Skip to content

ApexSQL Complete vs DB Designer

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

ApexSQL Complete icon
ApexSQL Complete
DB Designer icon
DB Designer

ApexSQL Complete vs DB Designer: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

ApexSQL Complete: ApexSQL Complete is a SQL code completion add-in for SQL Server Management Studio and Visual Studio. It provides context-sensitive autocomplete suggestions as you type to help you write SQL code faster with fewer errors.

DB Designer: DB Designer is an open source database modeling and design tool. It allows users to visually model databases including entities, relationships, and more to auto-generate SQL scripts for various databases.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature ApexSQL Complete DB Designer
Sugggest Score — —
Category Development Development
Pricing — Open Source

Product Overview

ApexSQL Complete
ApexSQL Complete

Description: ApexSQL Complete is a SQL code completion add-in for SQL Server Management Studio and Visual Studio. It provides context-sensitive autocomplete suggestions as you type to help you write SQL code faster with fewer errors.

Type: software

DB Designer
DB Designer

Description: DB Designer is an open source database modeling and design tool. It allows users to visually model databases including entities, relationships, and more to auto-generate SQL scripts for various databases.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Key Features Comparison

ApexSQL Complete
ApexSQL Complete Features
  • IntelliSense for T-SQL code completion
  • Parameter info
  • Quick info
  • Error checking
  • Code formatting
  • Code snippets
  • Object search
DB Designer
DB Designer Features
  • Visual database modeling
  • Support for multiple database types like MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server
  • Reverse engineering to import existing database structures
  • Forward engineering to generate SQL scripts from models
  • Customizable templates for diagrams
  • Collaboration features like embedding diagrams into documents

Pros & Cons Analysis

ApexSQL Complete
ApexSQL Complete

Pros

  • Saves time writing SQL code
  • Reduces syntax errors
  • Easy to use and integrate into SSMS and Visual Studio
  • Helps improve productivity

Cons

  • May suggest irrelevant completions at times
  • Requires an annual subscription fee
  • Auto-complete suggestions can be distracting for some users
DB Designer
DB Designer

Pros

  • Free and open source
  • Intuitive visual interface
  • Cross-platform availability
  • Active community support
  • Regular updates

Cons

  • Limited customization compared to paid tools
  • Steep learning curve for advanced features
  • No native cloud integration
  • Lacks some enterprise-level capabilities

Pricing Comparison

ApexSQL Complete
ApexSQL Complete
  • Not listed
DB Designer
DB Designer
  • Open Source

Related Comparisons

dbForge Studio for MySQL
vs ApexSQL Complete vs DB Designer
dbForge SQL Complete
vs ApexSQL Complete vs DB Designer

Learn More About Each Product

ApexSQL Complete
ApexSQL Complete
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
DB Designer
DB Designer
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

Ready to Make Your Decision?

Explore more software comparisons and find the perfect solution for your needs

ApexSQL Complete Alternatives
DB Designer Alternatives
Browse More Software