# Microsoft SQL Server Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is Microsoft SQL Server the right Database solution for you? Explore 1974 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 (1974) [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 ZP Zoe P EmployeeMining & Metals, 10,001+ employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The costs can also blow out depending on your licensing requirements and if running locally in house, the hardware costs.“ June 7, 2025 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 Suraj D Senior AI engineerComputer Software, 1,001 - 5,000 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Microsoft SQl server is widely used too and it makes the support and maintenance better.“ January 29, 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 1974 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 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 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 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 VR Verified Reviewer Data Engineer Computer Software Used the software for: 1-2 years ### ""A Robust and Scalable Database Solution for Enterprise Data Management"" February 3, 2026 5.0 "My experience with Microsoft SQL Server has been very positive, especially for building and managing complex data architectures. It is a powerful, enterprise-grade RDBMS that offers high stability, advanced query optimization, and excellent data security features for professional workflows." Pros "Excellent performance with large datasets and highly reliable security features. I particularly like the seamless integration with other Microsoft tools and the robust SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) for database administration." Cons "The licensing costs can be quite high for smaller businesses. Additionally, it requires significant system resources to run smoothly compared to some lightweight alternatives." 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 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 TB Tyler B. Tier Two Technician Computer & Network Security Used the software for: 2+ years ### "SQL - The backbone of database management" March 27, 2026 5.0 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 VR Verified Reviewer Product owner Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "A Robust Platform for Business-Critical Data" February 28, 2026 4.0 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 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 AB Abhinav B. IT Head Entertainment Used the software for: 2+ years ### "SQL Server : Best database I have ever seen . " April 10, 2024 5.0 Pros User friendly interface, extensive documentation , large community support , automatic backups, overall robust performance Cons Nothing as such. Till this time SQL is great to use and deploy. Switched from [Oracle Database](https://www.capterra.com/p/5938/Oracle-Database/) Oracle is very complicated than Microsoft SQL. Review Source Anthony G. CEO Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The Only Enterprise Level DBMS I Use" July 21, 2021 5.0 We build enterprise level SAAS, Desktop, Web and Mobile applications and API's. I've been SQL Server for over a decade mainly as a DB Developer but at times as an administrator as well. Pros A mature DBMS with no limits. Anything we or our customers wanted has always been possible with SQL Server. First class security, speed, and connection capabilities have enabled us to create world class applications for desktop, mobile, and web. The SQL Server community is huge which is critical for those new or rarely used features. I've been working in SQL Server for over a decade and still haven't touched many of the features available. Having a robust community makes learning any new feature quick and easy! Cons It's not a SQL Server thing per se... but Microsoft's support in general is weak at best. I've never really had a good experience using Microsoft support as it is slow and cumbersome and many times the reps don't communicate well. The huge community is what really what makes all Microsoft products manageable as most anything you want to learn or figure out is a quick browser search away. Reason for choosing Microsoft SQL Server Since I develop on the Microsoft stack it goes hand in hand. Switched from [MySQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/11482/MySQL/) MySQL worked for single standalone web apps. But when it came to generating a full scale relational model we needed to step it up to SQL Server. Review Source AM ASHLEY M. Office Manager Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Great Product" February 4, 2025 5.0 Overall, i enjoy my business and experience. Pros I trust all my company's information with them. Cons The cost was a bit more on the expensive side. Review Source SB Sachita B. Student Information Technology and Services Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Use of Microsoft SQL Server" November 20, 2025 5.0 I used Microsoft SQL server as the primary database for my project , handling data modeling and writing queries etc. It gave me hands-on experience with indexing , stored procedures, and performance tuning. Pros Microsoft SQL Server is one of the most user-friendly database tools, it is used to run queries manage tables , see execution plans. Cons Microsoft SQL Server is the licensing cost and how quickly it increases as environment scale. For smaller teams it can be come expensive compared to other databases. 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 CS Christian S. Software Development Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "SQL Server Review" August 29, 2024 5.0 It has worked very well for our desktop applications. Pros It is straight forward and is a relational database. Cons It could have more modern syntax updates. 