# Page 9 | Microsoft SQL Server Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Page 9 - 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 # Page 9 - Reviews of Microsoft SQL Server ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 201-225 of 1977 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use JH Josh H. Senior Support Engineer Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "SQL management is overly complex, but perhaps rightly so…" January 15, 2023 3.0 Our customers are able to push their Sage 200 data to various third-parties and have greatly expanded on their opportunities to increase income. SQL essentially offers endless possibilities as it’s widely supported by many other tools and devices. Pros Our customers who use SQL in conjunction with Sage 200 and Sage BI have achieved great results with regards to both end-user experience and data analytics. The way in which SQL handles their data, means they’re able to tie the databases in with various external web services and expand on their business usage case. Cons The user interface is extremely complicated to use if you’re not a SQL Server expert, but perhaps that is unavoidable due to the shear volume of features and settings available. It would be nice if certain areas of the GUI were simplified, especially when dealing with Active Directory access control lists and permissions. Review Source Sunita K. Project Lead Development Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "My views on Microsoft Sql server" November 15, 2018 5.0 In our organization,, we are using widely this tool to create new database objects like table, stored procedure, function in our existing application. SQL server's profiler, database tuning functionality a reporting services etc. helped a lot in daily development work. By creating master key in database used decrypt and encrypt feature on required tables and maintained confidentiality. Greatly helped in performance monitoring. I'll say its a great database storage engine. Pros SQL server support numerous data type on a database table column name. SQL Sever's profiler is a great tool to find out running query on sql instance. SSMS and SSIS reporting services functionality are easy to generate the data report. Database tuning is great feature to improve the performance of db as this provides good suggestion during this activity. Its linked server functionality is great to retrieve data from remote server. Cons Sql server constrained to a single cpu. There is a limit on stored procedure's parameter but this is still sufficient number 2100. Review Source PP Paolo P. Software Engineer Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The quintessential database server" May 25, 2022 5.0 From the administrative point of view, database management is certainly more efficient than in the past, I must say that in some cases we have been able to solve particular data extractions that without the use of the T-SQL language we would not have been able. Pros Microsoft has always tried over the years to improve its flagship product, achieving good stability and robustness. For administrators, the management interface is particularly useful and easy to use. SQL Server has allowed us to manage several databases at the same time from our applications without problems giving the possibility to colleagues to have, for example, always updated sales data. Cons Unfortunately I must also report the defects and in this case in my opinion the interface for administrators has become too slow in terms of starting in the latest versions. Sometimes product updates do not install correctly, even if this rarely happens it can create a general disservice almost always in time of need. Alternatives considered [PostgreSQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/48791/PostgreSQL/) Reason for choosing Microsoft SQL Server Because when it comes to Microsoft products, it's inevitable not to rate them Review Source DK David K. Systems Analyst / Software Developer Medical Devices Used the software for: 2+ years ### "SQL Server - Powerful but can get you into trouble if script isn't tested outside Production" April 20, 2021 4.0 Unfortunately, I had no formal SQL Server training, I had to learn most on my own and from a couple of great mentors who had used it for years. My two main uses were first to pull out just a few rows of specific data for viewing with the great (and logical) filtering. I received quite a few requests to pull data that management needed; but the user interface of an application either didn't allow it or would have taken way too long. The second use was for correcting one or two rows of data that needed to change but for a several reasons could not be done by the user interface. I had several scripts saved for common use as it was needed over and over again and became the hero by making changes that were needed quickly. Pros After the learning curve, I found the mass data update very helpful. I also loved the ability to find specific data (the needle) in a haystack of huge files by making simple filters as needed. Cons It is really easy to shoot yourself in the foot by the power of what you can update if you have the script wrong. We once had a young contractor that apparently had more confidence than SQL skills. He ran a simple script in Production without testing in non-Production environment or asking anyone else to look at it. He ended up deleting about 30 million rows of data in a huge file in addition to the 30 rows that were actually targeted. