Quick Overview
- 1#1: Stellar Repair for MS SQL - Repairs corrupted SQL Server MDF and NDF files and recovers all database objects including tables, triggers, and indexes.
- 2#2: SysTools SQL Recovery - Recovers data from severely corrupted SQL Server database files with support for multiple SQL versions and preview functionality.
- 3#3: DataNumen SQL Recovery - Advanced repair tool that fixes corrupted SQL Server databases and recovers maximum data from MDF files with high success rate.
- 4#4: Aryson MS SQL Database Recovery - Recovers deleted records, repairs corrupt MDF/NDF files, and exports data to SQL Server database or SQL scripts.
- 5#5: Kernel for SQL Database - Repairs and restores SQL Server databases from corrupted MDF files with advanced scanning modes and filtering options.
- 6#6: Recovery Toolbox for SQL Server - Extracts readable content from damaged SQL Server files and saves recovered data in various formats including SQL scripts.
- 7#7: SysInfoTools MS SQL Database Recovery - Repairs corrupt SQL Server database files and recovers tables, views, stored procedures with three recovery modes.
- 8#8: Cigati SQL Recovery Tool - Recovers data from corrupt SQL Server MDF files and supports saving in SQL Server database, SQL scripts, or CSV format.
- 9#9: Shoviv SQL Server Database Recovery - Repairs damaged SQL databases, recovers all components, and allows preview before saving to SQL Server or scripts.
- 10#10: RecoveryTools SQL Database Recovery - Scans and repairs corrupt SQL Server database files with options to export recovered data to SQL Server or scripts.
Tools were selected based on recovery effectiveness, support for key features (e.g., object preservation, multi-version compatibility), ease of use, and overall value, ensuring a balanced blend of performance and accessibility.
Comparison Table
This comparison table assesses top SQL recovery software, such as Stellar Repair for MS SQL, SysTools SQL Recovery, and DataNumen SQL Recovery, to guide users in selecting the right tool for restoring SQL databases. Readers will discover key features, usability, and performance metrics, empowering them to make informed choices for safeguarding critical data.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stellar Repair for MS SQL Repairs corrupted SQL Server MDF and NDF files and recovers all database objects including tables, triggers, and indexes. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | SysTools SQL Recovery Recovers data from severely corrupted SQL Server database files with support for multiple SQL versions and preview functionality. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | DataNumen SQL Recovery Advanced repair tool that fixes corrupted SQL Server databases and recovers maximum data from MDF files with high success rate. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Aryson MS SQL Database Recovery Recovers deleted records, repairs corrupt MDF/NDF files, and exports data to SQL Server database or SQL scripts. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Kernel for SQL Database Repairs and restores SQL Server databases from corrupted MDF files with advanced scanning modes and filtering options. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 6 | Recovery Toolbox for SQL Server Extracts readable content from damaged SQL Server files and saves recovered data in various formats including SQL scripts. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | SysInfoTools MS SQL Database Recovery Repairs corrupt SQL Server database files and recovers tables, views, stored procedures with three recovery modes. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 8 | Cigati SQL Recovery Tool Recovers data from corrupt SQL Server MDF files and supports saving in SQL Server database, SQL scripts, or CSV format. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | Shoviv SQL Server Database Recovery Repairs damaged SQL databases, recovers all components, and allows preview before saving to SQL Server or scripts. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | RecoveryTools SQL Database Recovery Scans and repairs corrupt SQL Server database files with options to export recovered data to SQL Server or scripts. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.3/10 | 6.7/10 |
Repairs corrupted SQL Server MDF and NDF files and recovers all database objects including tables, triggers, and indexes.
Recovers data from severely corrupted SQL Server database files with support for multiple SQL versions and preview functionality.
Advanced repair tool that fixes corrupted SQL Server databases and recovers maximum data from MDF files with high success rate.
Recovers deleted records, repairs corrupt MDF/NDF files, and exports data to SQL Server database or SQL scripts.
Repairs and restores SQL Server databases from corrupted MDF files with advanced scanning modes and filtering options.
Extracts readable content from damaged SQL Server files and saves recovered data in various formats including SQL scripts.
Repairs corrupt SQL Server database files and recovers tables, views, stored procedures with three recovery modes.