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 EH Edward H. Lead infrastructure engineer Banking Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microsoft SQL review" June 9, 2024 5.0 Very good - best relational DB application for running on Windows Pros It works well with all Microsoft platforms Cons Backing up to shared drive using Legato was time consuming Review Source CM Clayton M. Sr Manager, Client Experience Logistics and Supply Chain Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microsoft SQL Server" June 26, 2024 5.0 Pros We have a large database of information that we have stored. Primarily of tracking numbers. Our customers will frequently request information from us and SQL is a great tool to help us put together transit information to send to them. Cons The only thing I can think of is there is a sharp learning curve. But it is a very useful tool. Review Source DO Diosdado O. Freelancer Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Exploring Microsoft SQL Server as your next server" May 19, 2024 5.0 Overall it's a great choice for a secure server storage and offers features that will help database developers or administrator in simplifying their usage. Pros I like almost every aspect of Microsoft SQL server features like creating a database, connecting relationships in ERD creation for RDBMS that allowed for a seamless database visualization of design and functionality as a server. Cons The UI are somewhat basic although it doesn't affect the major functionality. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Support Team Lead Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "SQL Server Management Studio 18" November 7, 2023 5.0 Overall, a great experience over the last 13 years of use. Easy to set up databases, query them and performance is great. Pros The interface is very easy to use and once you have connected up, the expandable and collapsible views of your databases, tables, stored procs, views, sql jobs etc and easily viewable and excellent to navigate through. You can customise the icon and buttons to suit your setup preferences. The performance of SSMS has dramtically increased over the past few years and the features and functions they offer are great. For someone who has been in support and not a full fledged developer, this is an excellent enterprise tool to manage your data and connect it with .NET applications. Cons Nothing as of yet. I have found it to meet my needs each and every time. 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 GT Gábor T. IT Business Analyst Automotive Used the software for: 2+ years ### "My past with MS SQL" October 25, 2022 5.0 I met firstly with MS SQL in the uni. The in one of my workplaces I became an admin of it, so as a "user".Its two sides-role widely different. Writing queries, retrieving data, manipulating the results (not the stored data) is a cool option. Easier, faster, more known then Oracle's PL/SQL I would say. The option it gives you are enormous, and how many things uses a DB nowadays are surprising. Knowing and being able to manage a DB, will be an asset in the future. Speed depends on your codes and on your machine. The memory is the enemy of the DBs, so as for MS SQL. Maybe other, non-relational DBs have better results, but on specific tasks. MS SQL is being better, has a lot of devs. behind its back and MS itself, you definitely worth considering it having as a primary database. 3rd party extensions can be used, that can take your productivity to the next level, like APEX.Having a free version up to 10 gigs per database, you would not believe how many company based its business on this "advantage". Pros Can be integrated with a lot of MS and 3rd party tools.The query window is well formed.The speed of the DB is excellent, but bases heavily on your custom codes.Reports, ad-hoc table, integrations with other reporting tools, intranet websites are great. Cons Less training options available comparing it to other MS tools.Intergration, access management can be difficult.Sometimes not easy to track changes in your codes, mostly in big databases.Installation could be easier.It not recommended, but for IT personnel with solid knowledge. Reason for choosing Microsoft SQL Server Can be used its free version up to 10 gigs.Taught in schools, easier, MS product so as Windows. Review Source CF Carnisha F. Freelancer Computer Software Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Microsoft SQL Server Review" April 21, 2023 5.0 SQL server is perfect since I can utilize a similar language same application, and for little clients, it utilizes free choice, and just for best execution or greater information need to pay for it Can utilize it locally on the cloud Pros "One of the most famous information base stages gives you the ideal permeability of the tables. Simple client association permits you to deal with your information base from any place...""Microsoft SQL Server is an extraordinary information the executives, dissecting, and revealing device which helps in the everyday running of a business. The extremely strong highlights it ...""I have had a decent involvement in SQL Server as it has shown how itself can be dependable, secure, and proficient." Cons "Permitting is confounding, at whatever point you have a permit by call or by central processor center, it's a digit hard to comprehend how they apply the costs.""The last thing I found about the product is blunder explanations, a few times an additional room can cause an enormous issue, and tossing the mistake which isn't like...""The absence of detailing administrations is a horrendous deficiency. It could have an option in Apache, or even permit combination with Windows servers for this demand...." Review Source Similar Products Featured