Link copied to clipboard # Microsoft SQL Server vs MySQL Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/microsoft-sql-server/mysql/export.csv) MS SQLMySQL[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Microsoft SQL Server** No pricing available **MySQL** **$5,000** ยท MySQL Enterprise Edition **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **Microsoft SQL Server** 3 months Based on 39 responses **MySQL** 2 monthsFaster Based on 197 responses Return on Investment **Microsoft SQL Server** 17 months Based on 30 responses **MySQL** 11 months6 months sooner Based on 140 responses Perceived Cost **Microsoft SQL Server** $$$$$ **MySQL** $$$$$ Average Discount **Microsoft SQL Server** 14%2% more **MySQL** 12% **Pros & Cons** from 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) **MySQL** [ Ease of Use (16) ](https://www.g2.com/products/mysql/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1848750&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Reliability (9) ](https://www.g2.com/products/mysql/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1848812&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Feature Limitations (12) ](https://www.g2.com/products/mysql/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2298894&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Limited Database Support (8) ](https://www.g2.com/products/mysql/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1848575&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) 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) **MySQL** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_dc7900ca8b7b1ffa938cf62c40bfe2bf/apache-http-server-project.png "Product Avatar Image") Apache HTTP Server Project ](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-http-server-project/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_d99c715051d74e27de9fd48624b6561e/apache-tomcat.png "Product Avatar Image") Tomcat ](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-tomcat/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_3e93db37ce0af71d86cf0b4b0e8b89ab/asp-net.png "Product Avatar Image") ASP.NET ](https://www.g2.com/products/asp-net/reviews)[ ![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)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/mysql/integrations) Screenshots **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) **MySQL** No screenshot available **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Microsoft SQL Server** 9.0 9.01,877 **MySQL** 8.9 8.91,415 Ease of Use **Microsoft SQL Server** 8.6 8.61,895 **MySQL** 8.7 8.71,419 Ease of Setup **Microsoft SQL Server** 8.2 8.21,018 **MySQL** 8.6 8.6682 Ease of Admin **Microsoft SQL Server** 8.3 8.3955 **MySQL** 8.4 8.4640 Quality of Support **Microsoft SQL Server** 8.3 8.31,669 **MySQL** 8.0 8.01,194 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Microsoft SQL Server** 8.4 8.4904 **MySQL** 8.5 8.5526 Product Direction (% positive) **Microsoft SQL Server** 8.4 8.41,846 **MySQL** 8.0 8.01,379 **Features** ratings from reviews Relational Databases 8.8 1,472 8.7 1,301 Database Management Systems (DBMS) 9.0 180 Not enough data Big Data Processing and Distribution 8.4 62 Not enough data User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** 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% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 36.7% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 30.8% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 32.5% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 36.7% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 30.8% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 32.5% **Reviewers' Industry** [![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% [![MySQL](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_240340edca859994ec71e4490aa20022/mysql.png "MySQL")](https://www.g2.com/products/mysql/reviews) MySQL Information Technology and Services 25.1% Computer Software 20.3% Internet 4.5% Higher Education 4.0% Education Management 3.3% Other 42.6% FAQs ## MS SQL vs MySQL FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between MS SQL vs MySQL? MS SQL is most distinguished by its enterprise-grade reliability and deep Microsoft ecosystem integration, while MySQL stands out for its simplicity, open-source model, and broad cross-platform support. | [MS SQL](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews) | [MySQL](https://www.g2.com/products/mysql/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.4/5 (2,287 reviews) | 4.4/5 (1,682 reviews) | | Enterprise | Small-Business | | 8.1 | 8.6 | | 8.3 | 8.0 | | Reliability (18 all-time mentions) | Ease of Use (17 all-time mentions) | ### How do the pricing models of MS SQL and MySQL compare? MySQL is rated as the stronger value on price and cost satisfaction, with a higher reviewer score than MS SQL. - **MS SQL:** Reviewers frequently cite high licensing costs and complex pricing as a trade-off, especially for enterprise features. - **MySQL:** Reviewers consistently highlight its open-source model and cost-effectiveness, making it a preferred choice for budget-conscious