Recovers data from corrupt SQL Server MDF files and supports saving in SQL Server database, SQL scripts, or CSV format.
Repairs damaged SQL databases, recovers all components, and allows preview before saving to SQL Server or scripts.
Scans and repairs corrupt SQL Server database files with options to export recovered data to SQL Server or scripts.
Stellar Repair for MS SQL
enterpriseRepairs corrupted SQL Server MDF and NDF files and recovers all database objects including tables, triggers, and indexes.
Advanced 'Repair from Backup' mode that combines live MDF with backup to maximize data recovery from severely damaged files
Stellar Repair for MS SQL is a specialized recovery tool designed to repair and restore corrupted Microsoft SQL Server database files, including MDF and NDF files. It effectively recovers tables, indexes, triggers, stored procedures, views, rules, and user-defined functions from databases damaged by corruption, deletion, formatting, or hardware issues. Supporting SQL Server versions from 2022 back to 2005/2000, it offers a preview mode for verifying recoverable items before exporting to SQL Server, CSV, XLS, or XLSX formats.
Pros
- Comprehensive recovery of all database objects including severely corrupted files
- Broad compatibility with SQL Server versions from 2000 to 2022
- Multiple export options and intuitive preview functionality
Cons
- High cost for full license, limited free trial
- Windows-only, no macOS or Linux support
- Resource-intensive for very large databases
Best For
SQL database administrators and IT professionals needing reliable recovery of corrupted MDF/NDF files without advanced scripting.
Pricing
Standard license $299 (1 year); Technician $499 (lifetime, multi-system); free trial available.
SysTools SQL Recovery
enterpriseRecovers data from severely corrupted SQL Server database files with support for multiple SQL versions and preview functionality.
Advanced recovery from 'Database in Suspect Mode' without requiring transaction log files
SysTools SQL Recovery is a robust desktop application designed to repair and restore corrupted SQL Server database files, including MDF and NDF files, from various causes like virus attacks, improper shutdowns, or physical damage. It recovers a wide range of components such as tables, views, stored procedures, functions, triggers, and rules while supporting SQL Server versions from 2000 to 2022. The tool offers preview capabilities before recovery and multiple export options to SQL Server database, SQL scripts, or CSV formats.
Pros
- Comprehensive recovery of MDF/NDF files including deleted records and suspect mode databases
- User-friendly wizard interface with item-level preview
- Supports all SQL Server versions and multiple export formats
Cons
- Limited to Windows platform only
- Trial version restricts full export functionality
- Higher pricing for corporate licenses may deter small teams
Best For
Database administrators and IT professionals seeking a straightforward tool to recover corrupted SQL Server databases without needing deep technical expertise.
Pricing
Personal License: $129; Corporate License: $199; Technician License: $399; free trial with scan and preview only.
DataNumen SQL Recovery
specializedAdvanced repair tool that fixes corrupted SQL Server databases and recovers maximum data from MDF files with high success rate.
Advanced recovery from transaction log (.LDF) files to reconstruct missing or lost data beyond standard MDF repairs
DataNumen SQL Recovery is a specialized utility for repairing and recovering data from corrupted Microsoft SQL Server database files, including .MDF, .NDF, and .LDF formats. It supports SQL Server versions from 2000 through 2022, extracting tables, views, stored procedures, triggers, functions, indexes, and constraints with high success rates. The software employs advanced algorithms to handle corruption caused by hardware failures, viruses, or improper shutdowns, making it a reliable choice for database restoration.
Pros
- High recovery success rate even from severely damaged files
- Comprehensive support for SQL Server 2000-2022 versions
- Intuitive wizard-based interface for straightforward operation
Cons
- Windows-only compatibility, no macOS or Linux support
- Demo limits recovery to first 50 rows per table
- No direct recovery from live SQL Server instances
Best For
Database administrators and IT professionals needing reliable recovery from corrupted SQL Server files without advanced technical expertise.
Pricing
One-time license starting at $129.95 (Standard) or $145.95 (Professional); free demo with limitations; volume discounts and 30-day money-back guarantee available.
Aryson MS SQL Database Recovery
enterpriseRecovers deleted records, repairs corrupt MDF/NDF files, and exports data to SQL Server database or SQL scripts.
