Top monitoring tools for SQL Server available in the market, categorized by features like performance
monitoring, diagnostics, query analysis, and real-time alerts:
Top Monitoring Tools for SQL Server
Tool Description Key Features Vendor
SolarWinds Database Comprehensive performance - Real-time database SolarWinds
Performance Analyzer monitoring and optimization tool for performance monitoring.
(DPA) SQL Server. - Query performance
analysis.
- Wait-time analytics.
- Alerts and notifications.
Redgate SQL A web-based tool offering real-time SQL Server - Real-time SQL Server Redgate
https://www.sqldbachamps.com
Monitor monitoring, alerting, and diagnostics. health checks.
- Query performance
analysis.
- Customizable alerts.
- Historical performance
trends.
SentryOne (formerly A robust tool for SQL Server - Query plan analysis. SolarWinds
SQL Sentry) performance tuning and monitoring. - Disk I/O tracking. (SentryOne)
- Blocking, deadlocks,
and wait statistics.
- Real-time alerting and
reporting.
Idera SQL Diagnostic Comprehensive monitoring tool for SQL Server - Performance and query Idera
Manager performance, alerts, and diagnostics. monitoring.
- Alerts for CPU, memory, and
I/O bottlenecks.
- Customizable dashboards
and reporting.
- Automated diagnostics.
dbForge Free lightweight monitoring tool integrated with - Real-time SQL Server Devart
Monitor SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio). monitoring.
- Query performance metrics.
- Wait statistics and session
details.
- Resource usage metrics
(CPU, memory, etc.).
Quest Foglight for Enterprise-level monitoring tool for - Cross-platform monitoring (SQL Quest
https://www.sqldbachamps.com
SQL Server SQL Server and other databases. Server, Oracle, MySQL, etc.).
- Query and session monitoring.
- Resource usage and performance
Software
analysis.
- Customizable reports and alerts.
ManageEngine A unified monitoring tool that - Database availability and ManageEngine
Applications Manager includes SQL Server performance performance tracking.
monitoring. - Query execution
analysis.
- Server resource
monitoring (CPU, memory,
disk).
- Custom alerts and
reports.
Paessler PRTG All-in-one monitoring tool for network - SQL Server health and Paessler
Network Monitor and database performance, including performance monitoring. AG
SQL Server. - Monitor query performance,
response time, and server
uptime.
- Custom alerts and
notifications.
- Database availability
monitoring.
SQL Power Agentless SQL Server performance monitoring - Query performance SQL Power
Tools tool focused on low-overhead monitoring. analysis. Tools
- Low-overhead, real-time
monitoring.
- Deadlock and blocking
analysis.
- Security monitoring and
compliance tracking.
https://www.sqldbachamps.com
Dynatrace AI-powered full-stack performance - AI-driven root cause analysis. Dynatrace
monitoring tool with support for SQL Server. - Query performance and
database resource monitoring.
- Integration with cloud and hybrid
systems.
- Customizable alerts.
AppDynamics for Part of a broader APM suite, - Real-time performance Cisco
Databases this tool offers SQL Server monitoring for queries and (AppDynamics)
performance monitoring. resource usage.
- Historical performance
tracking.
- Database transaction
tracking.
- Customizable alerts and
dashboards.
Spotlight on SQL A real-time monitoring tool for SQL - Visual performance Quest
Server Server offering in-depth diagnostic dashboards. Software
features. - Query and server
performance monitoring.
- Alerting for resource
bottlenecks.
- Detailed diagnostics for
troubleshooting.
Lepide SQL Server Monitoring and auditing tool focused on - Audit SQL Server activities Lepide
Auditing SQL Server security and compliance. (logins, queries, changes).
- Track user activities.
- Generate compliance reports
(GDPR, HIPAA).
- Real-time alerts for security
events.
New Cloud-based APM tool with SQL Server database - Query performance tracking. New
Relic performance monitoring capabilities. - Database connection and Relic
https://www.sqldbachamps.com transaction monitoring.
- Integration with cloud
environments.
- Customizable alerts and
dashboards.
Key Criteria for Selecting a SQL Server Monitoring Tool:
1. Real-time Monitoring: Tools should offer real-time monitoring and alerting for critical performance metrics
(e.g., CPU, memory, disk I/O).
2. Query Performance Analysis: Ability to identify and optimize slow-running queries.
3. Wait Statistics: Tools that track wait types and wait times for efficient troubleshooting.
4. Historical Data: Tools that provide historical performance trends to track performance over time.
5. Alerting and Notifications: Customizable alerts for proactive monitoring.
6. Reporting and Dashboards: Custom reports and dashboards for performance insights.
7. Integration: Ability to integrate with other systems (cloud platforms, DevOps tools, etc.).
8. Security and Compliance: Tools with features for auditing and ensuring database security.