Compare Azure SQL Database and Microsoft SQL Server 
Featured Products
At a Glance
Market Segments
Enterprise (39.8% of reviews)
Enterprise (45.5% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
No pricing available
Azure SQL Database
Star Rating
(237)4.4 out of 5
Market Segments
Enterprise (39.8% of reviews)
Pros & Cons
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about Azure SQL DatabaseMicrosoft SQL Server
Star Rating
(2,261)4.4 out of 5
Market Segments
Enterprise (45.5% of reviews)
Pros & Cons
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about Microsoft SQL ServerSummary
AI Generated Summary
AI-generated. Powered by real user reviews.
- G2 reviewers report that Microsoft SQL Server excels in overall user satisfaction, boasting a significantly higher G2 Score compared to Azure SQL Database. Users appreciate its reliability and strong performance, particularly highlighting features like the 'Always On' functionality that enhances database durability.
- Users say that Microsoft SQL Server offers a straightforward implementation process, making it easy for beginners to get started. The intuitive interface in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and clear setup steps are frequently praised, which contributes to a smoother onboarding experience.
- Reviewers mention that Azure SQL Database shines in its robust security features and seamless integration with other Azure services. Users appreciate its minimal maintenance requirements, allowing teams to focus on development and optimization, which is particularly beneficial for organizations running applications in the cloud.
- According to verified reviews, while both products have similar star ratings, Microsoft SQL Server has a much larger volume of reviews, indicating a more established user base. This extensive feedback provides a more reliable perspective on its performance and user experience.
- G2 reviewers highlight that Azure SQL Database is recognized for its scalability and ability to support global organizations with high availability. Users find it easy to maintain operations 24/7, which is a significant advantage for businesses that require constant uptime.
- Users express that while Microsoft SQL Server offers powerful features for data management and analysis, Azure SQL Database is noted for its ease of use and flexibility in cloud environments. This makes Azure a compelling choice for teams looking to leverage cloud capabilities without extensive overhead.
Pricing
Entry-Level Pricing
Azure SQL Database
No pricing availableMicrosoft SQL Server
No pricing availableFree Trial
Azure SQL Database
No trial information availableMicrosoft SQL Server
No trial information availableRatings
Meets Requirements
9.0
195
9.0
1,854
Ease of Use
8.8
194
8.6
1,870
Ease of Setup
8.7
108
8.1
992
Ease of Admin
8.6
85
8.3
950
Quality of Support
8.8
187
8.3
1,649
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
8.8
81
8.4
900
Product Direction (% positive)
9.5
180
8.4
1,825
Features by Category
Management
Not enough data
8.9
153
Not enough data
8.8
153
Not enough data
9.2
158
Not enough data
8.9
153
Not enough data
8.9
156
Maintenance
Not enough data
8.9
154
Not enough data
9.0
159
Not enough data
9.0
154
Security
Not enough data
8.9
153
Not enough data
9.1
155
Management
8.9
74
9.0
149
9.3
74
9.2
151
8.7
68
8.8
137
8.6
73
8.8
142
Support
8.8
75
8.6
145
8.7
76
9.0
149
8.7
74
8.6
144
8.6
74
8.4
151
Security
8.7
72
8.8
148
8.9
76
9.0
148
9.1
75
8.8
145
9.0
76
9.0
149
Performance
8.9
74
8.7
144
8.7
71
8.8
141
8.7
72
8.7
147
8.8
68
8.6
145
8.7
71
8.8
146
Database Features
9.4
100
8.9
1287
9.4
103
9.0
1291
9.2
101
8.9
1299
9.2
101
8.7
1266
9.1
101
8.8
1267
8.6
94
8.8
1271
8.8
95
9.1
1291
Configuration
8.9
78
Not enough data
8.5
75
Not enough data
8.9
79
Not enough data
8.1
72
Not enough data
9.0
77
Not enough data
Database Administration
8.7
76
Not enough data
8.8
76
Not enough data
8.7
75
Not enough data
Availability
9.1
80
Not enough data
9.2
78
Not enough data
8.6
77
Not enough data
9.0
76
Not enough data
Security
8.8
66
Not enough data
9.1
68
Not enough data
8.6
65
Not enough data
Data Management
8.7
71
Not enough data
8.6
65
Not enough data
Database
Not enough data
8.5
56
Not enough data
8.8
57
Not enough data
8.4
54
Integrations
Not enough data
7.8
45
Not enough data
8.2
45
Platform
Not enough data
8.2
50
Not enough data
8.5
53
Not enough data
8.2
45
Processing
Not enough data
8.5
52
Not enough data
8.5
55
Building Reports
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Platform
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Categories
Categories
Shared Categories
Azure SQL Database and Microsoft SQL Server are categorized as Relational Databases
Unique Categories
Azure SQL Database is categorized as Database as a Service (DBaaS)
Microsoft SQL Server is categorized as Database Management Systems (DBMS), Big Data Processing and Distribution, and On-Premise Data Integration
Reviews
Reviewers' Company Size
Azure SQL Database
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Microsoft SQL Server
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Small-Business
(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market
(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise
(> 1000 emp.)
Reviewers' Industry
Information Technology and Services
24.8%
Computer Software
20.4%
Financial Services
4.4%
Hospital & Health Care
4.4%
Computer & Network Security
3.1%
Other
42.9%
Information Technology and Services
24.1%
Computer Software
13.7%
Hospital & Health Care
5.4%
Financial Services
4.3%
Higher Education
2.9%
Other
49.6%
Alternatives
Discussions
What is Azure SQL Database used for?
3 Comments
PU
Azure SQL Database is used for storing, managing, and analyzing data in the cloud. It’s great for running applications, generating reports, and handling...Read more
Is Azure SQL Database free?
2 Comments
AD
There is a free tier, but for production workload you have to pay.Read more
Azure SQL Database has no more discussions with answers
How could I make much easier the experience with the order of my database?
4 Comments
AF
You can create different tables with your employee information eg employee table, employee roles etc. Then you can create a single view that will pull data...Read more
What is the best way to save your queries?
4 Comments
CA
I recommend that you use the saved querys in plain text or .sql or txt format you can use the same sql server query creator or a notepad +++ tool, they are...Read more
How can I work on the same query if the connection is lost (timeout) and then I reconnect?
4 Comments
JE
When this happens to me in SQL Server Management Studio, I just have to type USE {your database name here} and then select only that statement and execute...Read more
Hunting for software insights?
With over 3 million reviews, we can provide the specific details that help you make an informed software buying decision for your business. Finding the right product is important, let us help.
