Best ApexSQL Model Alternatives in 2026
The top ApexSQL Model alternatives are DbSchema, Navicat Data Modeler and SAP PowerDesigner: 15 data modeling software our editors would look at instead of ApexSQL Model, in our ranking order.
ApexSQL Model: A free Windows modeler for SQL Server schema import, scripting, and updates. Where it falls short: focused on SQL server, azure SQL database, and amazon RDS for SQL server.
Switching from ApexSQL Model? For most data modeling software buyers the best ApexSQL Model alternative is DbSchema, built for teams modeling diverse databases on desktop. On a budget, ChartDB starts at $25/user/mo.
Why People Look for an ApexSQL Model Alternative
- Focused on SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, and Amazon RDS for SQL Server
- Runs as a Windows desktop application
- Diagram image exports are limited to BMP, JPEG, and PNG
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallDbSchema8.8
Teams modeling diverse databases on desktop
Visit DbSchema - Lowest priceChartDB8.3
Paid plans from $25/user/mo
Visit ChartDB - Best free optionDbSchema8.8
Has a free plan
Visit DbSchema
All 15 ApexSQL Model Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forTeams modeling diverse databases on desktop
- Better than ApexSQL Model:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 7.2
A desktop modeling tool for teams that need broad database support and schema workflows.
- Version history
- Reverse engineering
- Forward engineering
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit DbSchema -
Best forEstablished buyers wanting broad desktop data modeling
- Better than ApexSQL Model:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 7.2
Broad desktop modeling with engineering and synchronization tools, plus a costly perpetual license.
- Reverse engineering
- Forward engineering
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit Navicat -
Best forEnterprise teams standardizing data models
- Better than ApexSQL Model:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 7.2
A broad modeling and engineering suite for teams managing enterprise data models.
- Version history
- Reverse engineering
- Forward engineering
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit SAP -
Best forEstablished Windows teams modeling relational databases
- Better than ApexSQL Model:
- Editor score 8.5 vs 7.2
A database modeling toolkit for Windows teams that need design, reverse engineering, and versioning.
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit Quest Software -
Best forTeams designing and maintaining database schemas together
- Better than ApexSQL Model:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 7.2
Import, edit, and export database schemas, with collaboration and synchronization on Teams.
- Version history
- Reverse engineering
- Forward engineering
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit ChartDB -
Best forOracle users needing free database development tools
- Better than ApexSQL Model:
- Editor score 8.0 vs 7.2
A free Oracle-focused desktop IDE with query, administration, and migration tools.
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit Oracle -
Best forMySQL users needing database design and administration
- Better than ApexSQL Model:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 7.2
A flexible database platform for MySQL users, with Workbench for administration and SQL development.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit MySQL -
Best forEnterprises managing documents and content workflows
- Better than ApexSQL Model:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 7.2
A document and workflow platform for enterprises, not a data-modeling tool.
- Version history
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit OpenText -
Best forTeams modeling cloud data platforms collaboratively
- Better than ApexSQL Model:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 7.2
A collaborative modeling workspace spanning conceptual designs, SQL engineering, lineage, and version control.
- Version history
- Reverse engineering
- Forward engineering
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit SqlDBM -
Best forTeams modeling diverse and non-relational schemas
- Better than ApexSQL Model:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 7.2
A broad modeling toolkit with a free edition and paid collaboration features.
- Version history
- Reverse engineering
- Forward engineering
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Hackolade -
Best forTeams managing complex models and lineage
- Better than ApexSQL Model:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 7.2
A broad modeling toolkit for governed data work, with enterprise collaboration in higher tiers.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit ER/Studio -
Best forWindows users seeking collaborative ER modeling
- Better than ApexSQL Model:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 7.2
A Windows ER modeler with broad database engineering features and flexible license options.
- Version history
- Reverse engineering
- Forward engineering
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Softbuilder -
Best forWindows teams needing versioned database design
- Better than ApexSQL Model:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 7.2
A Windows desktop modeler for teams that need to design, compare and version database schemas.
- Version history
- Reverse engineering
- Forward engineering
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit DeZign -
Best forPostgreSQL teams needing modeling and deployment tools
- Better than ApexSQL Model:
- Editor score 7.8 vs 7.2
A focused PostgreSQL modeling tool for schema design, comparison, validation, and deployment.
- Version history
- Reverse engineering
- Forward engineering
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit pgModeler -
Best forSmall teams wanting free, self-hostable modeling
- Better than ApexSQL Model:
- Editor score 7.7 vs 7.2
A visual schema editor with local diagrams, SQL exports, migration generation, and Docker self-hosting.
- Version history
- Reverse engineering
- Forward engineering
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit drawDB
ApexSQL Model Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to ApexSQL Model?
DbSchema: #1 in our Data Modeling Software ranking, with an editor score of 8.8 out of 10. A desktop modeling tool for teams that need broad database support and schema workflows.
Is there a free alternative to ApexSQL Model?
Yes. DbSchema, Navicat Data Modeler, ChartDB, Oracle SQL Developer and MySQL have a free plan or a free tier (9 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for ApexSQL Model alternatives?
Focused on SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, and Amazon RDS for SQL Server; Runs as a Windows desktop application; Diagram image exports are limited to BMP, JPEG, and PNG.
How do I switch from ApexSQL Model?
Export your data from ApexSQL Model (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel ApexSQL Model.
How to Switch from ApexSQL Model
- Export your data from ApexSQL Model (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel ApexSQL Model.
ApexSQL Model vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Reverse engineering | Forward engineering | Deployment | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | ApexSQL Model | Yes | Free | Yes | Yes | Desktop | 7.2 |
| 1 | DbSchema | Yes | Yes | Yes | Desktop | 8.8 | |
| 2 | Navicat Data Modeler | Yes | $1,299 one-time | Yes | Yes | Desktop | 8.7 |
| 3 | SAP PowerDesigner | No | Yes | Yes | Hybrid | 8.6 | |
| 4 | Toad Data Modeler | No | 8.5 | ||||
| 5 | ChartDB | Yes | $25/user/mo | Yes | Yes | 8.3 | |
| 6 | Oracle SQL Developer | Yes | Free | Desktop | 8.0 | ||
| 7 | MySQL | Yes | 7.9 | ||||
| 8 | SAP Extended Enterprise Content Management by OpenText | 7.9 | |||||
| 9 | SqlDBM | Yes | Yes | 7.9 | |||
| 10 | Hackolade Studio | Yes | €1,750/seat/yr | Yes | Yes | 7.9 | |
| 11 | ER/Studio Data Architect | No | 7.9 | ||||
| 12 | ERBuilder Data Modeler | Yes | $139/user/yr | Yes | Yes | Desktop | 7.9 |
| 13 | DeZign for Databases | No | €19/user/mo | Yes | Yes | Desktop | 7.9 |
| 14 | pgModeler | Yes | Yes | Yes | Desktop | 7.8 | |
| 15 | drawDB | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.7 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
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