Altova DatabaseSpy review
A Windows desktop tool for relational database design, SQL work, comparison, and exports.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Altova DatabaseSpy is a Windows desktop application for working with major relational databases. It combines a SQL editor with syntax highlighting and auto-completion, query execution, graphical schema design, table and relationship browsing, data editing, comparison, conversion, import, export, and chart generation. It is aimed at database professionals and Windows users who want design assistance alongside day-to-day SQL and database work. The product has been developed by Altova, a company founded in 1992.
DatabaseSpy’s strongest differentiator is its breadth across relational database workflows. It supports 15 database types, including SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, SQLite, Firebird, DB2, Informix, Access, and Teradata. Users can compare tables, generate database schema DDL scripts, import XML and CSV, and export to XML, CSV, HTML, and Excel. AI assistance is available for SQL generation and database design, while the Enterprise Edition adds charts generated from SQL query results.
The product is sold under Professional and Enterprise editions with a perpetual license and a 30-day trial. Professional includes multi-database query and design plus database table comparison; Enterprise adds all Professional capabilities and SQL-result charts. This makes DatabaseSpy a fit for Windows teams seeking a broad relational database utility with visual design features and file-based exchange options. It is less suitable for organizations seeking a cloud documentation platform, non-relational database coverage, or a cross-platform desktop application.
Altova DatabaseSpy pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Graphical design for tables, keys, indexes, and constraints
- Supports 15 database types, including SQL Server, Oracle, and PostgreSQL
- Generates DDL scripts and exports data to XML, CSV, HTML, and Excel
- Where it doesn't
- Windows-only desktop application
- Relational databases only
- No free plan
Altova DatabaseSpy fact sheet, pricing and score →
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