Advanced recovery of permanently deleted records from SQL databases
Aryson MS SQL Database Recovery is a specialized Windows-based tool for repairing and restoring corrupted MDF and NDF files from Microsoft SQL Server databases across versions 2000 to 2022. It handles various corruption types like logical errors, header corruption, and hardware failures using quick and advanced scan modes. The software allows previewing recoverable items, including deleted records, and exports data as SQL scripts or directly to a new database.
Pros
- Supports wide range of SQL Server versions (2000-2022)
- Recovers deleted records and offers multiple scan modes
- Preview functionality and flexible export options (SQL scripts or database)
Cons
- Windows-only, no Mac/Linux support
- Demo version limits exports to 50 rows per table
- Pricing may be steep for casual or individual users
Best For
SQL database administrators and IT professionals handling moderate to severe SQL Server corruptions in enterprise environments.
Pricing
Personal license $129; Technician $199; Enterprise $399 (one-time purchase with free lifetime upgrades).
Kernel for SQL Database
specializedRepairs and restores SQL Server databases from corrupted MDF files with advanced scanning modes and filtering options.
Advanced recovery of deleted records and partially corrupted indexes without overwriting originals
Kernel for SQL Database is a specialized recovery tool designed to repair and restore corrupted SQL Server database files, including .MDF and .NDF formats. It supports a wide range of SQL Server versions from 2000 to 2019, recovering tables, views, stored procedures, triggers, rules, and even deleted records. The software offers a preview mode for verification before saving recovered data in SQL scripts or directly to a new database.
Pros
- Supports recovery from multiple SQL Server versions including the latest
- Recovers a broad range of database objects like tables, indexes, and deleted records
- User-friendly wizard interface with preview functionality
Cons
- Windows-only, no cross-platform support
- No free version for full recovery; trial is limited
- Pricing may be high for infrequent users
Best For
Database administrators and IT professionals dealing with corrupted SQL Server MDF/ndf files who need reliable, version-agnostic recovery.
Pricing
One-time license starting at $399 for single user; volume discounts available.
Recovery Toolbox for SQL Server
specializedExtracts readable content from damaged SQL Server files and saves recovered data in various formats including SQL scripts.
Built-in preview scanner that displays recoverable data objects in the demo version
Recovery Toolbox for SQL Server is a dedicated recovery tool for repairing corrupted Microsoft SQL Server database files, including .mdf and .ndf formats. It scans damaged databases to extract tables, views, stored procedures, triggers, functions, and other objects, then exports them as SQL scripts or directly into a new database. The software supports SQL Server versions from 2000 to 2019 and uses a step-by-step wizard for straightforward operation. It excels at partial data recovery from mildly corrupted files but may struggle with severely damaged ones.
Pros
- Intuitive wizard interface simplifies the recovery process
- Supports a wide range of SQL Server versions (2000-2019)
- Free demo with data preview to assess recovery potential before purchase
Cons
- Limited effectiveness on heavily corrupted or encrypted databases
- Demo version restricts full data export, requiring purchase for complete recovery
- Windows-only, no native support for cloud or Always On Availability Groups
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses or DBAs needing an affordable, user-friendly tool for quick recovery from moderately damaged on-premises SQL Server MDF files.
Pricing
Free demo with limitations; full single-user license $99, multi-user options higher.
SysInfoTools MS SQL Database Recovery
enterpriseRepairs corrupt SQL Server database files and recovers tables, views, stored procedures with three recovery modes.
Three-tiered scan modes (Quick, Thorough, Advanced) for optimized recovery from mild to severely damaged databases
SysInfoTools MS SQL Database Recovery is a Windows-based utility designed to repair and restore data from corrupted MDF and NDF files of Microsoft SQL Server databases. It features three scan modes—Quick, Thorough, and Advanced—to address varying levels of corruption, enabling preview of recoverable tables, views, triggers, and deleted records before export. The tool supports SQL Server versions from 2000 to 2019 and allows saving recovered data as SQL scripts or directly to a new database.
Pros
- Multiple scan modes for different corruption levels
- Supports wide range of SQL Server versions (2000-2019)
- Preview and selective recovery options
Cons
- Windows-only, no macOS or Linux support
- Trial limits recovery to first 25 records per table
- Lacks advanced features like live database recovery or cloud integration
Best For
Database administrators and IT professionals handling moderately corrupted SQL Server MDF/NDF files on Windows environments.
