Side by side
ArcadeDB vs Microsoft SQL Server
Both stand on database software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3
ArcadeDB brings several data models and query options into one database, with a free full-featured Community offering. Paid subscriptions are for support, with coverage depending on the selected plan.
Visit ArcadeDB Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1
SQL Server offers database, integration, and virtualization capabilities, with editions for production, development, and learning uses. Check the edition limits and licensing terms against your intended deployment.
Visit Microsoft SQL ServerThe facts
| ArcadeDB | Microsoft SQL Server | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | API, Linux, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Studio AI Assistant: $19.99 per license a month | Standard subscription: $1,418 a year |
| Plans published | 5 | 20 |
| Maker | ArcadeDB | Not published |
| Website | arcadedb.com | microsoft.com |
| On database software | #11 of 74 | #15 of 74 |
ArcadeDB: what it does well
- Full database is free under Apache 2.0.
- Supports ACID transactions in single-node and distributed deployments.
- Offers multiple query languages and a native Java API.
- Includes importers for Neo4j and OrientDB.
- Supports Docker, Maven, and Kubernetes installation.
What to know first
- Paid support starts at $299 a month per server.
- Support response targets and coverage vary by plan.
Microsoft SQL Server: what it does well
- Free Express edition is available.
- Includes replication and full-text search.
- Supports XML and JSON management.
- High availability and read replicas are listed.
- Windows, Linux, and Docker options are listed.
What to know first
- Express instances are limited to one socket or four cores.
- Express database size is 50 GB.
- Developer editions are not licensed for production.
- SQL Server 2025 does not support SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.
Alternatives to ArcadeDB Alternatives to Microsoft SQL Server The whole list