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer VLSI TEST ENGINEER Semiconductors Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microsoft Sql Server" August 6, 2018 5.0 as per my usage , i can say that it provide unfriendly UI which helps a lot and make work easier to maintain databases Pros it has a great and enriched user friendly UI that makes most of the task to be done easily like backup ,restoration, script out the jobs , procedure ,tables, views etc .we can easily track out which sql query is running at backend through the inbuilt Profiler Tool , through profiler we can also manage the performance and query optimizer .we can track the dependencies of the tables , procedure easily through dependency option .we can also automated some sql query with the help of Job setup . moreover , a separate widow service sql job agent is provided to start/stop jobs.it has different level of security setup and it is very easy to maintain Cons it takes most of the memory and CPU utilisation when in use. we manually need to enable the schedule of the jobs when we create the job from the script despite job is enabled Review Source César José R. Software Developer Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Using SQL SERVER, the sky is the limit." November 7, 2021 5.0 Overall, the experience with the product is good. SQL Server has the necessary tools for optimal database management, thus allowing it to be implemented in any kind of project Pros SQL Server has the appropriate and necessary tools to manage our databases. The support of Microsoft has it as a very well developed and efficient database manager for querying and extracting data from it. Thanks to the Transact-Sql language, extracting data from the databases you host is not complicated Cons Perhaps the biggest complication that may exist is the need for SQLServer to be run on a computer with good processor characteristics, RAM memory, among others. When it is configured for the first time, it needs to be done in a specific way, otherwise we will have to reinstall everything again if we make a mistake. Alternatives considered [MySQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/11482/MySQL/) Reason for choosing Microsoft SQL Server SQL Server can work well in large-scale projects. Review Source Nazlin M. Head of ERP Retail Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Leading Database software with secrured and speedy" January 27, 2021 5.0 My ever first choice for Database is Microsoft SQL Server. I have been using this since 2001. My first experience is with the SQL 2000 Desktop version and from then onwards I have been using almost all the versions. I'm very satisfied with its features. Pros Even though I'm not a developer, I can create many reports using SQL Querry. Since my company's ERP does not have some reports inbuilt that management needs, I take the challenge to get the reports by using SQL Querry and my management is very happy with it. My company's SQL Database has gone up to 400GB now, but I could not see any issue on it, which means SQL Server can be run to small or big data without any issue. Cons Database corruption is the only issue I faced with the SQL server, but I know the tool for repairing the Database is working and can make it live quickly if the issue occurs. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Senior Data Architect Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Enterprise software, probably the go to if the company commits to it" November 14, 2018 4.0 Like many who use SQL Server, it's because it's 'what the company uses', and I don't have a lot of experience with other enterprise level databases, but with the support and attention it gets, it's stable and don't have to worry about it not being able to handle anything we throw at it. With that said, it does take attention to make sure things are written so it's parsers can interpret things correctly. Very small differences in filters and joins mean the difference between using an index and ignoring it, which can be the difference in milliseconds and minutes for some queries. Have used MySQL at similar levels of use and that was capable too, but was seen as less 'enterprise' worthy, and maybe missing some features of MSSQL which must have been worth the additional investment from higher up. I would say the toolsets are significantly better, as well as demanding more support, so I've basically benefitted from the upgrade. Pros Widely used, google search will almost always come up with high quality results Stable, trusted Cons Infrastructure required, installing tools is a little clunky at times lots of overhead Review Source VR Verified Reviewer IT Manager Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microsoft SQL Server - An industry standard database system for a variety of applications" April 10, 2018 5.0 It supports other apps such as Backup Exec, SharePoint, and our own in-house database driven CRM. Pros Microsoft's SQL Server database engine is a standard for SQL applications. Users can write their own apps around it, but it is often used to support other off the shelf software where a database is required. It is also the backbone of Microsoft's SharePoint and Reporting Services, yet is used by countless other apps such is its appeal. Queries against data can be made directly inside the database app itself, as well as with countless client apps including many free ones. Permissions access to objects can be local or from Active Directory. Development apps such as Microsoft's Visual Studio can work directly with to create rich database driven applications. Cons There can be quite a learning curve with SQL Server, but this is due to its sheer complexity and security. It is well worth it thouh once these obstacles are overcome. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Software Developer Intern Consumer Goods Used the software for: 2+ years ### "SQL Server Review" July 3, 2019 5.0 Overall, my experience using SQL Server has been nothing short of great. Querying information is easy to pickup and the application is relatively intuitive when using different features. This software has been crucial for my team and I highly recommend adopting it. Pros Microsoft SQL server offers one of the most complete packages when discussing database management systems. The intelligence window is especially helpful when trying to save time during development. Debugging is simple to do within the application making code optimization a simpler process. I most enjoy the Microsoft support when encountering issues. Microsoft truly cares about their users on this platform and have gone out of their way to help me with bugs/issues that I've came across. Cons Through my time using SQL Server I've encountered corrupted data, performance issues, and application startup issues. Luckily, all of these issues have been resolved quickly by the team over at Microsoft. Review Source tM tavimbanashe M. IT Administrator Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The best database management system " February 14, 2021 5.0 Microsoft SQL Server is a great data management, analyzing and reporting tool which helps in day to day running of a business. The very powerful features it posses makes data analysis easy. The community support makes it easy to do many tasks and above all, the security this tool provides makes it safer than other database management tools Pros The ability to store, manage , retrieve and backup large amounts of data without so much hassle. The availability of support on the internet is just amazing. It works well for small sized to big sized companies and the security of these databases is top notch. Since it has recently been integrated with Azure, it will be easier for cloud deployment and cloud support. Can also be used be as a reporting and analyzing tool. Cons The cost is a bit high and it requires skill to be able to work with sql. The larger the information on the database usually makes it to slow down in terms of querying it Switched from [Oracle Business Intelligence](https://www.capterra.com/p/180/Oracle-Business-Intelligence/) Oracle is more complex and difficult to deploy. Oracle support is not readily available as is MS SQL Review Source LTAI Lou Tizio Alida I. Développeur Web Computer Software Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Parfait outil de gestion de base de données " October 19, 2023 5.0 Je l'ai utilisé pour un projet de fin d'étude et il m'a beaucoup aidé pour la conception de la base de données. Pros Microsoft SQL Server est un logiciel fiable et stable. Il propose des fonctionnalités de sécurité avancées pour la protection des données. Un puissant logiciel d'analyse de données. Cons Ne supporte pas NOSQL. Un système de gestion de données complexe. Consomme beaucoup en ressources. Switched from [MySQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/11482/MySQL/) Cause de sa complexité, de la taille des fichiers de données et de sa dépendance vis-à-vis de Microsoft. Review Source Luis Daniel R. Lead Application Developer Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "My daily driver" June 18, 2019 5.0 Pleasant, I would recommend it and use it for my own personal projects. Cheap and reliable. Pros The databases for the software I've deloped are currently hosted with SQL Server Databases. It's super fast, robust and gets the job done for any kind of application you need. Microsoft has better solutions in case you need to process millions and millions of rows or transactions, but this one can get the job done if you're not that deep with huge numbers. While it's fast and reliable, the SQL Syntax is pretty much up there and common with other SQL syntaxes. A few keywords here and there change but if you have basic SQL knowledge you'll feel right at home and setting up your database with your web services, API's or applications is super easy and you can utilize multiple users and catalogues if needed. The pricing can be cheap as well but it depends on your use. Also the reliability is top-notch! Cons I don't have many bad things to say, however, I would love them to improve the performance for when you're working with Millions of records, I mean, there are other solutions for this but if you're not able to afford them, you'll need to be truncating, indexing and splitting of (archiving) portion of your information constantly. (IF YOU HAVE A LOOOOT OF DATA) Review Source Marenyane M. web developer Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microsoft