--- title: Microsoft Access Reviews meta_title: 'Microsoft Access Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta_description: Filter 855 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how Microsoft Access works for a business like yours. aggregate_rating: rating_value: 4.0 review_count: 855 scale: '5' date_modified: '2026-07-12' parent_category: name: Database Software url: https://www.g2.com/categories/database-software --- # Microsoft Access Reviews **Vendor:** Microsoft **Category:** [Desktop Database Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/desktop-database) **Average Rating:** 4.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 855 ## About Microsoft Access Microsoft Access is a database management system (DBMS) developed by Microsoft, combining the relational Access Database Engine with a graphical user interface and software development tools. As part of the Microsoft 365 suite, Access enables users to create, manage, and analyze databases efficiently. It allows for the development of application software and supports integration with various data sources, including SQL Server and Oracle, through ODBC compatibility. Access is designed to facilitate rapid application development (RAD), making it suitable for both novice users and experienced developers. Key Features and Functionality: - Data Storage and Management: Access stores data in its own format based on the Access Database Engine and can import or link directly to data stored in other applications and databases. - User Interface Design: It provides tools to create forms and reports, enabling users to design intuitive interfaces for data entry and analysis. - Query and Reporting Tools: Access includes a query interface and report creation features that can work with any data source that Access can access. - Programming Support: Access supports Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), allowing for advanced automation, data validation, and error trapping. - Integration Capabilities: It can link to data in its existing location and use it for viewing, querying, editing, and reporting, allowing the existing data to change while ensuring that Access uses the latest data. Primary Value and User Solutions: Microsoft Access provides a versatile platform for users to develop custom database solutions tailored to their specific needs. Its integration with other Microsoft Office applications enhances productivity by allowing seamless data sharing and reporting. Access's user-friendly interface and robust functionality make it an ideal choice for small to medium-sized businesses, educational institutions, and individual users seeking to manage and analyze data effectively without requiring extensive programming knowledge. ## Microsoft Access Reviews ### 1. Microsoft Access **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Issau N. | Graduate Trainee Cloud Support, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 28, 2022 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Microsoft Access works as a daily diary. It can help you track your day-to-day activities, which will make it easy when reporting. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** Everything is perfect on Microsoft Access **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** It is helping in tracking down my day-to-day activities, making it easier to report. It integrates easily with Microsoft teams and one drive ### 2. If you like Excel, you'll love Access! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Evan N. | Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 17, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** The built-in queries are fantastic. Easy to use wizard walks you through the entire process. Great if you don't know or aren't proficient in SQL. It blows the competition away. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** The database files can get very large, so I would recommend saving them to a cloud account. The file compactor should compress the files smaller. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** If you do a lot of v-lookups in Excel, you'll find it much easier to get your results by using a quick query in Access. Faster results make me more productive! ### 3. Microsoft Access Review **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Management Consulting | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 16, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** The ease of the user interface is great for beginners, and selection of tools is wider than Word or Paint, which afford better flexibility to create standardized documents with more creative flair. I also enjoy the pre-formatted table design which helps with putting together business graphs for work. It requires less manual table formatting and doesn't require as much manual design. Also appreciate the visual basic editor fr beginners to create graphics used for work, etc. without needing advanced expertise in Access. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** Importing data into a table doesn't always format properly, even with using the external data menu. Often I'll try to import data and the source formatting doesn't translate when it should, so I have t manually correct it. I've also never been able to successfully merge with Word data, despite looking up tutorials on Microsoft's webste. **Recommendations to others considering Microsoft Access:** Have a working understanding of Excel and/or data table formatting before using. Consult a tutorial to get started, especially when looking to import usable data correctly so it can be edited/manipulated in Access. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** Creating data tables, graphic and visual analyses, and training documents/memorandums for consulting clients. ### 4. Old School Microsoft Access! **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Entertainment | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 18, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Access is an easy-to-use tool for creating my business applications, from templates or from scratch. With it's amazing design tools, Access helps create appealing and highly functional applications in a minimal amount of time. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** So, yes you can try Access for free. But when you want to use everything it cost a lot more then I would want to spend on a product. But that is Microsoft for you! **Recommendations to others considering Microsoft Access:** I always say, try the free trial to see if you like it! **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** I want to tailor my custom apps to my business and my customers, easily editing as needed to meet evolving needs. Using Visual Basic for Applications, automate business processes and create more useful forms and reports. ### 5. Efficient and presentable data organization made easy **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Muzaffar S. | Marketing Manager, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 07, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** I like that it is a very simple and efficient database management tool, that anyone can utilize without having near-to-nothing knowledge of databases. The simple user interface makes it a very time-saving and efficient tool for enterprises as well as individuals to maintain a comprehensive and detailed database from expenses to inventories to even nutrition checklists. