# Microsoft SQL Server vs MySQL Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that Microsoft SQL Server excels in handling large datasets, with users praising its reliability and ease of use for daily database tasks. One user highlighted its effectiveness in managing and analyzing data, making it a strong choice for enterprise applications.
- **Users say** that MySQL is particularly easy to implement and integrate with various programming languages, making it a great option for small businesses and web applications. Reviewers appreciate its structured data storage, which supports high performance and cost-effectiveness.
- **According to verified reviews** , Microsoft SQL Server offers robust built-in performance features that allow users to optimize queries and fine-tune indexing strategies. This capability is often noted as a significant advantage for those managing complex databases.
- **Reviewers mention** that while MySQL is user-friendly and quick to set up, it may not always meet the specific needs of larger enterprises as effectively as SQL Server. Users have noted that SQL Server's mature toolset provides a more comprehensive solution for enterprise-grade applications.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that Microsoft SQL Server's community support and troubleshooting resources are highly regarded, making it easier for users to find help when needed. This aspect is often contrasted with MySQL, where users have reported a more limited support experience.
- **Users indicate** that both products perform well in terms of data management and security, but SQL Server tends to have a slight edge in advanced features like data replication and disaster recovery, which are crucial for larger organizations looking to safeguard their data.



---
## Frequently Asked Questions

### 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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.



| | Microsoft SQL Server | MySQL | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 2,288 | 1,684 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Enterprise (45.2% of reviews) | Small-Business (36.7% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | $5,000 | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Microsoft SQL Server

Pros:
- Ease of Use (29 reviews)
- Database Management (24 reviews)

Cons:
- Expensive (21 reviews)
- High Licensing Cost (12 reviews)

### MySQL

Pros:
- Ease of Use (16 reviews)
- Reliability (9 reviews)

Cons:
- Feature Limitations (12 reviews)
- Limited Database Support (8 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Microsoft SQL Server | MySQL | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 9.0 (1876 reviews) | 8.9 (1413 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.6 (1894 reviews) | 8.7 (1417 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.2 (1017 reviews) | 8.6 (680 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.3 (955 reviews) | 8.4 (638 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.3 (1669 reviews) | 8.0 (1192 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.4 (904 reviews) | 8.5 (524 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.4 (1845 reviews) | 8.0 (1377 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Microsoft SQL Server

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### MySQL

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: MySQL Enterprise Edition

Price: $5,000


[Browse all 3 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/mysql/pricing)

#### Free Trial

No

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Database Management Systems (DBMS)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Microsoft SQL Server** | 9.0/10 | 180 |
| **MySQL** | N/A | N/A |

#### Management

| Feature | Microsoft SQL Server | MySQL | 
|---|---|---|
| **Data dictionary** | 8.9 (156 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Replication** | 8.8 (154 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Query Language** | 9.2 (162 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Modeling** | 8.9 (156 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Performance Analysis** | 9.0 (161 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Synchronization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Data** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Storage Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Maintenance

| Feature | Microsoft SQL Server | MySQL | 
|---|---|---|
| **Data Migration** | 8.9 (159 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Backup and Recovery** | 9.1 (165 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-User Environment** | 9.1 (156 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Automatic Backup** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Database Conversion** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Security

| Feature | Microsoft SQL Server | MySQL | 
|---|---|---|
| **Data Encryption** | 8.9 (154 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **User Access Control** | 9.1 (157 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Mobile Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Additional Functionality

| Feature | Microsoft SQL Server | MySQL | 
|---|---|---|
| **Workflow Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Third-Party Integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Extraction** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Relational Database Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **SSL Security** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **API** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Connectors** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Search/Filter** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting & Statistics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customizable Templates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Copilot** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Full Text Search** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Virtualization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Import/Export** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Generative AI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Drag & Drop** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customizable Fields** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Authentication** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Visualization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Secure Data Storage** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Dashboard** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Mapping** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multiple Programming Languages Supported** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Capture and Transfer** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **User Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **NOSQL Database Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Access Controls/Permissions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Calendar Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Document Storage** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Audit Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Charting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Relational Databases

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Microsoft SQL Server** | 8.8/10 | 1471 |
| **MySQL** | 8.7/10 | 1299 |

#### Management 

| Feature | Microsoft SQL Server | MySQL | 
|---|---|---|
| **Data Schema** | 9.1 (154 reviews) | 9.1 (153 reviews) | 
| **Query Language** | 9.2 (158 reviews) | 9.2 (154 reviews) | 
| **ACID - Complaint** | 8.8 (142 reviews) | 8.9 (138 reviews) | 
| **Data Replication** | 8.8 (143 reviews) | 8.8 (134 reviews) | 