SQL Server is the best RDBMS for dot.net applications" March 25, 2022 5.0 I had an awesome experience while developing a dot.net website for my client. I was actually enjoying since in my class nobody knew how to use it. Pros I like the fact that this software is free to use, You don't have to pay for it This software like MYSQL server, uses the structured query language (SQL) to communicate with the web application and the database The syntax is similar to that of MYSQL server, so it is easy to use if you know the syntax It provides high security features for your web application It is the mostly used type of RDBMS for dot.net programming It has enough supporting material for any programming help Cons I don't like the fact that it is difficult to actually configure the IIS server for dot.net programming while using Microsoft SQL Server. Apart from that, there is nothing expect that. Alternatives considered [MySQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/11482/MySQL/) Reason for choosing Microsoft SQL Server it was the most convenient software for asp.net programming Switched from [MySQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/11482/MySQL/) It was suitable for the dot.net framework Review Source Luca C. Senior Betting & Online DB Administrator Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The giant of RDBMS." February 2, 2018 5.0 Pros I am a DBA specialized in using the microsoft platform for several years, even having seen several DBs I can confirm that in this case Microsft has created a complete and really well done product. I believe it is absolutely one of the best RDBMS on the market, since the latest versions have also introduced in-memory technologies is truly a complete product. Obviously we are talking about a "business-enterprise" product, but if you want to play a little with express / developer versions you can also start with simpler and faster implementations. Cons The licensing costs are high especially if we are talking about Enterprise versions, it must be said that direct competitors have much higher prices and do not provide complete packages like that of Microsoft that includes everything in the license cost, including the complete package of tools suitable for BI (ETL, REPORTING, OLAP ...). Review Source Muhammad Ashhar H. Software Development Manager Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The best software for databases" January 8, 2021 5.0 Overall its the best software for databases, no matter your app is big or small, either it is a school project or a secure bank app this is a must have software for databases. Pros Features which I like the most: 1. Intellisense 2. Remote login - No need to login in any remote server to check it's database 3. Runs with any platform Cons The most irritating thing is when I try to restore a backup of newer version (2014) to older version (2008), it gives compatibility error. While taking backup, It should give option to user to make it compatible with older release. Alternatives considered [Oracle Database](https://www.capterra.com/p/5938/Oracle-Database/) Reason for choosing Microsoft SQL Server Because it is compatible with microsoft .net framework Review Source Sergio R A. CEO Internet Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Good RDBMS" June 25, 2022 3.0 Pros Very easy to implement and integrate with other systems. Cons MS SQL Server consumes almost all compute resourses Alternatives considered [PostgreSQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/48791/PostgreSQL/) Switched from [Oracle Database](https://www.capterra.com/p/5938/Oracle-Database/) Cost Review Source Amar Y. IT Administrator Retail Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best product for Database and Backup " March 20, 2022 4.0 It was good overall experience with SQL Pros It was easy to use and free backup tool to take backup and online support Cons Nothing to dislike for this software according to me Alternatives considered [OPERA Cloud Property Management](https://www.capterra.com/p/266207/OPERA-Cloud-Property-Management/) Reason for choosing Microsoft SQL Server I was aware about this product and has used earlier as well Review Source Brian D. Senior Consultant Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "SQL Server does great for database management " November 22, 2019 5.0 I've used SQL for several years as an administrator writing queries and managing databases. It's easy to write a simple query. It's also easy to bring a server to its knees if the query is too much for t he server to handle efficiently. Plan accordingly. Pros I use this software to store the databases in my company's software. I like that features and management tools are easy to install and use. I also like the ability to get databases sizes and free space with instant properties views. When scripting the context aware features help me to add tables, views, fields, and methods into a script and their associated option types. It makes writing queries easier. Cons This is a resource hog. Even if the database is planned correctly, there are features that require massive amounts of resources to properly run the database. Often this can depend on the size of the databases and the query results, but large databases can require in excess of 64GB of Ram requiring high end server hardware. Alternatives