Azure Data Studio Is Being Retired -- Here's What to Use Instead

Posted by Kyle Hankinson April 2, 2026

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Azure Data Studio is shutting down

Microsoft has officially announced that Azure Data Studio will be retired on September 30, 2025. After that date, the application will no longer receive updates, security patches, or support.

Azure Data Studio was a solid cross-platform database tool, and many developers relied on it for SQL Server work on macOS and Linux. Its retirement leaves a gap for anyone who was using it as their primary SQL Server client outside of Windows.

What Microsoft recommends

Microsoft is directing users to Visual Studio Code with the MSSQL extension as the replacement. The MSSQL extension provides query editing, IntelliSense, and result set viewing inside VS Code.

For some users this will be a reasonable transition. But for others, it introduces a few problems.

Why VS Code may not be the right fit

VS Code is a great code editor, but it was not designed as a dedicated database client. Here are some of the trade-offs:

• Still Electron-based. VS Code runs on the same Electron framework that powered Azure Data Studio. You still get the higher memory usage and slower startup compared to a native app.
• No dedicated database UI. There is no built-in object explorer sidebar, no visual table browser, and no inline result editing. You are working in a code editor with a database extension bolted on.
• No mobile support. VS Code does not run on iOS or iPadOS. If you need to check a query result or browse data from your phone or tablet, you are out of luck.
• Plugin management. You need to install and maintain the MSSQL extension separately. Extensions can conflict with each other or break after VS Code updates.

SQLPro Studio as an alternative

SQLPro Studio is a native database client built specifically for macOS, iOS and Windows. It connects to SQL Server (along with other databases) and is designed around the daily workflow of writing queries, browsing data, and managing database objects.

Here is what makes it a natural fit for anyone moving away from Azure Data Studio:

Native performance

SQLPro Studio is built with Swift and Objective-C, not Electron. It launches in under a second, uses a fraction of the memory, and feels like a real Mac app. No bundled browser engine, no sluggish UI.

Built-in SQL Server support

Everything you need for SQL Server is included out of the box: query editor with autocomplete, object explorer, multiple result sets, GO batch separator, stored procedure support, and more. No extensions to install or manage.

iOS and iPadOS

SQLPro Studio runs natively on iPhone and iPad. Check query results, browse table data, or troubleshoot an issue while away from your desk. Your subscription covers all platforms.

SSH tunneling

Connect to SQL Server instances behind firewalls using built-in SSH tunneling. Azure Data Studio never supported this natively, and VS Code does not either.

iCloud sync

Your connections sync securely across all your devices via iCloud Keychain. Set up a connection on your Mac and it is available on your iPhone automatically.

Migration is simple

There is nothing to migrate. SQLPro Studio connects directly to your SQL Server instance. Just enter your server address, credentials, and you are connected. If you have saved SQL files, you can open them directly in SQLPro Studio.

Try it free

SQLPro Studio is available with a free trial. Download it from the App Store or from the SQLPro Studio website and connect to your SQL Server in minutes.

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Azure Data Studio served the community well. But with its retirement confirmed, now is a good time to switch to a tool that is actively maintained, natively built, and designed for the way you actually work with databases.