Head to head · Databases & data platforms
MariaDB vs Microsoft SQL Server
Pricing, features, India readiness and rating compared. MariaDB rates highest.
| Compare | MariaDB | Microsoft SQL Server |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Databases & data platforms | Databases & data platforms |
| Vendor | MariaDB Foundation | Microsoft |
| Headquarters | Helsinki, Finland | Redmond, United States |
| Made in India | No | No |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Published pricing | Yes | Yes |
| Deployment | cloud | cloud |
| Mobile apps | No | No |
| Founded | 2009 | 1989 |
| Best for | Startup, Small business, SMB | Startup, Small business, SMB |
| App Advisor rating | 4.6 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
MariaDB: pros & cons
- +Free plan available to evaluate at zero cost
- +17 years in business — a mature, stable product
- +One of the top-ranked databases & data platforms options in our catalogue
- −Global vendor — check India-specific compliance (GST, TDS) and support hours before you commit
Key features
- Relational and NoSQL engines
- Managed cloud hosting
- Data warehouses
- ETL/ELT pipelines
- Vector search for AI
- Backup and replication
Microsoft SQL Server: pros & cons
- +Free plan available to evaluate at zero cost
- +37 years in business — a mature, stable product
- −Global vendor — check India-specific compliance (GST, TDS) and support hours before you commit
Key features
- Relational and NoSQL engines
- Managed cloud hosting
- Data warehouses
- ETL/ELT pipelines
- Vector search for AI
- Backup and replication
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Frequently asked questions
Which is better, MariaDB or Microsoft SQL Server?+
MariaDB scores higher on App Advisor's rating (4.6/5) for pricing transparency, India readiness and maturity. The right choice depends on your workflow — request demos of both.
Is MariaDB cheaper than Microsoft SQL Server?+
MariaDB starts at Free plan and Microsoft SQL Server at Free plan. Compare per-user costs at your team size, and remember GST is added on top.
Can I switch from MariaDB to Microsoft SQL Server?+
Most databases & data platforms products import CSV or Excel data; check whether historical records, attachments and integrations move too before you switch.