#### Support 

| Feature | Microsoft SQL Server | MySQL | 
|---|---|---|
| **Text Search** | 8.6 (145 reviews) | 8.4 (143 reviews) | 
| **Data Types** | 9.0 (152 reviews) | 8.8 (152 reviews) | 
| **Languages** | 8.6 (145 reviews) | 8.8 (141 reviews) | 
| **Operating Systems** | 8.3 (155 reviews) | 9.1 (140 reviews) | 

#### Security

| Feature | Microsoft SQL Server | MySQL | 
|---|---|---|
| **Database Locking** | 8.8 (151 reviews) | 8.9 (141 reviews) | 
| **Access Control** | 9.0 (152 reviews) | 8.9 (142 reviews) | 
| **Encryption** | 8.8 (148 reviews) | 8.6 (132 reviews) | 
| **Authentication** | 9.0 (150 reviews) | 8.7 (137 reviews) | 

#### Performance 

| Feature | Microsoft SQL Server | MySQL | 
|---|---|---|
| **Disaster Recovery** | 8.7 (151 reviews) | 8.4 (131 reviews) | 
| **Data Concurrency** | 8.8 (143 reviews) | 8.6 (133 reviews) | 
| **Workload Management** | 8.7 (154 reviews) | 8.5 (135 reviews) | 
| **Advanced Indexing** | 8.6 (150 reviews) | 8.6 (137 reviews) | 
| **Query Optimizer** | 8.8 (152 reviews) | 8.7 (137 reviews) | 

#### Database Features

| Feature | Microsoft SQL Server | MySQL | 
|---|---|---|
| **Storage** | 8.9 (1299 reviews) | 8.8 (1159 reviews) | 
| **Availability** | 9.0 (1303 reviews) | 9.0 (1162 reviews) | 
| **Stability** | 8.9 (1316 reviews) | 8.7 (1167 reviews) | 
| **Scalability** | 8.7 (1283 reviews) | 8.1 (1134 reviews) | 
| **Security** | 8.8 (1281 reviews) | 8.4 (1121 reviews) | 
| **Data Manipulation** | 8.8 (1282 reviews) | 8.7 (1137 reviews) | 
| **Query Language** | 9.1 (1302 reviews) | 8.9 (1160 reviews) | 

### Big Data Processing and Distribution

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Microsoft SQL Server** | 8.4/10 | 62 |
| **MySQL** | N/A | N/A |

#### Database

| Feature | Microsoft SQL Server | MySQL | 
|---|---|---|
| **Real-Time Data Collection** | 8.6 (58 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Distribution** | 8.8 (57 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Lake** | 8.4 (54 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Integrations

| Feature | Microsoft SQL Server | MySQL | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hadoop Integration** | 7.8 (45 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Spark Integration** | 8.2 (46 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Platform

| Feature | Microsoft SQL Server | MySQL | 
|---|---|---|
| **Machine Scaling** | 8.2 (50 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Preparation** | 8.5 (54 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Spark Integration** | 8.2 (46 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Processing

| Feature | Microsoft SQL Server | MySQL | 
|---|---|---|
| **Cloud Processing** | 8.6 (53 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Workload Processing** | 8.5 (56 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Big Data

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Microsoft SQL Server** | N/A | N/A |
| **MySQL** | N/A | N/A |

#### Building Reports

| Feature | Microsoft SQL Server | MySQL | 
|---|---|---|
| **Data Transformation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **WYSIWYG Report Design** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Integration APIs** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Data** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Data** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Third-Party Integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Third-Party Integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Platform

| Feature | Microsoft SQL Server | MySQL | 
|---|---|---|
| **Mobile User Support** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customization ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **User, Role, and Access Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Internationalization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Sandbox / Test Environments** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Performance and Reliability** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Breadth of Partner Applications** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Mobile Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Metadata Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Relational Databases](https://www.g2.com/categories/relational-databases)

**Unique to Microsoft SQL Server (3):** [Database Management Systems (DBMS)](https://www.g2.com/categories/database-management-systems-dbms), [Big Data Processing And Distribution Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/big-data-processing-and-distribution), [On-Premise Data Integration Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/on-premise-data-integration)



---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Microsoft SQL Server | MySQL | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 18.2% | 36.7% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 36.6% | 30.8% | 
| **Enterprise** | 45.2% | 32.5% | 

