--- title: "Microsoft SQL Server Software Pricing, Alternatives & More 2026 | Capterra" description: "With the help of Capterra, learn about Microsoft SQL Server Software - reviews, pricing plans, popular comparisons to other Database products and more." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/1417/SQL-Server/" page_type: "product" language: "en" --- # Microsoft SQL Server Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons Last updated on August 26, 2026 Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Description](#description)[Use cases](#use-cases)[Alternatives](#alternatives)[FAQs](#faqs)[Users](#users)[Pros and Cons](#pros-cons)[Features](#features)[Pricing](#pricing)[Integrations](#integrations)[Support](#support)[Reviews](#reviews) Microsoft SQL Server ## What is Microsoft SQL Server? Database and analysis offering for rapidly delivering the next generation of scalable e-commerce & line-of-business solutions. ## What is Microsoft SQL Server used for? [Database](https://www.capterra.com/database-management-software/)[Business Intelligence](https://www.capterra.com/business-intelligence-software/) Recognitions Shortlist Top alternative Featured Overall rating Based on 1,981 user reviews Reviews sentiment Positive 97% Neutral 3% Negative 0% Pros & cons Comprehensive database management tools Consistent and dependable performance Expensive pricing structure Complex and costly licensing Starting price $13748 Flat Rate, One Time Free trial available Includes Free Version Capterra Shortlist charts the highest-rated and most popular products... - Database / 2025 Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings... Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings... Do you work for Microsoft SQL Server?[Manage this product listing](https://digitalmarkets.gartner.com/get-listed/claim-bx?url=https://www.microsoft.com/&name=Microsoft SQL Server) Rating Breakdown 4.6 +− Features4.6 Value for Money4.3 Ease of Use4.3 Customer Service4.3 Rating Breakdown 4.6 Features4.6 Value for Money4.3 Ease of Use4.3 Customer Service4.3 ## Microsoft SQL Server Reviewers Verdict Updated August 2026 AI summary - Microsoft SQL Server is a strong choice for IT teams, developers, and analysts needing reliable database management for business-critical applications. - Users most consistently value its stability, reliable query performance, and effective tools for managing large datasets. - It delivers consistent uptime and supports daily operations by simplifying data storage, access, and integration with other Microsoft products. - Buyers may need to accept some trade-offs around complex and costly licensing, as well as higher resource requirements for large-scale deployments. - It fits organizations seeking dependable relational data management, but may be less suitable for those with tight budgets or limited technical resources. ## Compare with a popular alternative Capterra selects software alternatives based on relevant features, verified user reviews and user interactions. Placement may be influenced by client status. ### Microsoft SQL Server 4.6 (1,981) VS. [4.6 (2,243)](https://www.capterra.com/p/146652/Airtable/reviews/) Starting Price $13748 Flat Rate, One Time Starting Price $20 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version Ease Of Use 4.3 (1,981) Ease Of Use 4.4 (2,098) Value For Money 4.3 (1,512) Value For Money 4.5 (1,466) Customer Service 4.3 (1,438) Customer Service 4.4 (1,333) ## Microsoft SQL Server alternatives [4.3 (331)](https://www.capterra.com/p/119119/Domo/reviews/) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 85% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [MySQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/11482/MySQL/) [4.6 (2,098)](https://www.capterra.com/p/11482/MySQL/reviews/) Starting price $2000.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 96% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/11482/MySQL/) Highest Rated [Google Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/268690/Google-Cloud-Platform/) [4.7 (2,325)](https://www.capterra.com/p/268690/Google-Cloud-Platform/reviews/) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 96% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/268690/Google-Cloud-Platform/) [MongoDB](https://www.capterra.com/p/127374/MongoDB/) [4.7 (473)](https://www.capterra.com/p/127374/MongoDB/reviews/) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 99% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/127374/MongoDB/) [View all alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/1417/SQL-Server/alternatives/) ## FAQs about Microsoft SQL Server Overview ### What problems does Microsoft SQL Server solve? Microsoft SQL Server solves slow, fragmented, and hard-to-manage data workflows by centralizing large relational databases, speeding complex queries, and simplifying backups, restores, permissions, and replication. DBAs, developers, BI teams, and IT operations benefit most when connecting ERP, CRM, reporting, mobile apps, and Microsoft tools without reliability or security gaps. Answer based on 1179 reviews Overview ### Which roles and teams benefit most from Microsoft SQL Server? Microsoft SQL Server is most used by software engineers, developers, and IT administrators who need reliable database management, application support, and secure system performance. Data analysts and business analysts use it for reporting, querying, and decision support, while managers, consultants, and executives rely on it to monitor operations and guide business planning. Answer based on 1946 reviews Overview ### What company size and industries is Microsoft SQL Server built for? Microsoft SQL Server is for companies of all sizes, with