# Microsoft SQL Server Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is Microsoft SQL Server the right Database solution for you? Explore 1977 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/1417/SQL-Server/reviews --- Microsoft SQL Server 4.6 (1977) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/1417/SQL-Server/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 25th, 2026 # Reviews of Microsoft SQL Server Ease of use 4.3 Customer Service 4.3 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews SB Sachita B StudentInformation Technology and Services, Self-employedUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “Microsoft SQL Server is one of the most user-friendly database tools, it is used to run queries manage tables , see execution plans.“ November 20, 2025 AF Adashia F OwnerHealth, Wellness and Fitness, Self-employedUsed the software for: I used a free trial. “The Multi-factor Authentication on all Microsoft products can really be a pain more than a help.“ February 2, 2026 KK Kayla K Sales engineerAutomotive, 1,001 - 5,000 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “Its user-friendly management tools, strong security features, and powerful analytics capabilities make it a reliable choice for handling complex data workloads.“ March 13, 2025 LD Leo D Embedded software test engineerImport and Export, 501 - 1,000 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Feature overload can confuse even seasoned DBAs.“ April 9, 2026 TB Tyler B Tier Two TechnicianComputer & Network Security, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “It integrates quite seamlessly with cloud applications, can be easy to use and features many use cases across multiple fields“ March 27, 2026 Suraj D Senior AI engineerComputer Software, 1,001 - 5,000 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “It is a bit slow to handle billions of rows.“ January 29, 2026 DS Daniel S Director of Research and DevelopmentHealth, Wellness and Fitness, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “My favorite flow is using migrations to do database updates.“ April 23, 2026 KK Kayla K Sales engineerAutomotive, 1,001 - 5,000 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “One downside of Microsoft SQL Server is its high licensing costs, which can be prohibitive for smaller businesses.“ March 13, 2025 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 1977 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Suraj D. Senior AI engineer Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best database tool in the market" January 29, 2026 5.0 Very positive. Given little bit of changes it is the best tool I used for the databases. It is a very reliable system. Pros Microsoft SQl server is widely used too and it makes the support and maintenance better. Also handling queries and maintaining data is easier in the Microsoft SQL server. Cons It is a bit slow to handle billions of rows. Also it is not evolved into the vector databases. The UI could be improved. Review Source BS Ben S. Infrastructure Architect Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microsoft SQL Server is the databse of choice for no-nonsense, fast, and easy to use SQL enviroments." April 28, 2026 5.0 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 SB SREEREKHA B. Lead Developer Computer Software Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Ease of using Microsoft Sql Server" May 3, 2025 3.0 Good to use to develop databases, triggers, database plans, schenas Pros Convenient to develop a database using sql server Cons Integrates with mostly microsoft softwares and tools only Review Source PG Patric G. CIO Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Several decades with Microsoft SQL Server" July 3, 2025 4.0 I use SQL Server for a long time and the capabilities (compared to Oracle) have been massively expanded during this time. I implement many business processes directly in stored procedures/functions with T-SQL or as CLR functions with C#. I also usually prepare the results of queries within the stored procedures. In doing so, I often pass a string to the procedure that contains a complex structure, which I then break down within the procedure to control the desired outcome. I know this is a dirty way of doing, but for me it works and it is fast! Pros The licensing costs are much lower than with Oracle, even though the Oracle database is a bit better in terms of performance. Furthermore, the licensing of the individual Oracle features is a science in itself. Also the rarely used option to run C# code in the database core is also important to me. Cons The installation on linux/unix systems is not so good described (in my opinion). Also i miss a mobile Version (like SQLLite) and i think LocalDB is not an option. Alternatives considered [PostgreSQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/48791/PostgreSQL/)[MySQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/11482/MySQL/) Reason for choosing Microsoft SQL Server Possibility to use SQL CLR and C# code inside the db-kernel and the language add ons of t-sql. Switched from [Oracle Database](https://www.capterra.com/p/5938/Oracle-Database/) The feature of sql server was simliar to the oracle features but less hard to install and much cheaper. Review Source DS David S. VP of Technology Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Tried and true SQL Server that works well with other Microsoft apps." December 4, 2025 5.0 Used MS SQL Server with our Aptean Made 2 Manage ERP system as it is part of the software's requirements. A third party contractor assisting us with the ERP installation also assisted with the SQL setup. However, we have managed the SQL server internally for over 15 years. Have even migrated from older versions to newer versions without a hiccup. Pros Ease of use with current ERP system (Aptean Made 2 Manage V. 7.51). Works well with MS Report Builder and Power Query within Excel. Cons There is a steep learning curve for non-SQL and non-database users. It's a skillset that is not standard, but necessary for any database management. Alternatives considered [MySQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/11482/MySQL/)[Google Cloud SQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/246666/Cloud-SQL/) Reason for choosing Microsoft SQL Server Ease of use across Microsoft Apps environment. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Software Developer Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Overall good experience" February 14, 2026 4.0 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/) Reason for choosing Microsoft SQL Server No reason other than experiencing and learning a different database server system. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer CEO - IT Consultant Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The Power of SQL on Microsoft" May 29, 2025 4.0 I have used Microsoft SQL along side other SQL database systems for many years and have used it as the data engine behind many software, websites and apps. Pros Microsoft SQL Server is a strong database software and engine well designed and built to operate well with other Microsoft products. Cons Microsoft SQL has a little bit of a learning curve and takes some effort to install and maintain. It is not as easy to use and manage as other SQL database systems available in the market. Alternatives considered [MySQL Data Access Components](https://www.capterra.com/p/250785/MySQL-Data-Access-Components/)[MongoDB](https://www.capterra.com/p/127374/MongoDB/)[MySQL Auto Backup](https://www.capterra.com/p/32412/MySQL-Auto-Backup/)[Oracle Database](https://www.capterra.com/p/5938/Oracle-Database/)[MySQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/11482/MySQL/) Reason for choosing Microsoft SQL Server Microsoft SQL integrates well within the Microsoft environment and it is reliable and capable of managing the data storage any data requirements that my operations may need. Review Source TM Terry M. Senior Analyst Mining & Metals Used the software for: 2+ years ### "basic but powerful" May 8, 2025 4.0 Pros easy for maintenance, standardized sql database with dedicated area for logging, most straight forward database Cons lack some sort of advanced sql commands other databases support such as upsert which is crucial for daily data management Alternatives considered [Amazon S3](https://www.capterra.com/p/174285/Amazon-S3/)[Microsoft Azure](https://www.capterra.com/p/16365/Azure/) Reason for choosing Microsoft SQL Server cost is significantly lower, we did not have huge data capacity requirement Review Source dP diego P. ict manager Consumer Goods Used the software for: 2+ years ### "fast and simply sql management" March 25, 2025 5.0 Pros we like the flexibility of the product, i like the querys module, it is simple to understand the management, the user and role Cons it is not easy to setup, we've done it with some expert Alternatives considered [MongoDB](https://www.capterra.com/p/127374/MongoDB/) Reason for choosing Microsoft SQL Server the integration with another product needs microsoft sql server Review Source LD Leo D. Embedded software test engineer Import and Export Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The Database That Keeps You on Your Toes" April 9, 2026 5.0 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 AN Adam N. Director of IT Business Supplies and Equipment Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The gold standard in relational database engines for many years" November 12, 2024 5.0 Great relational database engine that we've used for years, pairs very well with .NET development and Microsoft shop. Pros Great Free Administration Tools Super Reliable Cons Very Expensive, especially compared to open source alternatives Likes to install Cumulative Updates and take down databases at random times Alternatives considered [PostgreSQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/48791/PostgreSQL/)[MySQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/11482/MySQL/) Reason for choosing Microsoft SQL Server Support for Microsoft shop / development, and only DB supported by our ERP system now. Review Source FR Fiach R. Director Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The best Database to use with Windows-Native applications" December 30, 2023 5.0 I've used SQL server since version 7, which is more than 20 years ago, and still use it every day (Although, not version 7!) Pros If you are using C# / .NET on a Windows server, then Microsoft SQL server is the natural choice. The free edition is fine to get started, and once you out grow it, you can afford the license fee (hopefully!) Cons It's very expensive, given that there are free alternatives like MySQL. CSV importing is a pain, when it doesn't need to be. Alternatives considered [MySQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/11482/MySQL/) Reason for choosing Microsoft SQL Server Using a Windows Environment, it seemed more natural at the time. Switched from [Microsoft Access](https://www.capterra.com/p/233275/Microsoft-Access/) SQL server is much better, it is more scaleable. Review Source Gajanan S. Consultant specialist Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Fact, efficient and scalable relation database system" July 11, 2021 5.0 Its been around 10 Yrs I am using Microsoft SQL server is for development and I would be recommending to all business consumers to use this database and save the cost. Pros Simple and easy interface for developers. for end-use it supports all dashboarding tools. For the business users, low cost compared to other DBs. Security standards are implemented. Cons Some of the advanced functions should be added in SQL servers like for hieratical data connect by clause. packages. Alternatives considered [MySQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/11482/MySQL/) Reason for choosing Microsoft SQL Server It's very user-friendly and easy and efficient. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer software developer Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "MS SQL Server Review" January 15, 2023 5.0 I love it, it is my first personal preference. And I love teaching others using Microsoft SQL server because it's easily understood. Pros It is easy to use for data transfer and data retrieval.It enables you to create stored procedures and views.There is security for data storage, backup, and restoring your databases. Cons When there's a large amount of data in the database it tends to slow down the speed of fetching data Switched from [MySQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/11482/MySQL/) , simply because it cannot support huge database sizes and Transactions are not handled efficiently. Review Source LM Lachlan M. IT Manager Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Microsoft SQL Server was solid power under our data" May 7, 2025 5.0 Microsoft SQL Server handles large data fast and is stable for all kind of queries. Pros It’s flexible with many management tools for this price that other database platforms don’t include Cons Performance is solid but the licence rules could be more clear, with better examples to guide purchase. Review Source AF Adashia F. Owner Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: I used a free trial ### "This server does what it needs to do. Muti-factor Authentication can be a pain though." February 2, 2026 5.0 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. Review Source EG Erika G. Data Analyst Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Microsoft SQL Server" January 26, 2025 4.0 Pros It offers powerful performance and scalability, making it a solid choice for managing large databases Cons The licensing costs can be high, especially for smaller businesses Review Source AO Abiola O. Data analyst Insurance Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Simplification of work" December 6, 2024 5.0 Awesome, makes my life and work very easy Pros In my role as a data analyst, it helped me analyse huge data sets easily Cons Can be cumbersome to use until one becomes familiar Review Source TW Tanner W. Integrity Engineer Oil & Energy Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Queries Made Easy" September 21, 2024 5.0 Overall this product is very easy to use Pros Very easy to connect to databases and write queries Cons There wasn’t anything about the program that I didn’t like. Review Source SR Samuel R. Business Analyst Mechanical or Industrial Engineering Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Microsoft SQL Review" August 9, 2024 4.0 Generally good, little complaints but it isn't a market leader either. Pros It was a simple and effective tool to ETL data from ERP sources and analyse data outside the system. Cons Slightly aged looked, appears to be a bit old and could do with a refresh. Review Source Liam B. IT MANAGER Transportation/Trucking/Railroad Used the software for: 2+ years ### "SQL -Industry leading Data Storage" September 13, 2023 5.0 the overall experience has been positive. with 100% uptime. Pros My favourite feature of SQL is how it seamlessly integrates with all windows environments to make developing for it super easy! Cons the cost is very high if you have allot of users rolled out and using the software. Review Source GB Griffin B. Senior Strategic Planning Analyst Hospitality Used the software for: 2+ years ### "SQL Server is the backbone of my life!" February 4, 2019 5.0 Overall, my experience with SQL Server is amazing! I am able to store all of our Las Vegas luxury casino data (gaming, hotel, food & beverage, entertainment, etc.) and query that for information that we then turn into automated or ad-hoc reports. These then go to the operators of the business as well as the executives who analyze the reports and make better decisions daily, weekly, and monthly. The goal is simple: just become better over time...better than you were last year, last month, last week. And SQL Server is the vehicle to empower your organization to find those valuable insights hiding in plain sight to do just that! Pros I absolutely LOVE SQL Server. It is my favorite software to use because the possibilities for query-writing are endless. I would say this is the most reliable and flexible of all the database software I have ever used. SQL Server allows you to write in T-SQL (T = transact, SQL = structured query language), which means that you can create variables, use temp tables, and write code in a procedural format that runs akin to a module in other programming languages. We use SQL Server 2008 at work, though I am really loving the new features in the latest version (as of today) SQL Server 2016. Overall, SQL Server is a platform for creating table schema, storing information, and then writing scripts (queries) to manipulate that data--to find insights that are useful to making better business decisions. The interface is easy to understand, the error-checking is strong (and actually tells you what is wrong). It doesn't hold your hand like other simplified coding languages, but it becomes very reliable and easy to use once you obtain a solid foundation in relational database theory and SQL language. Cons Hmm...if I had to speak ill of SQL Server...I would probably say that it is a bit tricky to get up to speed quickly with. There's a lot to it, so to speak, so it's taken me the better part of five years working in the data analytics industry to finally say that I feel I am completely proficient in utilizing the software to its full potential. Topics such as query optimization remain my areas of biggest weakness. I can write a query to pull any kind of desired information; however, the art lies in being able to pull it quickly and with reasonable efficiency. If your query takes more than 15 minutes (or even hours!) to run, it's probably not written correctly and likely poses a major threat to the server