### By Industry

#### 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%
- **Education Management:** 2.6%
- **Banking:** 2.5%
- **Government Administration:** 2.4%
- **Insurance:** 2.4%
- **Telecommunications:** 2.2%
- **Other:** 37.6%

#### MySQL

- **Information Technology and Services:** 25.1%
- **Computer Software:** 20.4%
- **Internet:** 4.5%
- **Higher Education:** 4.0%
- **Education Management:** 3.4%
- **Telecommunications:** 3.0%
- **Financial Services:** 3.0%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 2.3%
- **Banking:** 2.0%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 1.8%
- **Other:** 30.5%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Microsoft SQL Server

- [Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/teradata-autonomous-knowledge-platform/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (374 reviews)
- [SAP HANA Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-hana-cloud-2025-10-01/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (620 reviews)
- [Google Cloud SQL](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-sql/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (367 reviews)
- [Snowflake](https://www.g2.com/products/snowflake/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (762 reviews)
- [Oracle Database](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-database/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (1023 reviews)
- [Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-relational-database-service-rds/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (909 reviews)
- [IBM Db2](https://www.g2.com/products/ibm-db2/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (684 reviews)
- [PostgreSQL](https://www.g2.com/products/postgresql/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (682 reviews)
- [Amazon Aurora](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-aurora/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (456 reviews)
- [Google Cloud BigQuery](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-bigquery/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1223 reviews)

### Alternatives to MySQL

- [Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-relational-database-service-rds/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (909 reviews)
- [IBM Db2](https://www.g2.com/products/ibm-db2/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (684 reviews)
- [PostgreSQL](https://www.g2.com/products/postgresql/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (682 reviews)
- [SAP HANA Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-hana-cloud-2025-10-01/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (620 reviews)
- [Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/teradata-autonomous-knowledge-platform/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (374 reviews)
- [SQLite](https://www.g2.com/products/sqlite/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (262 reviews)
- [Azure SQL Database](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-sql-database/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (241 reviews)
- [MariaDB](https://www.g2.com/products/mariadb/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (226 reviews)
- [IBM Informix](https://www.g2.com/products/ibm-informix/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (111 reviews)
- [Google Cloud SQL](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-sql/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (367 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Microsoft SQL Server

- Title: [How can I work on the same query if the connection is lost (timeout) and then I reconnect?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/15675-how-can-i-work-on-the-same-query-if-the-connection-is-lost-timeout-and-then-i-reconnect) — 4 comments, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "You can change the timeout for the query:

In the object explorer, right click a server and select properties. 
Go to Remote server connections, look for ..."
- Title: [How could I make much easier the experience with the order of my database?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/13520-how-could-i-make-much-easier-the-experience-with-the-order-of-my-database) — 4 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "If you have SQL knowledge you can generate queries to obtain the specific data you're looking for based on selected criteria."
- Title: [What is the best way to save your queries?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/12127-what-is-the-best-way-to-save-your-queries) — 4 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "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..."
- Title: [Is there a free version of Microsoft SQL Server?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-there-a-free-version-of-microsoft-sql-server) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "yes, SQL Server Express offers it as a free edition. It provides service, albeit in a limited framework."
- Title: [how did you import a MySQL database?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-did-you-import-a-mysql-database) — 3 comments, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "You can use the LinkedServer feature to mySQL database using the provider.
Check here for further..."

### MySQL

- Title: [Does MySQL new version has strong security?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/10422-question-about-mysql) — 10 comments, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "Hasini, What do you mean? Have you experienced any security issue? How are you using MySQL (any back-end language) If so, like any other language it depends..."
- Title: [Can I use MySQL for free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/can-i-use-mysql-for-free) — 4 comments, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "Yes, If you are using it for your own purpose (not business purpose), you can download MySQL Community version for free. 
Link for downloading the community..."
- Title: [What is MySQL used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-mysql-used-for) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "MySQL is a widely used relational database management system (RDBMS) that serves various purposes across different industries and applications. Here are some..."
- Title: [Could you explain how to optimize MySQL database performance for a new user handling large-scale data?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/could-you-explain-how-to-optimize-mysql-database-performance-for-a-new-user-handling-large-scale-data) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Try these steps:
1) try normalization 
2) use indexes 
3) try to separate workloads using different techinques"
- Title: [Is there any possibilities than mysql database can be online?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-there-any-possibilities-than-mysql-database-can-be-online) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Yes, you can make MySQL databases accessible online and many websites/application do this. It all depends on server configuration."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/microsoft-sql-server-vs-mysql)