
dbForge SQL Tools is a comprehensive suite designed to extend SSMS with a wide range of features for database development, management, and administration. Within this suite, dbForge SQL Complete is a core component focused specifically on enhancing the SQL coding experience.
Key capabilities:
- Intelligent code completion with context-aware suggestions
- Advanced SQL formatting with customizable rules
- Code snippets and templates to speed up development
- Visual query builder with drag-and-drop interface
- Schema and data comparison and synchronization tools
- SQL code analysis and SQL Server event profiling
- Version control functionality
- dbForge AI Assistant integrated into dbForge SQL Complete for generating, explaining, and optimizing SQL
- Support for SSMS 22 and Visual Studio 2026
Although it’s commercial software, you can try dbForge SQL Tools with a 30-day free trial. Download it from the official Devart website and feel the difference. dbForge SQL Complete also has a free Express Edition.
2. Redgate SQL Prompt
Redgate SQL Prompt is a widely used SSMS extension aimed at boosting SQL code writing efficiency and quality.
Key capabilities:
- Smart auto-completion with predictive suggestions
- Consistent code formatting with customizable styles
- Reusable code snippets and quick access to frequently used commands
- Code refactoring support for improved maintainability
- Code analysis to detect potential issues
- AI features, included in an active subscription
3. ApexSQL Refactor
Note: Quest, which owns ApexSQL, put ApexSQL Refactor on its end-of-life list. No more updates are issued, and support ended on December 31, 2025.
ApexSQL Refactor focuses on maintaining clean and readable SQL scripts by providing advanced formatting and refactoring options.
Key capabilities:
- Batch formatting of multiple SQL scripts based on user-defined styles
- Automated refactoring features to optimize SQL code structure
- Support for customizable formatting profiles
- Integration with SSMS and Visual Studio environments
4. SSMSBoost
SSMSBoost enhances the SSMS environment by adding productivity features designed for database administrators managing multiple sessions and scripts.
Key capabilities:
- Session and window management with session restore capabilities
- Execution history tracking with search
- Advanced object search within databases and scripts
- SQL snippet manager for reusable code blocks
- Free Community Edition after a 30-day trial, with support for SSMS up to version 22
Choosing the Right Tools for Your Workflow
Your choice of tools depends on specific workflow needs. If improving SQL coding speed and quality is key, dbForge SQL Tools with its SQL Complete component is a strong option. For focused code formatting, the built-in SQL Formatter in SSMS 22 or SQL Complete may be the best fit. For session management and script tracking, consider SSMSBoost. Many professionals use a combination of these tools to cover different aspects of SQL Server management.
Make the Most of SSMS with the Right Productivity Tools
Enhancing SQL Server Management Studio with productivity tools can greatly improve your daily work efficiency and code quality. The dbForge SQL Tools suite, including SQL Complete, provides a robust set of features that support both development and administration tasks. Complementing these with other extensions like Redgate SQL Prompt or SSMSBoost can further optimize your workflow.
Consider exploring these SQL Server tools to find the best fit for your database environment and take your productivity to the next level.
FAQ
What are the best productivity tools for SSMS in 2026? dbForge SQL Tools with SQL Complete covers the most ground: code completion, formatting, an AI Assistant, schema and data compare, and version control. Redgate SQL Prompt focuses on code completion, formatting, and refactoring, and SSMSBoost adds session management and execution history.
Does SSMS have built-in formatting and AI in 2026? Yes. SSMS 22 made a SQL Formatter and GitHub Copilot generally available in 2026. Add-ins such as SQL Complete and SQL Prompt add context-aware completion, refactoring, and code analysis.
Is ApexSQL Refactor still supported? No. Quest put ApexSQL Refactor on its end-of-life list. No more updates are issued, and support ended on December 31, 2025.
Originally published on Medium June 12, 2025. Updated October 2026 with current features and product status.