buyers. - **Switching reasons:** In recent reviews, buyers mention moving to MySQL to avoid high licensing fees and to benefit from a free, open-source platform. ### What are the best alternatives to MS SQL and MySQL? The top three G2-ranked alternatives to MS SQL and MySQL are Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS), 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 cost cited as a drawback | Reliability (18 all-time mentions) | | [MySQL](https://www.g2.com/products/mysql/reviews) | 4.4/5 (1,682 reviews) | Small-Business | Open-source, cost-effective | Ease of Use (17 all-time mentions) | | [Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-relational-database-service-rds/reviews) | 4.5/5 (909 reviews) | Mid-Market | โ€” | Scalability and managed service capabilities | | [SAP HANA Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-hana-cloud-2025-10-01/reviews) | 4.3/5 (621 reviews) | Enterprise | โ€” | Real-time analytics and in-memory performance | | [Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/teradata-autonomous-knowledge-platform/reviews) | 4.3/5 (376 reviews) | Enterprise | โ€” | Advanced analytics and data warehousing | ### Which Relational Databases features should I prioritize when comparing MS SQL and MySQL? Buyers should prioritize ease of setup, integration capabilities, performance, security, and cost-effectiveness when comparing MS SQL and MySQL. - **Ease of Setup:** MS SQL (8.1), MySQL (8.6) - **Integration Capabilities:** MS SQL (22 all-time mentions for easy integrations), MySQL (9 all-time mentions for easy integrations) - **Performance:** MS SQL (25 all-time mentions), MySQL (7 all-time mentions) - **Security:** MS SQL (11 all-time mentions for security), MySQL (reviewers note security as a consideration but with fewer mentions) - **Cost-Effectiveness:** MySQL is consistently cited as open-source and cost-effective, while MS SQL is frequently noted for high licensing costs (21 all-time mentions for expensive/licensing cost) ### What are the pros and cons of MS SQL vs MySQL? MS SQL's headline strength is enterprise reliability and integration, while MySQL's is simplicity and cost-effectiveness. - **MS SQL strengths:** Reliability (18 all-time mentions), performance (25 all-time mentions), deep integration with Microsoft tools (21 all-time mentions for integrations), robust security (11 all-time mentions). - **MS SQL trade-offs:** High licensing cost (21 all-time mentions), complex pricing, resource-intensive, and advanced features can be complex to configure. - **MySQL strengths:** Ease of use (17 all-time mentions), open-source and cost-effective, strong community support, cross-platform compatibility, and easy integration with programming languages. - **MySQL trade-offs:** Feature limitations (12 all-time mentions), scaling issues (4 all-time mentions), and performance challenges with large or complex workloads. ### Is MS SQL or MySQL better for small businesses? MySQL is the better fit for small businesses, as reflected by its largest reviewer segment and positive sentiment from small-business users. - **MS SQL:** Largest segment is Enterprise; reviewers note its maturity and reliability but frequently cite high licensing costs as a barrier for small businesses. - **MySQL:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers highlight its ease of use, low cost, and suitability for small-scale deployments. ### Which Relational Databases platform has better integrations? MS SQL is favored for integrations, with more reviewer-cited integration mentions and a broader ecosystem focus. - **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. - **MySQL:** Integrates with Python (35 all-time mentions) and Zoho Books, with 9 all-time mentions for easy integrations. ### How do MS SQL and MySQL compare on customer support? MS SQL and MySQL are rated within 0.3 points on Quality of Support, indicating near parity by the materiality threshold. - **MS SQL:** Reviewers describe support as responsive and helpful, especially for enterprise customers, though some note complexity in advanced troubleshooting. - **MySQL:** Reviewers highlight strong community support and extensive documentation, with official support noted as more limited unless on an enterprise plan. ### Which is easier to implement, MS SQL or MySQL? MySQL is rated higher for Ease of Setup, with a 0.5-point advantage over MS SQL, indicating a meaningfully easier implementation experience. - **MS SQL:** Reviewers describe setup as straightforward for those familiar with Microsoft environments, but note that advanced configurations and resource requirements can add complexity. - **MySQL:** Reviewers consistently highlight its quick, simple setup process, with many noting that it is beginner-friendly and well-documented for rapid deployment. Alternatives **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) **MySQL Alternatives** ![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) ![PostgreSQL](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_251be2af3ae607c45c14e816eaa1cf41/postgresql.png "PostgreSQL") [ PostgreSQL ](/products/postgresql/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)