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Microsoft SQL Server
by Microsoft · Redmond, United States · Since 1989
Relational database.
Databases & data platformsFree plan
- Starting price
- Free Express/Developer · Standard $989/server
- Plus $230 per CAL; SQL Server 2022 list prices
- Free trial / plan
- Free plan
- Express (10 GB) and Developer (non-production)
- Deployment
- Cloud
- Web
- App Advisor rating
- 4.6
- transparency & India fit
What is Microsoft SQL Server?
Microsoft SQL Server is Microsoft's relational database. It comes in Enterprise, Standard, Web, Developer and Express editions and can be bought through volume licensing, as an annual subscription or pay-as-you-go via Azure Arc.
Express (databases up to 10 GB) and Developer (all Enterprise features, non-production only) are free. SQL Server 2022 list prices: Enterprise $15,123 per 2-core pack, Standard $3,945 per 2-core pack, or Standard Server $989 plus $230 per CAL.
What works well
- +Free Express and Developer editions
- +Developer includes every Enterprise feature
- +Multiple licensing routes: core, server + CAL, subscription, pay-as-you-go
What to watch out for
- −Enterprise licensing is expensive
- −Express limited to 10 GB databases
- −Developer cannot be used in production
Best suited for: Microsoft-stack businesses · Enterprises running mission-critical databases
AI analysis of Microsoft SQL Server
Analysing Microsoft SQL Server — pricing, features, reviews and alternatives…
Generated by App Advisor's native engine from this listing's verified data — not a paid placement.
Microsoft SQL Server features
Researched from Microsoft SQL Server's official product pages · updated September 2026.
Editions
- Enterprise
- Standard
- Web (hosting)
- Developer (free)
- Express (free)
Licensing
- Per core
- Server + CAL
- Annual subscription
- Pay-as-you-go via Azure Arc
Microsoft SQL Server pricing (USD)
SourceEvery edition as published by the vendor. Prices exclude GST unless stated. Full Microsoft SQL Server pricing breakdown
Express
$0
Free download
- Databases up to 10 GB
Developer
$0
Free, per user
- All Enterprise features
- Non-production dev/test only
Standard – Server + CAL
$989 per server
Plus $230 per CAL; volume licensing
- Mid-tier applications
Standard – Per core
$3,945
2-core pack
- Mid-tier applications
Enterprise
$15,123
2-core pack
- Mission-critical workloads
Other pricing options & add-ons
Standard subscription
2-core pack
$1,418/year
Enterprise subscription
2-core pack
$5,434/year
Pay-as-you-go Standard (Azure Arc)
$73/core/month or $0.100/core/hour
Pay-as-you-go Enterprise (Azure Arc)
$274/core/month or $0.375/core/hour
Web edition
Contact hosting partner
- • Prices are Microsoft's SQL Server 2022 US list prices; reseller prices vary
Buying for a team? App Advisor can get you a volume quote and any partner discount available.
Is Microsoft SQL Server the best choice for you?
Best choice if you are…
- Microsoft-stack businesses
- Enterprises running mission-critical databases
Look elsewhere if you are…
- Budget projects that need a free production database larger than 10 GB
Still comparing? Get an unbiased shortlist and demos arranged for free.
Sources (2) · updated September 2026
Microsoft SQL Server screenshots
Specifications
- Category
- Databases & data platforms
- Vendor
- Microsoft
- Headquarters
- Redmond, United States
- Founded
- 1989
- Pricing model
- Freemium
- Starting price
- Free plan
- Deployment
- Cloud
- Platforms
- Web
- Best for
- Startup, Small business, SMB
- Made in India
- No
More software like Microsoft SQL Server
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Compare all Microsoft SQL Server alternatives with pricing →Microsoft SQL Server — frequently asked questions
What are the SQL Server editions?+
Enterprise, Standard, Web (hosting partners only), Developer and Express.
Is MS SQL Server free?+
Express and Developer are free. Express supports databases up to 10 GB, and Developer has all Enterprise features but is only for non-production use.
How much does SQL Server Standard cost?+
$3,945 per 2-core pack, or $989 per server plus $230 per CAL (SQL Server 2022 list prices).
How much does SQL Server Enterprise cost?+
$15,123 per 2-core pack, or $5,434/year per 2-core pack as a subscription.
Can I pay for SQL Server monthly?+
Yes, pay-as-you-go through Azure Arc: Standard costs $73/core/month and Enterprise $274/core/month.
Can SQL Server Developer edition be used in production?+
No. Microsoft limits Developer to non-production dev/test environments.
What is Microsoft SQL Server?+
Microsoft SQL Server is databases & data platforms by Microsoft. Relational database.
How much does Microsoft SQL Server cost?+
Microsoft SQL Server has a free plan. Check the vendor's pricing page for current plans.
Does Microsoft SQL Server offer a free trial or free plan?+
Yes — Microsoft SQL Server offers a free plan you can start with.
Is Microsoft SQL Server made in India?+
No. Microsoft SQL Server is developed by Microsoft in Redmond, United States, though it is used by Indian businesses.
Who is Microsoft SQL Server best suited for?+
Microsoft SQL Server suits startup, small business, smb buyers looking for databases & data platforms.
What are the best alternatives to Microsoft SQL Server?+
Popular alternatives in databases & data platforms include PostgreSQL, Cassandra, MySQL. Use App Advisor's compare tool to see them side by side.
How is Microsoft SQL Server deployed?+
Microsoft SQL Server is available as a cloud (SaaS) product, with web access.
About Microsoft
Microsoft · Redmond, United States · Founded 1975 · 78 products in our catalogue
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