Redgate Sql Data Compare Download
Downloads folder).Pro Tip: Redgate also bundles SQL Data Compare with SQL Toolbelt—a suite of essential SQL Server tools. If you need schema comparison (SQL Compare) and backup/restore tools, the Toolbelt offers better value.
The ability to compare and synchronize SQL data quickly is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you are a solo developer managing a local environment or a DBA responsible for dozens of production instances, the Redgate SQL Data Compare download gives you the power to:
Ready to get started?
Visit the official Redgate website, download the trial, and compare your first two databases within 10 minutes. Your future self—and your team—will thank you.
This article was last updated in May 2026 to reflect the latest version of Redgate SQL Data Compare. Product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners.
Even a straightforward Redgate SQL Data Compare download can encounter hiccups. Here’s how to resolve them:
| Issue | Solution |
|--------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Download fails midway | Clear browser cache, disable VPN, or use a download manager. |
| Installer says ".NET Framework missing" | Download and install .NET 4.7.2+ from Microsoft. |
| "Cannot connect to SQL Server" after install | Ensure TCP/IP is enabled in SQL Server Configuration Manager. |
| Trial is not activating | Check your internet connection; Redgate uses online activation. |
| "Access denied" during synchronization | Target database user needs ALTER, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE rights. |
Click the "Compare Now" button. The tool will analyze both databases and present:
Redgate SQL Data Compare is a popular tool for comparing and synchronizing data in SQL Server databases. This guide will walk you through the process of downloading and installing SQL Data Compare.
Redgate SQL Data Compare is a tool that:
✅ Important: It compares table data – not schemas (that’s SQL Compare).
For schema + data together, use SQL Compare + Data Compare together.
If you encounter issues during download or installation:
By following this guide, you should be able to successfully download and install Redgate SQL Data Compare. If you have any further questions or issues, don't hesitate to contact Redgate support.
Redgate SQL Data Compare is the industry-standard tool for comparing and synchronising the contents of SQL Server databases. You can download a fully-functional 14-day free trial directly from the Redgate Software website Product Overview
SQL Data Compare allows you to identify differences between databases and deploy data changes without manually writing scripts. It is commonly used for: Synchronising Static Data:
Automating the deployment of reference or lookup data between development, test, and production environments. Granular Data Recovery:
Restoring specific rows or missing data from a backup or another database without a full restore. Database Auditing:
Comparing a live database against a historical snapshot or backup to track data changes. Automation:
Using the Command Line Interface (CLI) to integrate data synchronisation into CI/CD pipelines. Technical Capabilities
SQL Data Compare: Compare And Synchronize SQL Server Database Contents
Redgate SQL Data Compare Download: A Complete Guide to Setup and Features
When it comes to managing SQL Server databases, keeping data in sync across different environments—like moving production data to staging or fixing out-of-sync lookup tables—is a common but risky headache. Redgate SQL Data Compare has long been the industry standard for solving this problem.
If you are looking to download SQL Data Compare, this guide covers everything you need to know about getting the software, what to expect during installation, and how to make the most of your trial. Where to Download Redgate SQL Data Compare
The safest and most reliable way to get the software is directly from the official Redgate website. Redgate typically offers two main ways to download:
The SQL Toolbelt Essentials / SQL Toolbelt: This is a comprehensive installer that includes SQL Data Compare along with other popular tools like SQL Compare and SQL Prompt.
Standalone Installer: If you only need data synchronization, you can download the specific SQL Data Compare executable. The 14-Day Free Trial
Redgate offers a fully functional 14-day free trial. Unlike some "lite" versions of software, this trial allows you to compare and deploy data exactly as you would with a paid license. No credit card is required to start the download; you simply need to provide an email address to activate the trial period. System Requirements & Prerequisites
Before you hit the download button, ensure your environment is ready: redgate sql data compare download
Operating System: Windows 10, Windows 11, or Windows Server (2016 and up). Framework: .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later.
Database Compatibility: It supports SQL Server (2012 and later), Azure SQL Database, and Amazon RDS for SQL Server. How to Install After Downloading Once you’ve downloaded the .exe file, follow these steps:
Run the Installer: Double-click the file. If you are using the Toolbelt installer, you can check the box specifically for "SQL Data Compare."
Sign In: You will be prompted to create or sign into a Redgate ID. This is how your trial or permanent license is managed.
Launch: You can run the application as a standalone desktop program or access it directly from within SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) via the Redgate menu. Key Features You Get with the Download
Why is this tool the go-to for DBAs and developers? Here’s what you’ll find once you open the application:
Row-Level Comparison: It doesn't just look at the schema; it looks at the actual data inside your tables and highlights the differences.
Automated Mapping: The tool automatically maps tables with the same name and schema, but you can manually map tables and columns if they differ between environments.
Deployment Script Generation: Instead of making "blind" changes, the tool generates a T-SQL script that you can review, save, or run immediately.
Command Line Support: For DevOps pros, the download includes a command-line interface (CLI) to automate data syncs within your CI/CD pipelines. Is it Worth the Download?
