# Microsoft SQL Server Pricing 2026 | Capterra > Learn more about Microsoft SQL Server pricing plans including starting price, free versions and trials. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/1417/SQL-Server/pricing --- # Pricing for Microsoft SQL Server [4.6 (1977)](https://www.capterra.com/p/1417/SQL-Server/reviews/) Write a Review! ## [Microsoft SQL Server](https://www.capterra.com/p/1417/SQL-Server/) has **4** pricing plans - Yes, has free trial - Yes, has free version **Credit Card Required:** Not provided by vendor **Discount:** Information not available ### Enterprise $13748 **Pricing Model:** Flat Rate **Payment Frequency:** One Time Enterprise plan includes: Not available ### Standard - Per Core $3586 **Pricing Model:** Flat Rate **Payment Frequency:** One Time Standard - Per Core plan includes: Not available ### Standard - Server $899 **Pricing Model:** Other **Payment Frequency:** One Time Standard - Server plan includes: Not available ### Standard - CAL $209 **Pricing Model:** Other **Payment Frequency:** One Time Standard - CAL plan includes: Not available ## Popular alternatives to [Microsoft SQL Server](https://www.capterra.com/p/1417/SQL-Server/) Looking to learn more about Database software similar to Microsoft SQL Server? 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Pricing Rating $ $ $ $ $ Value For Money[4.3(1977)](https://www.capterra.com/p/1417/SQL-Server/reviews/) Pros Cons [Read All 1977 Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/1417/SQL-Server/reviews/) Read Full Reviews Below Leo D. Embedded software test engineer Import and Export, 501-1,000 employees Used the software for: 2+ years ** Overall Rating 5.0 ** Ease of Use 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 Features 5.0 Value for Money 3.0 Likelihood to Recommend 90% 9/10 Reviewer Source Source: Capterra April 9, 2026 "The Database That Keeps You on Your Toes" **Overall:** 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. Adashia F. Owner Health, Wellness and Fitness, Self-employed Used the software for: I used a free trial ** Overall Rating 5.0 ** Ease of Use 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 Features 5.0 Value for Money 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 100% 10/10 Reviewer Source Source: Capterra February 2, 2026 "This server does what it needs to do. Muti-factor Authentication can be a pain though." **Overall:** This server does what it needs to do. Muti-factor Authentication can be a pain, though. Once you get past that, this is a decent tool to use. **Pros:** VALUE FOR MONEY - great CUSTOMER SUPPORT EASE OF USE - decent DATABASE MANAGEMENT - great DATA MANAGEMENT - great PERFORMANCE AND SPEED - decent LICENSE AND LICENSING **Cons:** The Multi-factor Authentication on all Microsoft products can really be a pain more than a help. I would use Microsoft products more if that was not an issue. [Read All 1977 Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/1417/SQL-Server/reviews/) ## How should I be thinking about software pricing? [ Be an Informed Buyer: Understanding the True Cost of Business Software It's not just you-budgeting for business software is complicated. We're here to break it down. ](https://www.capterra.com/resources/business-software-cost/)