the strongest fit among small businesses at 47% and Computer Software at 25%. It also serves enterprises at 31% and midsize businesses at 22%, with frequent use in Information Technology and Services at 18% and Financial Services at 4%. Answer based on 1978 reviews Features and Usability ### What are the key features of Microsoft SQL Server? Microsoft SQL Server includes core relational database management for data storage, queries, and indexing, plus backup and recovery, replication, and access controls. Reviewers also highlight SQL Server Management Studio, SQL Profiler, Query Store, and high-availability options such as Always On, mirroring, and log shipping for administration and performance monitoring. Answer based on 922 reviews Integrations ### Which third-party tools and platforms does Microsoft SQL Server integrate with? Microsoft SQL Server integrates with MySQL, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power BI, Microsoft Azure, Tableau, Oracle Database, Microsoft SharePoint, and Microsoft Visual Studio. Reviewer feedback centers on analytics, reporting, and data exchange, with frequent use alongside Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Access for everyday reporting and database access. Answer based on 334 reviews Getting Started and Support ### How easy is it to onboard and train a team on Microsoft SQL Server? Microsoft SQL Server offers in-person training, webinars, documentation, and videos, which help teams get started. Reviewers say developers, analysts, and users with basic SQL knowledge onboard relatively quickly through the GUI and online resources. Beginners and nontechnical users usually need more practice, structured training, and admin guidance to handle setup, scripting, and advanced features. Answer based on 239 reviews Getting Started and Support ### What customer support options does Microsoft SQL Server offer, and how do users rate the experience? Microsoft SQL Server offers email/help desk, FAQ/forum, knowledge base, phone support, 24/7 live rep, and chat. Users often describe support resources and community guidance as easy to find and useful, with quick answers in many cases. Some report slower resolutions, inconsistent help on complex issues, and difficulty navigating official support. Answer based on 153 reviews Security ### How does Microsoft SQL Server handle data security and access control? Microsoft SQL Server uses encryption, including Transparent Data Encryption, column encryption, encrypted backups, and cryptographic techniques, plus granular permissions, built-in and user-defined roles, access control, auditing logs, Windows and Active Directory authentication, and options to disable remote query execution. Some reviewers say permissions and security configuration can be cumbersome or limited if misconfigured. Answer based on 193 reviews Data storage ### How well does Microsoft SQL Server handle data storage? Microsoft SQL Server handles large-scale data storage reliably for many business and enterprise workloads. Teams use it to manage relational databases, query data quickly, secure records, and connect ERP or reporting tools, though new users often face a learning curve and some workloads may need extra setup for real-time processing. Answer based on 673 reviews ## Who uses Microsoft SQL Server? Based on Capterra reviews from the past 3 years Talk to a software expert to get a free software list tailored to your business needs ## Pros and Cons Comprehensive database management tools 93% positive reviews out of 675 Most reviewers indicate database management is efficient, scalable, and user-friendly, supporting complex and large-scale projects. Lana D. Support, 1,001 - 5,000 employees. "it leads me easily organize and designed database and store in safe." Expensive pricing structure 73% negative reviews out of 233 Most reviewers feel pricing is high compared to alternatives, with costs often prohibitive for smaller organizations. Consistent and dependable performance 99% positive reviews out of 110 Most reviewers describe reliability and stability as crucial, citing minimal downtime, robust performance, and consistent operation. Complex and costly licensing 85% negative reviews out of 117 Most reviewers report license and licensing as confusing, expensive, and difficult for smaller businesses to manage. Kayla K. Sales engineer, 1,001 - 5,000 employees. "One downside of Microsoft SQL Server is its high licensing costs, which can be prohibitive for smaller businesses." Seamless Microsoft ecosystem integration 93% positive reviews out of 106 Most reviewers find integrations with Microsoft products and third-party tools simplify workflows and enhance productivity. Juan Antonio R. IT Consultant, 2 - 10 employees. "It was also able to perform data analysis and visualizations with ease, thanks to integration with other Microsoft products." High resource and memory usage 85% negative reviews out of 84 Most reviewers comment memory consumption is excessive, requiring significant hardware and causing system slowdowns. ## Features AI summary Based on 2,764 Database reviews Capterra reviewers highlight these as the features buyers value most when choosing a database: - **Secure Data Storage** (**55%** of reviewers rated this feature as critical) - **Data Storage Management** (**52%**) - **Backup and Recovery** (**55%**) Microsoft SQL Server includes **Data Storage Management** and **Backup and Recovery**, helping teams organize database resources efficiently and restore data when issues occur. However, it does not offer **Secure Data Storage**. Instead, it provides other features that reviewers also consider important, including **Search/Filter** (**45%**), **Data Connectors** (**45%**), and **Access Controls/Permissions** (**42%**). These features help businesses find information faster, connect data across systems, and manage user access, allowing teams to maintain control over database operations and support more reliable decision-making. Data Storage Management 4.6 (375) 66.93% of 375 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Microsoft SQL Server offers flexible and secure data storage, supporting large datasets, partitioning, and various data types. Users think it’s easy to manage, retrieve, and organize data, with helpful monitoring tools, though some mention a learning curve for non-developers. Backup and Recovery 4.6 (374) 70.05% of 374 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important It gives you reliable backup and recovery options, including scheduling, full and incremental backups, and integration with third-party tools. Reviewers appreciate the simplicity, flexibility, and business continuity, but note restoring between different versions can be problematic. Search/Filter 4.5 (109) 66.97% of 109 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Search and filter data across systems to locate required information by entering keywords or certain criteria Data Connectors 4.5 (163) 63.19% of 163 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Connect to big data sources Access Controls/Permissions 4.5 (188) 70.74% of 188 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important With this capability, you can assign granular permissions, manage user roles, and integrate with Active Directory for secure access. Reviewers appreciate the ease of restricting access, efficient user management, and robust security, though some find the interface complex. Performance Analysis 4.4 (264) 58.33% of 264 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important With this aspect, you get comprehensive tools for query optimization, monitoring, and troubleshooting. Reviewers indicate the built-in profilers, tuning advisors, and performance reports are valuable for fast data access, though some rely on third-party tools for deeper analysis. Microsoft SQL Server 31 features ### All Features - Access Controls/Permissions: With this capability, you can assign granular permissions, manage user roles, and integrate with Active Directory for secure access. Reviewers appreciate the ease of restricting access, efficient user management, and robust security, though some find the interface complex. - Ad hoc Query: One-off queries made on an as-needed basis - Ad hoc Reporting: Generate one-off reports that meet information requirements - API: Application programming interface that allows for integration with other systems/databases - Authentication: Verify the identity of users/devices to enable secure access - Backup and Recovery: It gives you reliable backup and recovery options, including scheduling, full and incremental backups, and integration with third-party tools. Reviewers appreciate the simplicity, flexibility, and business continuity, but note restoring between different versions can be problematic. - Benchmarking: Compare key metrics for the business against prominent players in the industry - Collaboration Tools: Provides a channel for team members to share AI models, media files, communicate, and work together - Dashboard: Assembly of graphs and charts for visualizing and tracking statistics/metrics - Data Connectors: Connect to big data sources - Data Dictionary Management: Stores definitions of the data elements and their relationships (metadata) and how they are retrieved for the user - Data Extraction: Automatically retrieve and pull information from documents, websites, images, data sets, and other sources - Data Import/Export: Import and export data to and from software applications - Data Mapping: Track the management and flow of data throughout the organization - Data Migration: You can migrate data easily between SQL Server versions, other platforms, and cloud environments using wizards, SSIS, and Azure Data Factory. Some reviewers find the process straightforward and secure, though large-scale migrations may require more expertise and time. - Data Replication: Process of copying and storing data in more than one site or node - Data Storage Management: Microsoft SQL Server offers flexible and secure data storage, supporting large datasets, partitioning, and various data types. Users think it’s easy to manage, retrieve, and organize data, with helpful monitoring tools, though some mention a learning curve for non-developers. - Data Synchronization: Synchronizing data between two or more devices/systems and automatically updating changes to maintain consistency - Data Transformation: Translate EDI formats into data suitable for use with company applications. - Data Visualization: Graphical representation of data - Full Text Search: Search for specific words or phrases within a document or database - Multiple Data Sources: Allows users to manage data from a number of sources - Performance Analysis: With this aspect, you get comprehensive tools for query optimization, monitoring, and troubleshooting. Reviewers indicate the built-in profilers, tuning advisors, and performance reports are valuable for fast data access, though some rely on third-party tools for deeper analysis. - Performance Metrics: A set of indicators that tracks the performance of networks, applications, systems, teams, etc. - Predictive Analytics: Predict future data based on historical data sets - Relational Database Management: Database management based on relationships between data - Reporting & Statistics: Collection, analysis, and representation of numerical data and generation of reports to understand various patterns - Reporting/Analytics: View and track pertinent metrics to find patterns and gain insights from data - Search/Filter: Search and filter data across systems to locate required information by entering keywords or certain criteria - Self Service Data Preparation: Access, combine, transform, and store data without the help of an IT department - Visual Analytics: Interact with data visualization elements, such as charts and graphs, to drill down into data --- Get Advice We can help you find the software with the features you need. Features 4.6 (1,981) 4.6 Based on 1,981 reviews ## Pricing Value for money 4.3 (1512) Free Trial Free Version [View pricing plan details](https://www.capterra.com/p/1417/SQL-Server/pricing/) Enterprise $13,748 Flat Rate,One Time Standard - Per Core $3,586 Flat Rate,One Time Standard - Server $899.00 Other,One Time Standard - CAL $209.00 Other,One Time Value for money 4.3 (1,512) 4.3 Based on 1,512 reviews ## Integrations [ Microsoft Excel](https://www.capterra.com/p/176574/Excel/)[ Microsoft Visual Studio](https://www.capterra.com/p/80230/microsoft-visual-studio/)[ MySQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/11482/MySQL/)[ Microsoft Azure](https://www.capterra.com/p/16365/Azure/)[ Microsoft Power BI](https://www.capterra.com/p/176586/Power-BI/) Connect with a Capterra advisor for a free 15-minute consultation Get a personalized software list aligned to your business needs with guidance from our expert advisors. Our team has helped 1 million+ businesses like yours find options that fit their needs. ## Support, customer service and training options Customer Service 4.3 (1438) Support - Email/Help Desk - FAQs/Forum - Knowledge Base - Phone Support - 24/7 (Live rep) - Chat Training - In Person - Live Online - Webinars - Documentation - Videos Deployment - Web - Android - iPhone/iPad Typical users - Freelancers - Small businesses - Mid size businesses - Enterprises Customer Service 4.3 (1,438) 4.3 Based on 1,438 reviews ## User reviews Overall rating 4.6 Based on 1,981 reviews Filter by rating 5(1260) 4(662) 3(55) 2(3) 1(1) Mentioned topic Sorted by most recent Jose Ramon M. RESPONSABLE S.A.T. Information Technology and Services ### "SQL de Microsoft" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 3.0 3.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 August 10, 2026 En general es un software que te aporta rendimiento y seguridad y con el software de administración Management Studio, puedes realizar todo tipo de operaciones de mantenimiento. Pros Es un gestor de base de datos muy potente e imprescindible en proyectos con tecnología .Net. Si utilizas el ecosistema de Microsoft no encontrarás una herramienta mejor. Cons Si utilizas la versión Express y el proyecto requiere de rendimiento, tendrás que invertir y comprar la versión de pago. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. PP Piyusha P. Customer service operator Hospital & Health Care ### "Reliable and Powerful Database Management System" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 August 4, 2026 My overall experience with Microsoft SQL Server has been very positive. It provides excellent performance, reliable data management, and a comprehensive set of features for developing and maintaining databases. The platform is stable, easy to use for day-to-day tasks, and offers strong security and backup options. While the licensing costs may be a consideration, the overall functionality, scalability, and reliability make it a great choice for businesses of all sizes. Pros Microsoft SQL Server is reliable, secure, and easy to manage for both small and enterprise-level databases. It offers powerful data management features, excellent performance, and strong integration with Microsoft tools like Power BI and Azure. The backup, restore, export, and reporting capabilities are robust, and SQL Server Management Studio makes database administration straightforward. Cons Licensing costs can be expensive, especially for enterprise editions. Some advanced features have a learning curve, and performance tuning for large databases may require experienced database administrators. Occasional updates can also require maintenance downtime. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. TY Tom Y. Developer and administrator Newspapers ### "Developer and Administrator" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 July 25, 2026 Easy to use, can handle more and more data with each newer version, and cloud use of Microsoft SQL server in Azure. Pros I like the most about Microsoft SQL server always on and SSIS feature, one for cluster and one for Data ETL. Cons I think for Microsoft SQL server's scalability, it can be Improved for the scalability of SQL Server to handle larger data volumes and more complex workloads. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. DR Dave R. Manager Mechanical or Industrial Engineering ### "Powerful Database Platform for Business-Critical Applications" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 July 14, 2026 Our experience with Microsoft SQL Server has been very positive. It serves as a dependable database platform supporting business applications, integrations, and operational data across our environment. The platform has consistently delivered strong performance, reliability, and security while providing the scalability needed to support future growth. From an IT administration perspective, SQL Server has been an important part of maintaining stable business operations and supporting critical enterprise systems. Pros Microsoft SQL Server provides a stable, secure, and high-performance database platform for business-critical applications. It offers excellent reliability, strong security features, robust backup and recovery capabilities, and integrates well with other Microsoft products. From an IT perspective, it provides dependable performance while simplifying database administration and long-term maintenance. Cons Licensing costs can become significant as environments grow, and some advanced administration, performance tuning, and high-availability features require specialized database expertise. Smaller organizations may also find the licensing and edition options somewhat complex. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. BS Ben S. Infrastructure Architect Information Technology and Services ### "Microsoft SQL Server is the databse of choice for no-nonsense, fast, and easy to use SQL enviroments." 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 April 28, 2026 I could not say enough good things about Microsoft SQL Server “MSSQL”. It does everything we need and more. Pros Microsoft SQL Server “MSSQL” has been the most stable and capable database I have ever user. In over 30 years I have never had, seen, or even heard of a MSSQL database corruption. The application is easy to use, fast, consistent, and integrates into everything with no problems. Cons The costs for Microsoft SQL Server “MSSQL” can get extreme, but especially when working within K-12 the discounts make it basically free to use. Switched from [MySQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/11482/MySQL/) MySQL could not handle to back up and restores that were required in a production enviroment. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. DS Daniel S. Director of Research and Development Health, Wellness and Fitness ### "Reliable over time" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 1.0 1.0 Likelihood to Recommend 8/10 April 23, 2026 Overall, I really like Microsoft SQL Server because it's grown on me over the years of using it. Our company has learned to rely on it. Pros We use Microsoft SQL Server (via Azure) for our database operations. It's excellent and reliable. My favorite flow is using migrations to do database updates. I've also really gotten used to the syntax compared to postgres. Cons I don't like how difficult it can be to update certain roles for specific ip addresses. Feels like the tools could be a little more helpful. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. LD Leo D. Embedded software test engineer Import and Export ### "The Database That Keeps You on Your Toes" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 April 9, 2026 Using Microsoft SQL Server is like taming a dragon: infuriating at times, baffling at others, but oddly satisfying when it finally behaves. Powerful, feature-packed, and occasionally a proper headache. Pros What I liked most? The sense of accomplishment when a query actually runs without error. Nothing beats that sweet, sweet feeling of victory after wrestling SQL Server into submission. Cons nstallation feels like prepping for a NASA launch. Typos in SQL = database rage. Random performance swings: cheetah one day, sloth the next. Feature overload can confuse even seasoned DBAs. Cloud integrations are temperamental, like a cat during bath time. Documentation exists… mostly to make you cry. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. TB Tyler B. Tier Two Technician Computer & Network Security ### "SQL - The backbone of database management" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 March 27, 2026 My experience and work with SQL server is primarily administration and support. However, scheduled SQL backups are also very important and are easily managed. Pros SQL is basically the backbone if you want to run any proper databases and host it across several platforms. It integrates quite seamlessly with cloud applications, can be easy to use and features many use cases across multiple fields Cons Schooling and training are definitely required in order to properly manage and administer SQL Serve and advanced databases. But it is an extremely powerful and necessary tool for self hosted platforms and databases Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. AN Anonymous User Product owner Information Technology and Services ### "A Robust Platform for Business-Critical Data" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 February 28, 2026 Overall, it's reliable, powerful, and enterprise-focused,great BI ecosystem strong query capabilitie Pros stable enterprise environment ,Perfect for systems like finance, insurance, and reporting databases. Cons Enterprise edition can be expensive because of licensing, software assurance ,high ability features. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. AN Anonymous User Software Developer Health, Wellness and Fitness ### "Overall good experience" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 7/10 February 14, 2026 Overall good product with only minor cons of time required to learn for beginners and and some improvements to UI would be good. Pros Great choice for relational database management system. My first choice when learning database management server deployment. Cons Only minor cons such as learning curve for new to SQL Server Databases. May require significant time investment. User interface could use a little bit of improvment. Alternatives considered [MongoDB](https://www.capterra.com/p/127374/MongoDB/) Reasons for choosing Microsoft SQL Server No reason other than experiencing and learning a different database server system. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. [View all Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/1417/SQL-Server/reviews/) ## Top-rated software of 2026 ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox. 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