If you find yourself manually writing INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE scripts to sync environments, SQL Data Compare will save you hours of work and eliminate human error. The ability to see a side-by-side diff of every row before you commit a change is a safety net that most database professionals find indispensable.
Pro Tip: If you are also dealing with schema changes (adding columns or tables), consider downloading the SQL Compare bundle, as data sync usually follows a schema sync.
The fluorescent lights of the 42nd floor server room hummed in a frequency that always gave Elias a slight headache. It was 2:00 AM on a Sunday, and the launch of the "Project Titan" financial merge was looming over his head like a storm cloud.
Elias stared at his dual monitors. On the left was the Production database—live, sensitive, and untouchable. On the right was the Staging database—bloated with test data, wrong configurations, and two weeks of messy development scripts.
"Damn it," Elias whispered, taking a sip of cold coffee.
The problem was the delta. Over the weekend, a junior developer had accidentally run a migration script on Staging, thinking he was on his local machine. He had updated thousands of customer records. But, he had also fixed a critical bug in the static lookup tables that needed to go to Production. Elias couldn't just restore a backup; he would lose the legitimate data. He couldn't just copy the whole table; he’d overwrite live customer transactions.
He needed surgical precision. He needed to compare the data row-by-row and push only the specific fixes.
He remembered a conversation from months ago with Sarah, the senior architect who had recently retired. She had droned on about "The Red Gate."
"It's not a myth, kid," she had told him. "Back in the day, before everything was CI/CD pipelines and GitHub Actions, we had to do it by hand. But then there was the Red Gate. It showed you the truth between two worlds."
Elias opened his browser, fingers hovering over the keyboard. He typed the incantation: Redgate SQL Data Compare download.
The search results populated instantly. It wasn't some shady torrent site or a cracked executable on a forum. It was the official site. Clean, professional, distinctively red. He clicked the link.
The page loaded. "SQL Data Compare," it read. "Compare and synchronize data within SQL Server databases."
He clicked the 'Download' button. A small dialogue box appeared. Save File.
Elias watched the progress bar. For a moment, he felt foolish. Was he really pinning his career on a third-party tool he’d barely used? He could write SQL scripts. SELECT * FROM Table_A EXCEPT SELECT * FROM Table_B. But that was for dozens of rows. This was millions of rows. A manual script would take him all night to write and debug. The download finished.
He ran the installer. It was surprisingly fast. No bloatware, no "download this toolbar." It asked him politely where to go, and he sent it to his Program Files.
He launched the application.
The interface was stark but comforting. A large 'New Project' button sat in the center. Elias clicked it. A connection window appeared. He keyed in his credentials for the Production server (Read-Only, naturally—he wasn’t a savage) and the Staging server.
He hit Compare.
The cursor spun into a blue circle. Elias held his breath.
The application didn't crash. It didn't freeze. It began to populate a grid. Rows appeared, turning green, yellow, and red. On the left, Staging. On the right, Production.
It was beautiful.
Elias navigated to the CustomerPreferences table. The tool highlighted 4,022 differences. He checked a few boxes to filter out the accidental changes the junior dev had made. Then, he went to the LookupRegions table—the one with the critical fix.
There were only five rows different. The tool showed him the exact values. Staging: Region 5 | Tax: 8.5% Production: Region 5 | Tax: 0.0%
"That’s the one," Elias muttered.
But the magic wasn't just seeing it. Redgate allowed him to generate the synchronization script. He right-clicked the table and selected Generate Script.
A new window popped open, filled with perfectly formatted T-SQL. UPDATE [LookupRegions] SET [Tax] = 8.5 WHERE [ID] = 5. It included transaction blocks and rollback safety checks.
He didn't have to write a single line of code. The tool had looked into the chaos of two databases and found the bridge between them.
Elias copied the script into SQL Server Management Studio. He took a deep breath, glanced at the clock—3:15 AM—and pressed Execute.
(1 row affected) (2 rows affected) ... Query executed successfully.
He ran a quick verification query on Production. The tax rates were correct. The customer data was untouched.
Elias leaned back in his chair, the adrenaline fading. The headache from the fluorescent lights was still there, but the panic was gone. He looked at the Redgate icon on his desktop.
"Thank you, Sarah," he whispered to the empty room.
He closed the application. The "Redgate SQL Data Compare download" remained in his browser history, not just as a file transfer, but as the moment he realized that being a DBA wasn't just about knowing code—it was about knowing the right tools to wield it.