considered [MySQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/11482/MySQL/) Reason for choosing Microsoft SQL Server Mysql did not have the appropriate resources and features necessary to run our software. Review Source Sujith N. Technology Analyst Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "MS SQL - Robust Database Platform for Enterprise usage" September 19, 2018 5.0 For our application, we need a large set of data being stored in our system on a daily basis. To do a smooth running of system , insertion and retrieval of records from DB performs an important role. The performance so far is really impressive and this makes us choosing MS SQL as our preferred DB. Pros 1\. As a DBA you will be having more flexibility and features in SQL DB . Its easy to install as well manage SQL server instances. 2. Development is flexible and easy to manage. Integration with source control is super easy. 3. Performance is also comparatively good and they give us a lot of options to improvise the way data being stored and retrieved from system based on the kind of application in which we use. Cons 1\. Taking backup is not that easy when you have a large set of data. so they should provide a most faster technique to do the same. 2. Analytics and Reporting tools are not that good what they offer. Need to improve them a lot. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Student Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Manage your RDBMS properly" November 13, 2022 5.0 nice Pros I have been using MS SQL for years now, And it works efficiently and perfectly for me, And I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for solution to manage their RDBMS. Cons There is Nothing so far that I dislike in MS SQL. Review Source Mubin H. Project Manager Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microsoft SQL Server - Review" February 4, 2021 4.0 I am using Microsoft SQL from last 16 years from SQL 2000 to SQL 2017. Most of software we developed in our company has MS SQL Server on backend (Desktop Applications, Web Applications and Mobile Applications). It is very powerful tool and easy to use with Visual Studio languages and also easily configurable with multiple reporting tools like Crystal Report, Microsoft Reporting and other advance reporting tools. Over the years MS SQL has increase the data security, improved data optimization (which is always the issue in comparison with Oracle & other databases). Pros Powerful Database application, user friendly. IntelliSense feature, easy database data and logs configuration. Query and database optimization features. Cons Platform dependency and expensive license. Database replication, mirroring and table portioning features still need improvement and to be made easier for users. Review Source Matthew J. Application Support Engineer Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Enterprise Grade DBMS management tool" June 29, 2023 5.0 We Implement MS SQL Server for clients to help them manage their DB and also a very key solution when Implementing Sage Enterprise Intelligence a vendor-proprietary BI solution and Power BI for clients and also the SSIS tooling for our ETL processes. Pros It's such a robust DBMS without any doubt. Cons Just as it is with every enterprise-grade solution like MS SQL Server, the learning curve can be super steep without former training. But regardless it's such a great solution. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Internship for software developer Computer Software Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Microsoft SQL Server depending on what you need" April 4, 2024 4.0 What I liked the most is that Microsoft SQL server offers a "free specialized edition" which I used to test what they actually offered and how good it was. Pros Great features, cross-platform, well equiped, a good search/filter system, data secured, and the permissions system seemed pretty secure. Cons The pricing is somewhat high, and it would run slow sometimes for no reasons, something that reports and analytics wouldn't show. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Systems Administrator Medical Devices Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best database program" January 18, 2021 5.0 I have had a great experience with the software. It runs a few applications, bought programs and in house developed programs very well. The downsides are few and far between. Pros The software is very easy to administer from Windows. It is very simple to back and restore databases. Microsoft has enhanced abilities with the cloud I don't think many other companies have. Cons It's kind of expensive, but there are way more expensive products out there. The updates for it are frequent and quite big. I would say there were some limitations in the older versions of the software, but last few years a lot of work has been made on this front. You need to download SQL Managment Studio to do much of anything with the program. Reason for choosing Microsoft SQL Server I have had experience with this software in the past. Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Related categories [Database](https://www.capterra.com/database-management-software/)[Business Intelligence](https://www.capterra.com/business-intelligence-software/) ## 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.