you are connecting to (and tying up!) in the process. I would like more information in the software (GUIs, warnings, etc.) regarding poorly-written queries from an execution standpoint. Review Source SB Shawn B. Financial Systems Data Analyst Legal Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "SQL Server a Building Block of Tech Stack" December 10, 2021 5.0 Good overall experience. We're addressing the need to store, transform, and retrieve data. Information has become the backbone of many technological and business operations, and almost everything I work on goes through a SQL database to accomplish the job. It's one tier of applications that is used almost everywhere. SQL Server allows us to query data for reporting to end users, and also provides options to move and transform the data to different environments. Pros At our firm, we have a completely Microsoft tech stack; from servers, databases, middleware, peripheral applications, etc. When using all Microsoft products, it is extremely easy to connect and integrate between applications, servers, and databases. I am less sure about integrating with other providers (such as oracle), but I know its possible with a little more effort. Maintenance, backups, restores, disaster recovery plans all seem routine now. The product is very familiar and there is ample documentation and general SQL training. Get a good DBA and your servers will stay healthy as well; certain system settings are important, and monitoring those and adjusting for your business is prudent. SSMS is an easy IDE to use and perform any function. You can use SQL to automate many tasks, and I really like the SQL jobs. SSIS lets me automate so much, even to and from external vendors, using SFTP or some other mechanism. It extends SQL Server to use any script or basic Windows command. Cons When you run into an issue, it can be hard to resolve. An example would be when Microsoft data connectors aren't working. Understanding and getting the right supporting software installed is important; like OLE DB and ODBC connectors. Another difficulty can be performance. As data sets get larger, this is more important. While there are enough tools to investigate and troubleshoot, sometimes it's just a big effort to try to query tune, index, or adjust server settings to get the results in performance that you want. Queries seem to only get more complex, and data sets larger. I am pretty sure other databases will perform better with Big Data. Review Source AK Apurva K. Software Engineer Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microsoft SQL Server is one of the easiest and convenient SQL server to use for a beginner" April 20, 2023 5.0 Database management in an IT organization that deals with customer data is not an issue to be resolved, it is a necessity. Pros Microsoft SQL server is very efficient to use, as a developer with limited database management knowledge, I found it very helpful to get the prompts for the completion of commands, correction of syntax, and search/filter other tables for similar commands. I absolutely love using Microsoft SQL Server for database management. Cons Everything I noticed is great about Microsoft SQL Server, since I havent worked much upon other database applications, I found it very quick to learn and implement. No dislikes for me. Review Source JA Jerry A. System Administrator Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Ridiculously powerful and full of features we do not make use of. We love it, and cannot do without." July 2, 2018 4.0 This software practically runs our facility. Without it, we couldn't keep track of our animals or our people (staff, members, donors). To us, this software is well worth the costs involved. Pros SQL Server is just so incredibly powerful, most users probably do not know how much it can do, or how much it can handle. In our type of organization, we deal with people and animals. We rely on donors and members for funding, we track everything about our animals from health issues, to medications, to physical exercise. Every one of our systems relies on, as the backbone, SQL Server. This software is powerful, versatile, and reliable. With pretty much every department of ours needing some type of database, standardizing to SQL Server was just the best move. It can handle it all. It can track it all. And it can report on it all for us. To date, we use it for: our Accounting software, our donor tracking, our membership tracking, our animal tracking (includes tracking from what zoo or aquarium animals came, their medical history, their exercise history, their diet, their location in our facility, their trainers, their behavioral issues/environmental factors), our vet's digital imaging systems, our guest services scheduling, our security systems (surveillance, door locks), our water quality and hvac sysytems logging and controls, our point of sale system (for admissions and food court and ecommerce), and our facility management software (maintenance and IT requests). This system does indeed handle everything we need it to. Cons You need a lot of training to make the most of it. Or it could cost you a lot if you have to pay a developer to help you get the most out of your systems. Luckily a couple of us are really into databases, and we both have a lot of experience with SQL, we can do most things in-house. But still the amount of training we go through to keep current, or to keep learning is probably the biggest "problem" with this software. Most software packages, you can buy, setup, receive a few hours or a few days of training, and you'll be good to go. With SQL, if you intend to use it, to get the most of out it, you will need more extensive training, or to hire people to put in the work. It's not cheap. But it can help you accomplish so much if you put in the time. Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Send me user reviews about this product ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.