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Microsoft SQL Server Reviews & Product Details

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Value at a Glance

Averages based on real user reviews.

Time to Implement

3 months

Return on Investment

17 months

Microsoft SQL Server Media

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Microsoft SQL Server Reviews (2,264)

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Reviews

Microsoft SQL Server Reviews (2,264)

View 2 Video Reviews
4.4
2,265 reviews

Review Summary

Generated using AI from real user reviews
Users consistently praise Microsoft SQL Server for its reliability and ease of use, making it a preferred choice for managing large datasets and integrating with other Microsoft tools. The intuitive interface and robust performance help streamline data management tasks, although some users note that licensing costs can be high, particularly for smaller organizations.

Pros & Cons

Generated from real user reviews
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Verified User in Information Technology and Services
UI
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
"SQL Server is great. Gets the job done, doesn't crash, and has been completely reliable for us"
What do you like best about Microsoft SQL Server?

I like the easy to understand user interface. Database hierarchy on the left, and any scripting or other windows on the right. It's easy to code stored procedures, see the layout of databases, and other information at my fingertips. I use it all the time in conjunction with SQL Management Studio. It was superbly easy to set up and use. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Microsoft SQL Server?

I've never been a fan of the intricacies of database security - I leave that for the database administrators. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

GB
Analysis Master Trainer
Information Technology and Services
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Widely used for its robust features, scalability, and integration with the Microsoft ecosystem."
What do you like best about Microsoft SQL Server?

Security: SQL Server offers comprehensive security features, including encryption, row-level security, dynamic data masking, and integration with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory), ensuring data protection from unauthorized access. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Microsoft SQL Server?

Cost and Licensing Complexity: SQL Server can be expensive, particularly for large-scale deployments or those requiring advanced features. The licensing models can also be intricate and challenging to navigate, leading to higher total cost of ownership compared to open-source alternatives. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Miguel F.
MF
Tech Lead - .NET Software Architect & Cloud Solutions Architect
Computer Software
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Microsoft SQL Server, more than a RDBMS"
What do you like best about Microsoft SQL Server?

The capabilities to manage not only relational data, but documents like XML or JSON. Great for DR, with nice RTO and RPO. Awesome for replication like read replicas with log shipping. Flexible for user administration and robust permission sets. Great integration with OS, Windows, obviously. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Microsoft SQL Server?

I only dislike the prices and the integration with Linux, no capabilities to execute commands. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

JR
SQL Server Developer
Computer & Network Security
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
""It's robustness and scalability to handle all kinds of data as a true master of data management""
What do you like best about Microsoft SQL Server?

Its robustness to handle all kind of data for effective storage and presentations in form of analytics. I like it for automated backup and restoration. Have nicest menus. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Microsoft SQL Server?

It a heavy taking a lot of computer space and resources for which old machines can be frustrating. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Rajan S.
RS
Product Support Analyst II
Information Technology and Services
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Reliable, High-Performance Data Management with Seamless Integration"
What do you like best about Microsoft SQL Server?

I like Microsoft SQL Server for its reliability, strong performance, easy integration with other Microsoft tools, and powerful features for managing and analyzing data Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Microsoft SQL Server?

At times, it can feel a bit heavy, and the licensing costs may be quite high, particularly for smaller teams or projects. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Pranay Kumar M.
PM
Business Intelligence Analyst
Information Technology and Services
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"I regularly use this database for integration with Power BI and storing the data"
What do you like best about Microsoft SQL Server?

The user-friendly, GUI, dedicated SQL dialect for more advanced queries. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Microsoft SQL Server?

To see the output, we have to select the entire query and click execute. The syntax is not straight forward like MySQL. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Sergio C.
SC
I.T. Officer
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Microsoft SQL Server is more than a user-friendly and easy-to-manage relational database."
What do you like best about Microsoft SQL Server?

It seamlessly integrates with my ASP.NET and PHP applications, making it my preferred choice for development. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Microsoft SQL Server?

I don't like that it takes a long time to load. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

VR
Associate software engineer
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
"Microsoft SQL Server Review: Powerful and Scalable Data Management"
What do you like best about Microsoft SQL Server?

What I like best about Microsoft SQL Server is its robust performance, scalability, and advanced security features. The platform offers excellent tools for data management, backup, and recovery, along with seamless integration with other Microsoft products. Its intuitive interface and strong support for complex queries make it ideal for large enterprises managing high volumes of data. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Microsoft SQL Server?

What I dislike about Microsoft SQL Server is its high licensing costs, which can be a barrier for smaller businesses or startups. Additionally, it can be resource-intensive, requiring significant hardware and infrastructure for optimal performance, especially in large-scale environments. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Jorge Y.
JY
Software developer
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"The best enterprise database engine in the market"
What do you like best about Microsoft SQL Server?

Everything. It is the easiest to use, the most powerfull in the market, it allow you manage the database, the users, etc. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Microsoft SQL Server?

One of the worst thing about Microsoft SQL Server is that you need to pay to use it in all of their functions Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Computer & Network Security
UC
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"All-in-One Data Platform with Powerful Performance and Seamless Microsoft Integration"
What do you like best about Microsoft SQL Server?

It’s an all‑in‑one data platform. Performance tuning is powerful and surprisingly friendly.High availability options are mature.It plays nicely with the Microsoft ecosystem Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Microsoft SQL Server?

Licensing costs can be steep.Windows‑centric roots still show. High availability can be complex. Scaling out is harder than scaling up Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Questions about Microsoft SQL Server? Ask real users or explore answers from the community

Get practical answers, real workflows, and honest pros and cons from the G2 community or share your insights.

AB
ayoub bigongiali
Last activity almost 6 years ago

how did you import a MySQL database?

Camilo P.
CP
Camilo Patiño
Last activity almost 6 years ago

How can I work on the same query if the connection is lost (timeout) and then I reconnect?

Pricing Insights

Averages based on real user reviews.

Time to Implement

3 months

Return on Investment

17 months

Average Discount

14%

Perceived Cost

$$$$$

How much does MS SQL cost?

Data powered by BetterCloud.

Estimated Price

$$k - $$k

Per Year

Based on data from 16 purchases.

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Microsoft SQL Server Features
Storage
Availability
Stability
Data Migration
Backup and Recovery
Multi-User Environment
Data Replication
Query Language
Data Modeling
User Access Control
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MS SQL