Since you are looking for information regarding Redgate SQL Data Compare
, I have outlined a comprehensive technical guide. This structure follows the format of a professional white paper or technical evaluation. 📑 Executive Summary Redgate SQL Data Compare
is the industry-standard tool for comparing and synchronizing SQL Server database contents. It identifies differences between tables in seconds and generates error-free deployment scripts. It is a critical asset for ensuring data integrity across development, staging, and production environments. 🛠️ Key Capabilities High-Speed Comparison: Analyzes millions of rows in seconds. Script Generation: Automatically creates T-SQL synchronization scripts. Data Integrity: Handles foreign keys and dependencies in the correct order. Automation:
Command-line interface (CLI) integrates with CI/CD pipelines. Flexible Sources:
Compare live databases, backups, or scripts in source control. 📈 Standard Workflow Select Sources:
Choose the "Source" (e.g., Development) and "Target" (e.g., Production). Filter Objects: Select specific tables, views, or rows to compare. Review Differences:
Use the side-by-side viewer to see "Identical," "Different," or "Missing" rows. Generate Script:
Create a deployment script or push changes directly to the target. Re-run the comparison to confirm a 100% match. 💾 Download and Installation To get started with the tool, follow these steps: Official Source: Download only from the Redgate Official Website Trial Version: Redgate offers a 14-day fully functional free trial Bundle Option: It is often downloaded as part of the SQL Toolbelt Essentials System Requirements:
Requires .NET Framework 4.7.2+ and supports SQL Server 2012 through 2022 (including Azure SQL). ⚖️ Use Case Comparison SQL Data Compare Manual T-SQL Automated & Tested High Human Error Risk Dependencies Auto-managed Manual Sorting BLOB Support Full Support Difficult to Script 🏁 Conclusion Fill Out the Form (Optional): Redgate may ask
For database administrators and developers, Redgate SQL Data Compare eliminates the manual grind of data migration. It reduces downtime and prevents the "works on my machine" bugs caused by inconsistent lookup data or configuration settings.
The coffee was cold, but the sweat on Alex’s forehead was fresh. It was 2:00 AM, and the "Production" and "Staging" databases were out of sync. A critical customer record had vanished, and the manual SQL scripts Alex was writing were only making the headache worse.
"There has to be a better way," Alex muttered, clicking onto the Redgate website. The Discovery
Alex had heard of the industry standard for database synchronization, but tonight was the night to actually use it. He navigated to the SQL Data Compare page. The promise was simple: compare and deploy SQL Server database contents without the manual slog.
He didn't need a corporate credit card yet; he just needed a win. He hit the Download Free Trial button. The installer was lightweight, and within minutes, the SQL Data Compare trial was live on his machine. The Comparison
Alex opened the tool and pointed the "Source" to the Staging environment and the "Target" to the broken Production database.
The Mapping: The tool automatically mapped tables with the same names.
The Difference: With one click of the "Compare Now" button, the screen lit up. It wasn't just a wall of text; it was a clear side-by-side breakdown.
The Missing Row: There it was—Record #8492. It existed in Staging but was marked as "Missing from Target." The Resolution
Instead of writing a risky INSERT statement by hand, Alex used the deployment wizard. SQL Data Compare generated a flawless, tested script to restore the missing data. He reviewed the script—which handled foreign keys and dependencies perfectly—and clicked Deploy.
By 2:15 AM, the databases were identical. Production was restored. Alex closed his laptop, finally reaching for his coffee. It was still cold, but for the first time all night, he didn't care.
Are you looking to resolve a specific database sync issue, or would you like a guide on setting up the trial for a specific environment like Azure or local SQL Server?
Redgate SQL Data Compare is the industry-standard tool for comparing and synchronizing the contents of SQL Server databases. It is widely used by database administrators and developers to restore damaged or missing data to a single row without a full database recovery. Download and Trial Information Official Download : You can download the latest version (v14.x) directly from Redgate's product page Free Trial : Redgate offers a fully functional free trial
(typically 14 days) so you can test the comparison and deployment features before purchasing. Integrations : The tool integrates directly with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) Azure Data Studio
, allowing you to run comparisons within your existing environment. Core Capabilities Data Recovery
: Restore specific rows of data from backups or live databases without needing a full restore. Environment Sync
: Keep staging or development environments up to date with production data. Support for Multiple Sources
: Compare live databases, native SQL Server backups, or SQL scripts in source control. Automated Deployment
: Generate error-free synchronization scripts to deploy changes quickly. Pricing and Licensing Estimated Cost
: A single license for SQL Data Compare is priced at approximately : It is often included in the SQL Toolbelt
, a comprehensive suite of Redgate’s database management utilities. Quick Setup Steps
: Open SQL Data Compare or access it via the SSMS "Tools" menu. Select Sources
: Choose your "Source" (the database with the correct data) and your "Target" (the database you want to update).
: Run the comparison to see a side-by-side view of differences.
: Use the "Deployment Wizard" to generate and execute a script that syncs the data. SolarWinds ManageEngine Compare and deploy SQL Server database contents
SQL Data Compare isn't just a diff tool – it’s a production‑safe data synchronization engine that respects transactions, keys, and batching.
Download it from Redgate’s official site (trial).
Use command line for automation.
Never run/executewithout a backup or aWHEREtest in staging first. Start the Download: Click the button, and save
Would you like a sample PowerShell script that automates nightly data compares using Redgate’s command line?