Pricing
Free demo with limitations; Personal edition $129, Technician $229, Enterprise $399 (one-time license).
Cigati SQL Recovery Tool
specializedRecovers data from corrupt SQL Server MDF files and supports saving in SQL Server database, SQL scripts, or CSV format.
Vast scan mode for recovering data from highly corrupted or partially overwritten SQL database files
Cigati SQL Recovery Tool is a dedicated Windows-based software for repairing corrupted SQL Server database files, including MDF, NDF, and LDF formats. It supports SQL Server versions from 2000 to 2019 and offers three scan modes—Quick, Advanced, and Vast—for handling varying corruption levels. The tool allows previewing recoverable items like tables, views, triggers, and functions before exporting to SQL databases, scripts, CSV, HTML, or XLS formats, with no file size restrictions.
Pros
- Multiple scan modes for different corruption severities
- Broad SQL Server version compatibility (2000-2019)
- Preview and selective recovery with diverse export options
Cons
- Windows-only, no macOS or Linux support
- Demo version limits exports to 50 records per table
- Higher pricing tiers needed for commercial use
Best For
SQL database administrators or IT professionals recovering data from moderately to severely corrupted MDF/NDF/LDF files on Windows systems.
Pricing
Free demo; paid editions: Personal ($129), Enterprise ($229), Technician ($399), Corporate ($599).
Shoviv SQL Server Database Recovery
enterpriseRepairs damaged SQL databases, recovers all components, and allows preview before saving to SQL Server or scripts.
Advanced scan mode for recovering deleted records alongside intact data structures
Shoviv SQL Server Database Recovery is a dedicated Windows-based tool for repairing corrupted MDF, NDF, and LDF files from Microsoft SQL Server databases. It performs quick and advanced scans to restore tables, views, stored procedures, triggers, functions, and deleted records across SQL Server versions from 2000 to 2019. The software allows previewing recoverable items and exporting them directly to a live SQL Server database or as SQL scripts, making it suitable for data recovery in damaged database scenarios.
Pros
- Supports SQL Server 2000-2019 with no file size limits
- Preview and selective recovery options
- Recovers deleted records and multiple database components
- Multiple export formats including direct SQL Server save
Cons
- Windows-only, no Mac/Linux support
- Trial version limits exports to 25 items
- No cloud database recovery features
- Higher pricing for enterprise needs
Best For
IT admins and DBAs handling on-premise SQL Server corruptions who need reliable component-level recovery.
Pricing
Personal license $199; Technician $299; Enterprise $399; free demo with export limits.
RecoveryTools SQL Database Recovery
specializedScans and repairs corrupt SQL Server database files with options to export recovered data to SQL Server or scripts.
Dual-mode scanning (Quick and Advanced) tailored to handle both minor corruptions and severely damaged databases
RecoveryTools SQL Database Recovery is a Windows-based utility specialized in repairing corrupted SQL Server .mdf and .ndf database files from versions 2000 through 2022. It employs quick and advanced scanning algorithms to extract tables, views, triggers, stored procedures, functions, and rules, with a preview feature for verification. Users can export recovered data directly to SQL Server databases, SQL scripts, CSV, HTML, XLS, or PDF formats, facilitating seamless restoration.
Pros
- Intuitive wizard-driven interface simplifies recovery for non-experts
- Comprehensive support for all SQL Server versions up to 2022
- Versatile export options including direct SQL Server import
Cons
- Limited to Windows platform with no Mac/Linux support
- No free version; demo mode restricts full exports
- Pricing can be high for one-time or small-scale users
Best For
Database administrators and IT support teams needing reliable recovery of on-premise SQL Server files without advanced scripting knowledge.
Pricing
One-time purchase starting at $129 (Personal), $249 (Technician), $399 (Enterprise) licenses.
Conclusion
The reviewed SQL recovery tools showcase strong capabilities, with Stellar Repair for MS SQL emerging as the top pick for its comprehensive recovery of all database objects. SysTools SQL Recovery and DataNumen SQL Recovery rank highly, offering reliable performance for different needs like severe corruption handling and high data retention rates, making the top trio standouts in the space.
Take the first step toward data recovery—try Stellar Repair for MS SQL to unlock efficient, thorough restoration of your SQL databases and minimize downtime.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison