Skip to content
dbSlice®
Product Who it's for Performance Pricing Blog Guides Support Buy dbSlice

dbSlice / Compare

pgloader or dbSlice?

pgloader is a free, open source tool that loads data into PostgreSQL with the COPY command, driven from the command line or a command file. dbSlice is a Windows app and CLI that moves and syncs data between the leading databases, PostgreSQL included. Checked on October 30, 2026.

Try it free on the Microsoft Store ↗ See pricing

At a glance

  • pgloader: free (PostgreSQL License); command line; sources SQLite, MySQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, Redshift and files (CSV, fixed format, DBF, IXF); targets PostgreSQL, Citus and Redshift.
  • dbSlice: Windows GUI and CLI; any pair of the leading databases; repeated runs (Upsert, insert-new, incremental) with a key-by-key check before writing; masking in flight.
  • Free or paid: try it in the free Microsoft Store version (no license key); writing to a target database needs a Desktop or Server license.

Side by side

dbSlicepgloader (as of 30/10/2026)
InterfaceWindows app + CLICommand line and command files
TargetsSQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL, MariaDB, Firebird, SQLite, InterSystems IRISPostgreSQL, Citus, Redshift
SourcesSame list as targetsSQLite, MySQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, Redshift, files
Oracle, Firebird, InterSystems as sourceYesNot in its published list
Key-by-key diff before writingYesNo
Mask data while copyingYesNo
Runs onWindowsJava JAR, Docker image and Linux packages
PriceFrom US$ 89.99 (launch price); free Store versionFree, open source
dbSlice Synchronize tab

When pgloader is the better choice

  • A one-time load into PostgreSQL, run by someone comfortable with its command language.
  • You want a free, open source tool, or you work on Linux or macOS.

When dbSlice fits better

  • The team wants a GUI with a preview of the data and a check before writing.
  • The source is Oracle, Firebird or InterSystems, or the target is not PostgreSQL.
  • PostgreSQL has to stay in sync with the old database every night until cutover.
  • You need masked copies for development and test.
  • Running in production for more than six years in mission-critical environments, across multiple data centers and on-premises, with SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Aurora and InterSystems Caché/IRIS.

FAQ

Does dbSlice convert schemas like pgloader does?

It suggests a CREATE TABLE for your DBA to review; it does not create objects by itself.

Can I use both?

Yes: load once with pgloader and keep the tables in sync with dbSlice jobs.

Is there a free version?

Yes, on the Microsoft Store; writing to a target needs a Desktop or Server license.

MySQL to PostgreSQL migration →

Also comparing SQLines? →

How to read sync speed numbers →

pgloader is an open source project. dbSlice is not affiliated with its authors. Competitor information comes from its public website on the date shown and may have changed.

Try it on your own data: the free Microsoft Store version needs no license key.

Try free on the Microsoft Store ↗Buy dbSlice

Related guides

  • A Full Convert alternative for teams that need sync, not only migration
  • SQLines or dbSlice? Often both
  • An EMS Data Pump alternative: one license for every engine
dbSlice®

Professional data synchronization, migration and reconciliation — for Windows and Linux (Docker).

A Thinwork product

Product

Product Pricing Guides Linux (Docker) Release notes Free version (Microsoft Store) Support FAQ Renew maintenance CLI examples

Legal

Terms of Use Privacy Policy Refund Policy EULA

Company

THINWORK TECNOLOGIA DA INFORMACAO - LTDA
CNPJ 09.166.605/0001-21
Since 2007

Av. Paulista, 1471, Conj. 511, Anexo CP 1722
Bela Vista, São Paulo - SP, 01311-927, Brazil

Sales

+55 (11) 5197-7969 [email protected]

Support hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00–17:00 (UTC−3)

github.com/thinwork Follow @dbsliceapp
© 2026 dbSlice®. All rights reserved. Windows x64 · GUI + CLI · Linux (Docker) · Web

dbSlice® and the dbSlice pizza mascot logo are registered trademarks of Thinwork Tecnologia da Informação Ltda. with the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI).

All other product names, logos and brands are the property of their respective owners and appear here only to identify the systems dbSlice works with. dbSlice is an independent product, not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by them. Learn more