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** Sometimes it may seem a little complex, so it would be great if they could have some guided approach towards learning some personalized features. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** I am maintaining the inventories and keeping track of all the expenses. It is a very helpful product for my personal as well as entrepreneurial use. Aids in keeping a track of my work in a very organized way without having to put much effort in creating databases and maintaining them. ### 6. Microsoft Access for public health **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Alexandra G. | VFC Coordinator, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 28, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** User-friendly system to retrieve, organize, and enter data **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** Honestly cannot think of any, but it is hard to incorporate multimedia data. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** Being able to access and organize millions of health records-related data to help solve public health issues. ### 7. Microsoft Access **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Brian A. | Analyst, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 16, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** I use Access instead of vlookup, because it accounts for dupliates Vlookup only looks at the first occurrance. It is very easy, in Access, to create outer joins. As long as there is a unique primary key, joining is simple. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** The only dislike about Access is the help section. If you are not familiar with Access, it can be challenging to try and train yourself on how to use it. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** You can create joins with large databases faster and easier. Creating joins will save your company time and money, and therefore productivity increases. I would recommend Access to everyone ### 8. Microsoft Access - simple database tool with seamless backend integration **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Anup J. | Office Bearer : bITeSys - System and Analytics Club, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 06, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Microsoft Access pairs nicely with my operations. It helps me manage personal databases and use that to generate insightful reports. The reports take my presentations a step further, and they become more engaging. It helped me make many management decisions by assisting me with logical and practical analysis of the situation. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** Microsoft Access is a fantastic DBMS software. It has an easy learning curve - there is nothing to dislike. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** The Query processing language is a cakewalk - even people with no SQL background can learn and apply it for better results. The platform generates insightful reports, which ultimately helps with the decision-making process. It is better than Excel (which gets too complicated as the data size grows) and better than other software like SPSS, where its process becomes a challenging task to learn. ### 9. Comprehensive Database Management for Small Businesses **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Non-Profit Organization Management | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 11, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** I very much enjoy the accessibility of Microsoft Access and its simultaneous maintenance of a user-friendly experience for customers. The application is able to run as simple or as complicated as you choose. I very much like how I can get complex tasks done with the built-in features of the software, as well as be able to customize my program through VBA. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** What I dislike about Microsoft Access is the size of the learning curve. In my opinion, Microsoft Access makes complex tasks easy and easy tasks difficult. It takes a lot of effort to set up your program, however, I suppose that is the price that you pay when you have the task of database management. I believe that having a more interactive assistance interface would make this product much better. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** We are currently in the process of moving our data from a different software into Microsoft Access. Our other software does not produce the level of analytics that we would like for our firm, so we are in the process of integrating our data into MS Access. So far, Access provides us with a higher speed of reporting and retrieval of data. We are also able to produce more meaningful and customizable analytics over our other software that has only built-in function capabilities. ### 10. Learn basic database management and create reports using this platform **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Avani J. | Associate - Learning and Development, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 23, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Like all Microsoft applications, Microsoft Access has an easy-to-use user interface. You can use this tool to create simple databases. You can also integrate Access with other applications to comprehend data. You can also create reports to aid management in making decisions. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** The subscription is expensive. It is not scalable as other alternatives available. But if you already have a Microsoft subscription, it does a fair enough job. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** We use Microsoft Access for basic data management and report generation. We also use it to create tables, graphics and then use them to conduct a visual analysis. ### 11. Great For Managing Data! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer & Network Security | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 13, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Ok so I heavily rely on Access to do my job efficiently. I need something more robust than Excel and Access does the trick. I am constantly running analytics and performing complex calculations that I have to simplify for other teams. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** To be honest there is nothing that I dislike about Access. This is a one stop shop for me and it performs in every way that I want and more. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** There is a relatively short learning curve for Access so it is easy to train new hires and interns who are used to Excel. I show them once maybe twice and they catch on very fast. I can give them projects and tasks that are then performed with little support from me. Access is very user friendly! ### 12. This is the best database software in the market **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Çağrı E. | MCV Powertrain Engineering Leader(IPTSE), Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 02, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** It gives 1 TB storage capacity per user this is incredible.It integrates with business apps.you can get raw data and create efficient charts for your business. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** If you do have low spec hardware and system you may experience some lagging during you sade data and convert it to chart. I think it would be beneficial program specifications cover high range of products. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** We do some survey form our customers There were lots of inputs in raw data we cant Manager to evaluate data with Excel and access helps us to convert data to valuable information ### 13. An outdated solution, not a fan of the design. For data geeks only **Rating:** 1.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Andrei M. | Operations Manager, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 03, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** If you want to own your supplier/crm or some other sort o database on your own computer for cheap, MS Access is a great choice. Most people I worked with already have experience working with it from school, that lets you skip additional employee trainings. And again, the prices are very affordable even for larger organizations. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** The design is not most user friendly, there are competitors who offer solutions more satisfying to user's eye. Last time I tried to do a project in collaboration it didn't let me, so would have to fix it through shared folders. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** I used this in the previous work to build databases on customer statistics and success numbers and integrated them with the software we were sellers for. For example, we extracted the retail customer traffic numbers, engagement statistics and linked them with conversion rates, revenue and other POS data. ### 14. Microsoft Access Definitely going in a positive direction **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Tierra L. | Innovation Product Lead, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 24, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** What I like most is I can use different templates to build my databases quickly and I can store a lot of my data and reports in Microsoft access. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** What I dislike is that some of my reports can take 10 to 15 minutes to generate and share. And sometimes it causes my computer to crash. But it only happens every once in a while **Recommendations to others considering Microsoft Access:** Microsoft access helps better the insight you will have making decisions and analyzing reporting data **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** Microsoft access helps me store and reference my reports and data across to management and coworkers. ### 15. Not user friendly **Rating:** 1.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** D'Vaughn H. | C, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 21, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** I like that it is offered with Word and the other apps. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** I dislike that it is not scalable and you have to hire a private company to build applications. That's is incredibly expensive when you need to update or make changes. **Recommendations to others considering Microsoft Access:** Don't. Just hire someone to build a cloud database. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** I record medical data and it does not meet regulatory compliance for HIPAA or the FDA. ### 16. Amazing Data Warehouse of Information **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** sydney w. | Billing Specialist, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 29, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** All the analytics of our data is housed in the same place. Whatever I need to access or obtain can be quickly downloaded and exported into excel. It is the best tool for our finance department as it produces a plethora of reports based on our data. If we need a new report, this is also easy to configure **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** I do not dislike it. Our company has enabled it to pull reports in which we need, so it is perfectly tailored to our business. **Recommendations to others considering Microsoft Access:** It is the best datawarehouse. I couldn't imagine running our daily tasks without it. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** Access has allowed us the ability to pull any report we may need. It has simplified the way we have obtained our data and information. ### 17. Good database tool which can be better **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Jigar J. | D, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** March 17, 2022 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** It is part of office suite. It has good capability for database management **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** User interface is still old. It needs overhaul to complete graphical **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** Creating database, running queries for records ### 18. The database that is easily accessible and Windows-friendly, but not for large datasets **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Marketing and Advertising | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 24, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** MS Access is a foundational part of what is now Office 365. As such, there is integration within other apps (like Excel). Access is also so ubiquitous that nearly every 3rd party platform or app has an integration **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** As part of the tradeoff of having such a tight integration with Excel, Access does not handle large amounts of data well. Things you would traditionally turn to a database for (ie. bulk analyzing, etc) can be better handled in other database platforms. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** We needed a platform that had wide accessibility (as in being able to access it within the VPN) and also one that had a good UI, which Access met. ### 19. Access Is A Great Potential For Focused Applications **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Rob F. | Sr. Manager - Enterprise Information Management, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 05, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Access has all of the functionalities needed to build concise applications for small offices or needs. The ability to utilize other database platforms like SQL Server is a plus. The ability to create full functioning applications in less than an hour is a big plus. There isn't much you can't do with Access if you understand that it isn't meant to be an enterprise tool. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** By this time it seems like there would be better browser representation, but understandably there are other Microsoft tools out there to handle similar activities. There also seems to be a "sunset date" on the horizon that continually shifts. It would be good to know if Access will be around for the long haul as besides Lotus (IBM/HCL) Notes I haven't found a better RAD platform. **Recommendations to others considering Microsoft Access:** Know the limitations of Access. It is meant for optimally supporting an office or application of 5 or less users. You can have more, but that is going outside the bounds and the organization should be looking at a more appropriate platform. It has many merits for use with the ability to create tables, forms, reports, queries, etc to meet many needs. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** We use Access for supplemental data acquisition for use in our reporting and analytic solutions. Many times the data doesn't fit into corporate applications and Access allows for ad hoc data entry and storage based on projects. This allows the data to be stored in SQL Server tables as opposed to Excel sheets that must be uploaded and many times have data type and quality issues. ### 20. Great for a manufacturing environment **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Bryan A. | warehouse supervisor, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 02, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Made it easy to keep track of production KPI's that all levels of management could see and edit. Also great for maintenance to keep track of downtime and work orders. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** Could be overwhelming for someone who has never used it depending on what the use is. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** Problems solved and benefits are it is easy to keep track of production targets, downtime, and what caused the downtime. Also to see where maintenance is with work orders and to be able to create work orders. ### 21. A competent tool with a rather steep learning curve **Rating:** 2.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Security and Investigations | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 30, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** I find that Access is a good supplement to Excel, but it is much more difficult to use and find a use for. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** Access is not used much at most companies (I have found), so internal training on the tool is lacking. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** Databases can be stored and accessed easily using Office 365, however I have found other database/analytics tools to be friendlier to use than Access. ### 22. Standalone Robust Database Easily Scalable For The Enterprise **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer Hardware | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** March 26, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** I've been a database user since the early days of graphical interfaces. The first ones were implemented inside MS Excel, which I still use for fast registers of row/column data. But when it's necessary to build complex relational table, custom forms, and powerful back-end equations, my go-to is Microsoft Access. Access make column/row table setup simple. Casting datatypes using pulldown menus take most of the guess work out of typing the contents, and it's easily changed in the design process before any data is entered. This is a necessary step to working with variables programmatically later, and is the first thing that separates a true database from one clunkily put together in a spreadsheet. It also makes documentation easier, because fields are preformatted to keep users from entering the wrong kind of content. Finally, any eventual migration to an enterprise class database like Oracle or Microsoft SQL server starts with standardized and widely accepted data types. Once the heart of the database is formed, it's so easy to visual link relationships using a graphic user interface. Fields from one table are easily mapped to their corresponding members with point and click ease. The display also offers a simple overview that allows crosschecking and correction, before data is entered, and this layout aids in documenting the structure to future programmers who may need to maintain or update the database. The next step is creating custom interface forms, both to manage the entry and display of data, offer control mechanisms to perform common tasks, and integrate branding and other intellectual property assets as required. The graphical design builds with common windows elements using drag and drop functionality and grid based accuracy. Fields are easily masked to take raw data - such as a string of numerals- and display to the end user a telephone number with proper punctuation. It can likewise store that information in the table as simple integers, which reads back through the mask on the display form. Hints and warnings are easy to add to fields to pop up when users key the wrong type of information ("enter numbers 0-1 only" for the telephone field). And tab order can be set allowing rapid data entry. Radio buttons, check boxes, and drop-down menus round out the options and offer multiple means of increasing data operator efficiency. The report writing system is likewise graphically oriented, which simplifies the creation of common reports, and the addition of new ones with minimal overhead fuss. While Access does not really provide a user level interface for making ad hoc reports, the ability of copying and altering an existing report and adding it back to the compiled database is most helpful. Finally, Access is as robust "under the hood" as any competing product. It supports Standard Query Language and common operators for data manipulation and concatenation. A majority of usual database tasks can frequently be accomplished without the need to resort to "programming", beyond simply using built in fields, operators, and queries. When necessary, Access fully supports Visual Basic modules and VBScript solutions. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** Although I am very much a fan of most of what can be done with Access without being a programmer, to extend it fully does require some knowledge of at least VBScript and possibly Visual Basic. If you have experience with Microsoft's approach to object-oriented programming, you should be somewhat familiar with the use of a properties panel to enter and manage a multitude of settings for forms, fields, buttons, menus, boxes, and other screen elements. While many of these are simple enough, like name and the attached table/field properties, they can include complex and long query strings or other programmatic elements. This is complicated by the size of the properties panel, which, although resizable, still doesn't really offer at-a-glance views of longer form content. Additionally, sometimes the hierarchy of properties can be a bit less than intuitive, meaning you may change a property for a form that should really be addressed at the level of a field or a property group. Again, if one has some experience as a VB programmer then you have probably developed a kind of working rhythm with the properties panel, but for the new or casual user it can be somewhat daunting, and frankly there's just not good documentation for the layperson on how to make it all work together. While this can be said of most programmatic systems, it is something to bear in mind before taking on a database project. The other personal gripe I have regarding developing for Access is that the Microsoft grid system seems to be a completely arbitrary format. If you lock to grid, it can be very difficult to space your fields closely together, to conserve space. This is a necessary thing, in my experience. Being able to put most, if not all, of your data entry and display fields on a single form is essential to speedy data entry. Every additional step to the next form, is a delay, and also increases the potential for error as the operator is trying to get through multiple screens. The more forms one has to create also has an impact on size and efficiency of the final database. These considerations seem to be moot for programmers used to today's multi-gigabyte memories and nearly boundless storage, but when scaling such operations to a multi-user enterprise system, it constitutes a significant digit. And that is really the major drawback of Access. It's essentially designed as a one user system. While there are mechanisms for hosting on a file server and implementing some kind of record locking to prevent simultaneous update, it's really not easy to do that, and if you need something that must be accessed (no pun intended) across a department or enterprise, you may be better off going with SQL Server to start. I have used Access as a proof of concept and prototyping tool, as it provides a somewhat easier means of designing a functioning database with interface and reporting tools than writing it all in VB and SQL, but it doesn't automatically scale up. You can dump the tables and import them, but the reports and any interface have to be made from scratch. Access is also pre-web, so it's not at all a good solution for building a database that will be called in real time by an HTML front end. While one can use it to visual the record layouts needed for that, something like Visio, or a similar flowchart type of application, is probably better suited. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** In a situation where the database is only needed by a few users, and then only by one or two at a time, Microsoft Access is well suited to creating a solid, reliable, relational database with robust features, formal data typecasting, and easily configured reports. Even though it's not suited to dynamic data-driven websites, it can be used, with a bit of creativity, to generate output in an HTML format that can be uploaded as a static page. In some situations I have used this function where the web data did not change on more than a daily basis. Access, in combination with the Microsoft Task Scheduler and other third party tools, was successfully automated to generate catalog pages and upload them to the company website. These were not transactional. That is, they were not a "click to buy" interface that then went back to the database, generated a sales order, relieved inventory, and printed out a pull ticket. While that may be possible, it's just not practical. There are better options like Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, or MySQL to do that. The ability to script operations does open up automation possibilities with the Task Scheduler. For example, running a daily report of new entries, is somewhat simple and useful. These are the kinds of things one can do in Access, that are more robust and more reliable than a spreadsheet driven solution. And many of these features can be accomplished with point and click, drag and drop, or selecting options from an available list of choices, making powerful database operations within reach of a general "power-user" who does not have full formal programming skills. ### 23. Basic user, but what I use is easy to navigate **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** David O. | Service Items Manager, Photography, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 14, 2016 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Basic use is pretty straight forward and not complicated. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** I only use it on the more basic levels, and it's pretty simple. If it had a more 'friendly' interface, it might get more people to use it. UPDATE: We updated to a new version. Looks nice, but I'm still getting used to the more "streamlined" design. It still functions great, despite my learning curve. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** I use it to create databases for projects like ID cards, mailing lists, order information, and any client data-driven reports. ### 24. Utilize Database on your own with comfort and ease of Microsoft's office **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Satbir S. | Data Management Expert, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 06, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** User-friendliness of the interface and the vast scope of possibilities in it **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** A bit outdated n comparison to solutions available on the market, specifically for large datasets **Recommendations to others considering Microsoft Access:** For startups still dependent on spreadsheet solutions and in need of shifting to database solutions, please start with Microsoft Access. It's an excellent way to get started and learn before moving with a more prominent database solution. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** We are using it to collect and manage data by multiple users on a single point in a much better-organized way than possible by spreadsheet solutions. ### 25. Review of "Microsoft Access"!!!very easy to use. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Telecommunications | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** I like the interface, which I am very familiar with, and it is very easy to use. Microsoft Access help me to create a different type of report for my company. I also like different templates that fit my needs exactly, and also the data management tool which works great. This application can handle by anyone it is that easy to use. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** I have been using Microsoft Access for at least 3 years now and have never faced any issue with it. **Recommendations to others considering Microsoft Access:** Yes, Recommend to anyone who wants to make report creating easier. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** I have used Microsoft Access to create many reports for my organisation which has helped them to make a final decision for the project and it's is so simple and easy to use software that makes my work easier. ### 26. Not very novice friendly **Rating:** 2.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** April A. | Senior Analyst, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 08, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Once databases are set up, and we receive training, it seems pretty easy to use. However, getting started is a challenge for those of us who are novices with programming and databases. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** I don't particularly appreciate that it is not user-friendly with novice users. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** The product helps us manage our consumers and inventory. ### 27. Can be a little complex but it works. **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Kelly S. | Computer Commons Support Staff, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 28, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** I like that it integrates wel with other Microsoft products. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** I feel it's not the most user friendly database software and I've spent a lot of time trying to teach coworkers how to deal with it. **Recommendations to others considering Microsoft Access:** Make sure you save your files a lot as it's easy to make mistakes and lose work. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** We mostly used it so we'd be able to help others with it (higher education). I do feel it's good to know access if you're using other ms office products for easier integration. ### 28. Best database system for small scale databases! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Omkar Vilas M. | Software Engineer, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 24, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Easy to install and use. Easy to integrate with other databases such as MySql, Oracle ETC. User-friendly. Convenient storage capacity for small-scale databases.. Multitasking is possible. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** Not suitable for massive scale databases. Slows down the performance with massive data. **Recommendations to others considering Microsoft Access:** Keep it up! **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** I am using Access databases for maintaining my schedule and accessing my grocery inventory. ### 29. Microsoft Access Review **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Hospital & Health Care | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 03, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** It's a powerful tool to store data without needing to learn how to code! Perfect for when you need to create tables with a subset of data from a huge dataset! It's also great that multiple users can edit/use it at the same time! **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** Someone large learning curve for anyone who is not use to large sets of data. Organization of data needs to be set up well. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** Sometimes it crashes and everyone using it has to exit out o f the program in order it to be fixed. Sometimes it's not fixable. ### 30. Access Survey **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Batricia D. | Lead Systems Applications Analyst/Testing, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 07, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** The ability to define data using filters and parameters and update data without having to do it manually **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** It crashes a lot and sometimes information can be lost if not backed up **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** Reporting, assignments, tracking work projects ### 31. Good database system for small businesses **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Rachel S. | Consultant e-learning content, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 24, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Like most Microsoft applications, this is a simple product to use. There is a wizard that helps you. No extensive database knowledge is required to use it. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** It is better to avoid being multiple users using it simultaneously. Indeed, this often leads to problems of operation. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** We have small applications used by a small number of users and with a reasonable amount of data. We didn’t want to put a lot of money into a database. So we turned to Access. ### 32. General **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Market Research | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 18, 2022 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Easy to use Good for small volume of data **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** It hangs a lot when size of the file gets bigger **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** Manage database for the smaller group. Since it's offline it's easy to use and work with. I basically use it for my cluster's performance, KPI, etc. ### 33. Microsoft Access For Effective Handling of Data **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Professional Training & Coaching | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 15, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** It is easy to set up and use. It enables me to create a fully functional database. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** I cannot access Microsoft via the internet. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** Problem: Confusion - I did not know how many manuals to print for students as I couldn't track student numbers. Solution: Microsoft Access allows me to know the exact number of students in the entire training center. Problem: During emergencies, I couldn't call the student's guardians to notify them of the emergencies as I did not have their contact details. Solution: Microsoft Access has a field that allows me to insert student's guardian details. ### 34. Access has it's place, just not with me **Rating:** 2.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Education Management | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 04, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** It does a great job building databases and files. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** It isn't something I find I have to use often in my line of work. Whatever Access is recommended for, I can use Excel instead. We don't use it often, but sometimes. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** We have a way to organize student info and survey responses and analyze the data. ### 35. Review of MS Access **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Erica D. | Tecnhnical Writer and Graphic Designer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 07, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Relational. Know it well so I don't have to think too hard **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** Can't share online with others unless they have Sharepoint **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** Online sharing ### 36. Data base system **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Aviation & Aerospace | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 30, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** The ability to customize to fit your needs **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** It can get complicated, and have glitches. You definitely need to know how to use this program to work and I understand the functionality **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** Data base system to create total comp reports and system for managers to propose merit increases and bonus metrics tracking ### 37. A great medium to store heavy data **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Sarwat F. | Quality Analyst(Statistics), Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 23, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** A large count of data can be stored in MS Access easily and can be used for performing monthly and quarterly runs. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** The Interface is really slow. A lot of patience is required to work on Access databse. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** Dealing with lakhs of data on a daily basis. Running queries to get the exact policyholder details since I used this in a Life Insurance company I previously worked with. ### 38. Great software for managing large quantities of data **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Construction | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 28, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Access is what we turn to when the data becomes too overwhelming on Excel. It's great for managing relational data. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** Access has the same downsides as other Microsoft software: Bugs, challenging to use, and has a long learning curve. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** Access is helping us keep track of data and input forms quickly and reliably. ### 39. MS Access - Powerful Tool to store, connect and analyse large set of data **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Telecommunications | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 26, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Easy to install and use for daily reportings Low on cost Flexibility to integrate with other tools like SQL, Excel, etc Provides large data storage space **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** Security concerns can arise Storage is big but still finite All data has to be stored in one file Files can get corrupt **Recommendations to others considering Microsoft Access:** Good tool if you face challenges in handling large amount of data in Excel files Quick and easy data retrieval Flexibility to connect multiple input sources **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** Pulling data from multiple sources like SQL, Excel Creating relationships in access database Creating user forms Storing large amount of data in single source ### 40. Swift, straightforward database creation **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Translation and Localization | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 22, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** The most convenient aspect of Access for me is the ease with which I can import/export to other MS applications. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** There's nothing inherently wrong with Access, but I do keep noticing open source tools popping up that set out to replicate what Access can do. That doesn't change the fact that Access is an excellent soltion for me. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** MS Access enabled me to set up a datatabase and create reports with the minimum of fuss. That reporting functionality was hugely valuable for me. ### 41. Great for business needs **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Commercial Real Estate | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 20, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** It is great for managing data and keeps you organized. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** Data is saved into a single file and the security isn't great. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** It is very productive and has great data management making it easy to search ### 42. Access review for a small company **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Information Technology and Services | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 01, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** The simplicity and ease to learn makes a small company be able to adapt and move faster. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** When it becomes to customized you can begin to outgrow the product. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** We run all verification from printing orders, updating data to import into our ERP. ### 43. Not the best database option **Rating:** 1.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Higher Education | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 23, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** It is helpful when we are working with semester schedules **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** It is difficult to use among numerous users **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** Using it to solve scheduling issues in academic departments. It can keep lots of data from all programs efficiently. ### 44. Microsoft Access **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer Software | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 06, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Microsoft Access is very simple and easy as a database. It is the best tool. We can modify or update the database very easily. It saves a lot of time and I recommend this to everyone. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** It is a Little difficult who does not have any knowledge about Access. There are no security concerns. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** It is a very time-saving process and easy to use. ### 45. Access not that friendly **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** DAvid S. | Head of Alternative Investments **Reviewed Date:** August 30, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Crossing tables is very useful and superior than excel **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** it is not that intuitive for me, or perhaps I'm nos as familiar as with Excel **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** robustness of the database. reliability of the qualitiy of the information. ### 46. Great Interface. Easy to use. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Aviation & Aerospace | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 26, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Intuitive to use. Online help files are plentiful. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** What's not to like? It's a very useful tool. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** Task management for specific non-engineering projects at this time. Asset management (until we get automated tracking equipment). ### 47. Powerful Tool for Tech Savvy **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Edder O. | Data Analytics Manager, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 03, 2020 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Microsoft Access is a very powerful tool that really requires advanced users to handle it. That would be not exactly a bad thing, because that way you know that whomever is handling important data in it, has sufficient knowledge to not break things down. Access is a power source to maintain logs of data, because it lacks all the pretty visuals that other applications use, this one is for what it is: store large amounts of data. Being able to connect the backend of the database directly onto a Sharepoint, is a huge advantage and a very good resource to safe keep your data. In the way we use this tool in our company, we allow specific users to input data in it and edit existing data, they don't manage operational tools in it due to lack of technical know how. The integration we did for our Access Database, has resulted in plenty of processes for us to increase their functionality. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** The biggest downside with Microsoft Access is the fact that is not a multiple-user friendly tool. Another issue, is the level of difficulty to use it. Basic level users, can only handle a database that is already constructed but very unlikely that you would be able to have them create for example, and entry form using Macros, see what i'm saying here? It's just not the best of friends for the not-so-tech savvy. **Recommendations to others considering Microsoft Access:** You need to assess your needs before you make the jump. If what you need is strictly data storage, then by all means, come to Access. Please don't trouble yourself if you will need someone to constantly enter data here manually because is going to cost more headaches that it will solve. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** Biggest advantage with Access is it being a tool that can handle massive amounts of data without slowing down in performance. This statement is true when you're doing a comparison of an Excel Spreadsheet and Access ### 48. Simple Small Business Database Solution **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Chad R. P. | Owner / Project Manager, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 28, 2020 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Microsoft Access was the first database I used. We were basically a 4 person operation, but we tracked a lot of phone calls for health intake forms and claims processing. It was all that was needed for our small business needs. I liked how easy it was to navigate and provided an easy to see record of contacts. It was secure. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** Microsoft Access was not structured for connecting information between records for accessing more universal data, such as for my work in academic libraries (We used SirsiDynix Workflows) and in Product Lifecycle Management (we use Arena). I'm not sure if Access has kept up with the times for greater needs than we had. **Recommendations to others considering Microsoft Access:** Just make sure it does everything you specifically need it to do. Compare it with other database tools and reviews. Try it out as part of the Microsoft Suite, because it might already meet your needs and most businesses have it in their Microsoft package anyway. Get an expert to setup the interface of pages for more advanced uses. I do not recommend its use for process flow of data or knowledge management. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** It was simple, clean and effective. It served our purposes for collecting large amounts of sensitive information and protecting it. It was easy to access the information while on a phone call with a provider or a customer. It was easy to direct co-workers to a record and easy to train others to use. ### 49. Database for beginners **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Education Management | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 31, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Easy and smooth installation. It has a large amount of storage and is easy to integrate with other softwares. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** It is a limited database system, and all the work data is stored in a single file only. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** Microsoft Access serves as the learning platform for beginners before proceeding to more complex database systems like SQL. ### 50. Love Hate Relationship **Rating:** 2.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Barbara R. | Office Manager **Reviewed Date:** June 28, 2021 **What do you like best about Microsoft Access?** Love the ease of making forms and reports. **What do you dislike about Microsoft Access?** It is not available in Windows 11. I don't even have access to my access forms. **What problems is Microsoft Access solving and how is that benefiting you?** I set up my commissions statements in Access. Took a while to learn, but so easy to use. ## Microsoft Access Discussions - [do you know other useful documentation besides those of Microsoft?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/do-you-know-other-useful-documentation-besides-those-of-microsoft) - 2 comments, 1 upvote - [Is it reliable to use Access forms just like visual basic to build applications?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-it-reliable-to-use-access-forms-just-like-visual-basic-to-build-applications) - 2 comments, 1 upvote - [What is Microsoft Access used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/microsoft-access-what-is-microsoft-access-used-for) - 1 comment - [what is microsoft access used for](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-microsoft-access-used-for) - 4 comments - [View Microsoft Access pricing details and edition comparison](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-access/reviews?page=3§ion=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-07-16+23%3A18%3A30+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=e39c5c2c-628e-4777-abb7-63b0e7f8222a&secure%5Btoken%5D=e8fa6faf6b874487f9f7487d86e3cfb620a26d5ee052a8b732955f6c86fc243c&format=llm_user) ## Microsoft Access Integrations - [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) - [Azure SQL Database](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-sql-database/reviews) - [Jitterbit](https://www.g2.com/products/jitterbit/reviews) - [Microsoft Excel](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-excel/reviews) - [Microsoft SQL Server](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews) - [MySQL](https://www.g2.com/products/mysql/reviews) - [Octopart](https://www.g2.com/products/octopart/reviews) - [SAP Business One](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-business-one/reviews) ## Top Microsoft Access Alternatives - [Ninox](https://www.g2.com/products/ninox/reviews) - 4.7/5.0 (332 reviews) - [OpenOffice Base](https://www.g2.com/products/openoffice-base/reviews) - 4.1/5.0 (52 reviews) - [Memento Database](https://www.g2.com/products/memento-database/reviews) - 4.5/5.0 (47 reviews)