Side by side
Altova DatabaseSpy vs TechWriter for Databases
Both stand on database documentation tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free trial Windows
DatabaseSpy brings query work, schema design, and data editing into a Windows database client, with charting in Enterprise Edition. Consider the edition features and listed one-time prices alongside the 30-day trial.
Visit Altova DatabaseSpy Free trial Windows
TechWriter for Databases focuses on turning supported database structures into editable reference documentation. Buyers should weigh its Windows-only availability and one-time license cost against its broad database and output-format support.
Visit TechWriter for DatabasesThe facts
| Altova DatabaseSpy | TechWriter for Databases | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Windows | Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | DatabaseSpy 2026 Professional Edition: €159, paid once | TechWriter Complete subscription license: $49 a month |
| Plans published | 4 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | altova.com | techwriter.me |
| On database documentation tools | #19 of 27 | #23 of 27 |
Altova DatabaseSpy: what it does well
- Supports 15 database types.
- Runs queries asynchronously in separate windows.
- Generates complete schema DDL scripts.
- Imports XML and CSV and exports four formats.
- Offers a fully functional 30-day trial.
What to know first
- No free plan is listed.
- Runs on Windows.
- Enterprise Edition is €179, paid once.
- Altova AI subscription is optional.
TechWriter for Databases: what it does well
- Supports seven listed database systems
- Generates PDF, HTML, XML, and other formats
- Combines supported databases in one document
- Descriptions can be edited and expanded
- Includes a data dictionary
What to know first
- Windows is the only listed platform
- No free plan is available
- Database license costs $179, paid once
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