dotConnect
dotConnect: A provider-focused toolkit for .NET database access, Visual Studio workflows, and ORM integrations. Ranked #23 of 53 in Database Client Software by our editors (6.8/10); pricing: Free plan · 30-day trial; best for .NET developers needing database connectivity.
At a glance
- Editor score6.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan · 30-day trial
- Best for.NET developers needing database connectivity
- Free planYes
- Founded1997
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Broad database and cloud connectivity through ADO.NET providers
- Visual Studio explorers, query building, and dataset tools
- SSL, SSH, HTTP tunneling, pooling, and ORM integrations
Where it doesn't
- Primarily developer libraries rather than a standalone database client
- Express editions provide only basic connectivity features
- Pricing differs by provider edition
Our verdict on dotConnect
dotConnect is a suite of Devart ADO.NET data providers for .NET applications and websites that access databases and cloud services. It is aimed at developers who need direct database connectivity, SQL commands, stored procedures, transactions, connection pooling, and data editing within application development workflows. Database support includes SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, DB2, InterBase, Microsoft Access, and Firebird. The suite is available for Windows, Linux, macOS, and API-based use cases.
Its strongest fit is the Microsoft development ecosystem. Provider editions integrate with Microsoft Visual Studio and include a visual database explorer, Visual Studio Query Builder, Dataset Wizard, Dataset Manager, and Dataset Editor. dotConnect also connects with ADO.NET, Entity Framework, LinqConnect, NHibernate, Entity Developer, and ASP.NET. Security and connectivity options include SSL, SSH, and HTTP tunneling, while caching, connection pooling, and optimized query execution support application data access. Choose dotConnect when database access needs to sit close to .NET code, Visual Studio, and ORM workflows rather than in a separate general-purpose client.
The pricing structure is freemium. Express editions provide a free provider edition with basic connectivity features. Developer editions start at $219.95 USD as a one-time license and add a fully featured ADO.NET provider, design-time support, tools, and integration capabilities. A 30-day free trial is also available. Pricing differs by provider, so teams supporting several database engines should review each edition separately. dotConnect is less suitable for buyers seeking only a standalone desktop database client or a single uniform price across all providers. For .NET teams that need provider-level control and Visual Studio tooling, its focused approach is a strong match.
Your product? Our editors can test dotConnect in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
dotConnect pricing
All 2 dotConnect plans and prices →
dotConnect fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Deployment | Not verified |
| Database support | SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, DB2, InterBase, Microsoft Access, Firebird |
| SSH tunneling | Yes |
| Data editing | Yes |
| Visual query builder | Yes |
| Result export formats | Not verified |
| Query history | Not verified |
| Free trial | 30 days · no card needed |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, macOS |
| Support | Email, Tickets, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 7 integrations: Microsoft Visual Studio, ADO.NET, Entity Framework, LinqConnect, NHibernate, Entity Developer … |
| Pricing | Free plan · 30-day trial (source) |
| Website | devart.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
dotConnect integrations
dotConnect lists 7 integrations on its own site.
- Microsoft Visual Studio
- ADO.NET
- Entity Framework
- LinqConnect
- NHibernate
- Entity Developer
- ASP.NET
Alternatives to dotConnect
- DBeaverA broad desktop database client with a capable free open-source Community edition.9.4
- DataGripA deep desktop database IDE for developers working across diverse data systems.9.2
- Navicat PremiumA broad desktop client for enterprise database modeling, automation, and administration.9.0
See all dotConnect alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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