Link copied to clipboard # MariaDB vs Microsoft SQL Server Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/mariadb/microsoft-sql-server/export.csv) MariaDBMS SQL[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **MariaDB** Free Trial No pricing available **Microsoft SQL Server** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **MariaDB** 2 monthsFaster Based on 5 responses **Microsoft SQL Server** 3 months Based on 39 responses Return on Investment **MariaDB** 13 months4 months sooner Based on 34 responses **Microsoft SQL Server** 17 months Based on 30 responses Perceived Cost **MariaDB** $$$$$ **Microsoft SQL Server** $$$$$ Average Discount **MariaDB** 12% **Microsoft SQL Server** 14%2% more **Pros & Cons** from reviews **MariaDB** [ Ease of Use (2) ](https://www.g2.com/products/mariadb/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1695307&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Easy Integrations (2) ](https://www.g2.com/products/mariadb/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1695340&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Beginner Unfriendliness (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/mariadb/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2292152&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Connectivity Issues (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/mariadb/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2077327&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) **Microsoft SQL Server** [ Ease of Use (32) ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1422587&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Database Management (29) ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1422948&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Expensive (21) ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1421552&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ High Licensing Cost (12) ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1422329&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **MariaDB** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_da633d2d1c1fd43e5e3cc46236965f55/elastic-elasticsearch.png "Product Avatar Image") Elasticsearch ](https://www.g2.com/products/elastic-elasticsearch/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_6c0bceb4bba558e94f5d215881182f3a/redis-software.png "Product Avatar Image") Redis Software ](https://www.g2.com/products/redis-software/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/mariadb/integrations) **Microsoft SQL Server** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_f176b4154a751d10150daa67a57b7dc5/azure-data-factory.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Azure Data Factory ](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-data-factory/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_13aba37ae908d9cf29a2452925257ccc/azure-databricks.jpeg "Product Avatar Image") Azure Databricks ](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-databricks/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_f176b4154a751d10150daa67a57b7dc5/azure-sql-database.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Azure SQL Database ](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-sql-database/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_a6c205d533dba77b318af96d91beb2ac/databricks.jpeg "Product Avatar Image") Databricks ](https://www.g2.com/products/databricks/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sql-server/integrations) Screenshots **MariaDB** ![MariaDB screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/121371/Screen-Shot-2019-11-13-at-10.10.31-AM.png) **Microsoft SQL Server** ![Microsoft SQL Server screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/79420/screenshot.png) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **MariaDB** 8.9 8.9185 **Microsoft SQL Server** 9.0 9.01,877 Ease of Use **MariaDB** 8.9 8.9187 **Microsoft SQL Server** 8.6 8.61,896 Ease of Setup **MariaDB** 8.7 8.7117 **Microsoft SQL Server** 8.2 8.21,019 Ease of Admin **MariaDB** 8.4 8.4112 **Microsoft SQL Server** 8.3 8.3955 Quality of Support **MariaDB** 7.8 7.8143 **Microsoft SQL Server** 8.3 8.31,669 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **MariaDB** 8.1 8.189 **Microsoft SQL Server** 8.4 8.4904 Product Direction (% positive) **MariaDB** 8.9 8.9178 **Microsoft SQL Server** 8.4 8.41,847 **Features** ratings from reviews Relational Databases 8.7 177 8.8 1,473 Database Management Systems (DBMS) Not enough data 9.0 180 Columnar Databases 9.0 10 Not enough data Big Data Processing and Distribution Not enough data 8.4 62 User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 41.8% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 31.4% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 26.8% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 41.8% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 31.4% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 26.8% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 18.3% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 36.6% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 45.2% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 18.3% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 36.6% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 45.2% **Reviewers' Industry** [![MariaDB](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1546027546/mariadb.svg "MariaDB")](https://www.g2.com/products/mariadb/reviews) MariaDB Information Technology and Services 25.9% Computer Software 20.5% Internet 5.0% Telecommunications 5.0% Computer & Network Security 3.6% Other 40.0% [![Microsoft SQL Server](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a8a99a96fda235658139f710592f8a53/microsoft-sql-server.svg "Microsoft SQL Server")](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews) Microsoft SQL Server Information Technology and Services 24.1% Computer Software 13.7% Hospital & Health Care 5.4% Financial Services 4.3% Higher Education 2.9% Other 49.7% Alternatives **MariaDB Alternatives** ![MySQL](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_240340edca859994ec71e4490aa20022/mysql.png "MySQL") [ MySQL ](/products/mysql/reviews) ![Oracle Database](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_82f55e945509bff7b8009e8024cfe73c/oracle-database.jpg "Oracle Database") [ Oracle Database ](/products/oracle-database/reviews) ![Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1533130188/amazon-relational-database-service-rds.svg "Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)") [ Amazon Relational Database... ](/products/amazon-relational-database-service-rds/reviews) ![IBM Db2](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1553782253/ibm-db2.svg "IBM Db2") [ IBM Db2 ](/products/ibm-db2/reviews) **Microsoft SQL Server Alternatives** ![Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/18effe7340087cf76270e479644d3e42/teradata-autonomous-knowledge-platform.svg "Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform") [ Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform ](/products/teradata-autonomous-knowledge-platform/reviews) ![SAP HANA Cloud](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/b5f8f986beca96ab0027c693ee762fb9/sap-hana-cloud-2025-10-01.svg "SAP HANA Cloud") [ SAP HANA Cloud ](/products/sap-hana-cloud-2025-10-01/reviews) ![Google Cloud SQL](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a4f97d6f742e657968c8830b1a97c42e/google-cloud-sql.svg "Google Cloud SQL") [ Cloud SQL ](/products/google-cloud-sql/reviews) ![Snowflake](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1544409170/snowflake.svg "Snowflake") [ Snowflake ](/products/snowflake/reviews) ## MariaDB vs MS SQL FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between MS SQL vs MariaDB? MS SQL is most distinguished by its enterprise-grade reliability and Microsoft ecosystem integration, while MariaDB stands out for its open-source model and ease of use for small businesses. | [MS SQL](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews) | [MariaDB](https://www.g2.com/products/mariadb/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.4/5 (2,287 reviews) | 4.4/5 (226 reviews) | | Enterprise | Small-Business | | 8.1 | 8.7 | | 8.3 | 7.9 | | Ease of Use (32 all-time mentions) | Ease of Use (2 all-time mentions) | ### How do the pricing models of MS SQL and MariaDB compare? MariaDB is rated as the stronger value on Price/Cost, with a higher satisfaction score than MS SQL. - **MS SQL:** In recent reviews, many cite high licensing costs and complex pricing as a drawback, especially for enterprise features. - **MariaDB:** Reviewers consistently highlight its open-source, free-to-use model as a major advantage, reducing business expenses and making it cost-effective for startups and small businesses. - **Switching Reason:** Several reviewers mention switching to MariaDB to avoid licensing fees and reduce total cost of ownership. ### What are the best alternatives to MS SQL and MariaDB? The top three alternatives to MS SQL and MariaDB are MySQL, SAP HANA Cloud, and Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [MS SQL](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews) | 4.4/5 (2,287 reviews) | Enterprise | High licensing costs noted in recent reviews | Ease of Use (32 all-time mentions) | | [MariaDB](https://www.g2.com/products/mariadb/reviews) | 4.4/5 (226 reviews) | Small-Business | Open-source, free to use | Ease of Use (2 all-time mentions) | | [MySQL](https://www.g2.com/products/mysql/reviews) | 4.4/5 (1,682 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Compatibility and ease of migration | | [SAP HANA Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-hana-cloud-2025-10-01/reviews) | 4.3/5 (621 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Performance and scalability | | [Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/teradata-autonomous-knowledge-platform/reviews) | 4.3/5 (376 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Advanced analytics capabilities | ### Which Relational Databases features should I prioritize when comparing MS SQL and MariaDB? Buyers should prioritize Ease of Setup, Quality of Support, Integrations, Security, and Performance when comparing MS SQL and MariaDB. - **Ease of Setup:** MS SQL scores 8.1, MariaDB scores 8.7. - **Quality of Support:** MS SQL scores 8.3, MariaDB scores 7.9. - **Integrations:** MS SQL has 22 all-time mentions for easy integrations, MariaDB has 2 all-time mentions. - **Security:** MS SQL has 11 all-time mentions for security, MariaDB has 1 all-time mention. - **Performance:** MS SQL has 25 all-time mentions for performance, MariaDB has 1 all-time mention for fast querying. ### What are the pros and cons of MS SQL vs MariaDB? MS SQL's headline strength is enterprise reliability and integration, while MariaDB's is cost efficiency and ease of use. - **MS SQL strengths:** Ease of Use (32 all-time mentions), Database Management (29), Performance (25), Features (23), Easy Integrations (22), Reliability (18), Security (11). - **MS SQL trade-offs:** Expensive (21 all-time mentions), High Licensing Cost (12), Performance Issues (11), Resource intensity, complexity for advanced features. - **MariaDB strengths:** Ease of Use (2 all-time mentions), Cost Efficiency, Free Services, Fast Querying, Easy Integrations, Open-source model, High security noted in recent reviews. - **MariaDB trade-offs:** Beginner unfriendliness, Error handling and documentation complexity, Feature limitations, Performance issues at very large scale. ### Is MS SQL or MariaDB better for small businesses? MariaDB is better suited for small businesses, as reflected by its largest reviewer segment and cost efficiency sentiment. - **MS SQL:** Largest segment is Enterprise; reviewers note high licensing costs and resource requirements as barriers for small businesses. - **MariaDB:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers highlight its open-source, free-to-use model and ease of integration as ideal for startups and small teams. ### Which Relational Databases platform has better integrations? MS SQL is favored for integrations, with more reviewer-cited integration mentions than MariaDB. - **MS SQL:** Integrates with Azure SQL Database, Microsoft Power BI, and Azure Data Factory, with 22 all-time mentions for easy integrations and 21 for integrations overall. - **MariaDB:** Integrations are mentioned in recent reviews, but with only 2 all-time mentions for easy integrations and 1 for integrations overall. ### How do MS SQL and MariaDB compare on customer support? MS SQL and MariaDB are rated within 0.4 points on Quality of Support, indicating near parity by the materiality threshold. - **MS SQL:** Quality of Support score is 8.3; reviewers frequently describe support as responsive and helpful, especially for enterprise customers. - **MariaDB:** Quality of Support score is 7.9; reviewers note good community support but mention documentation and error handling as areas for improvement. ### Which is easier to implement, MS SQL or MariaDB? MariaDB is rated higher for Ease of Setup, with a 0.6-point advantage over MS SQL, making it easier to implement for most buyers. - **MS SQL:** Ease of Setup score is 8.1; reviewers describe setup as straightforward for those familiar with SQL, but note complexity for advanced configurations and resource requirements. - **MariaDB:** Ease of Setup score is 8.7; reviewers highlight its quick installation, open-source accessibility, and suitability for both local and cloud deployments. ### Which product has better Security? MS SQL is more frequently cited for Security, with higher all-time mention counts and strong reviewer sentiment. - **MS SQL:** Security (11 all-time mentions), Data Security (10), strong security features highlighted in recent reviews, and a Quality of Support score of 8.3. - **MariaDB:** Data Security (1 all-time mention), reviewers note robust authentication and encryption, and a Quality of Support score of 7.9.