Best Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 alongside similar software solutions including Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2, Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU, Microsoft SQL Server Standard Edition 64 Bit CD/DV, Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 Query Tools ENU and MySQL Community Edition.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2, Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU, Microsoft SQL Server Standard Edition 64 Bit CD/DV, Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 Query Tools ENU and MySQL Community Edition stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Maximum Database Size
 Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2
|
50 GB |
 Microsoft SQL Server 2008
|
50 GB |
 Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU
|
Small to medium-sized applications, size limitations implied |
 Microsoft SQL Server Standard Edition 64 Bit CD/DV
|
Supports very large datasets, up to 128 GB RAM usage observed |
 Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU
|
Maximum database size limit up to 4 GB |
 Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 Query Tools ENU
|
Limited storage capacity with size limits around 4 GB |
 MySQL Community Edition
|
No explicit max size, scalable for large database systems |
Deployment and Platform Support
|
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2
|
Supports Windows Server 2003, 2008, 32-bit and 64-bit architectures |
|
Microsoft SQL Server 2008
|
Supports Windows Server editions; recommended 64-bit processors |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU
|
Windows desktop and mobile operating systems, supports mobile apps, easy deployment with no service installation required |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Standard Edition 64 Bit CD/DV
|
Supports Windows Server, cloud environments including AWS and Azure |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU
|
Windows operating systems with easy deployment and no service installation |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 Query Tools ENU
|
Graphical tools for desktop and small-scale applications on Windows |
|
MySQL Community Edition
|
Cross-platform support including Linux, MacOS, Windows |
Licensing and Cost
|
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2
|
Enterprise editions entail expensive licensing fees |
|
Microsoft SQL Server 2008
|
High licensing costs, various editions available including Express (free) |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU
|
Free with some features available without additional cost; minimal administration costs |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Standard Edition 64 Bit CD/DV
|
Server + CAL licensing model with high licensing costs for advanced features |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU
|
No additional cost for usage; free deployment |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 Query Tools ENU
|
Free download with limited features |
|
MySQL Community Edition
|
Free and open-source under GPL; paid support options available |
Backup and Recovery Options
|
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2
|
Supports full backups, differential backups, transaction log backups |
|
Microsoft SQL Server 2008
|
Provides full database backups, differential backups, transaction log backups, piecemeal backups, mirror backups, snapshot backups |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU
|
Limited support for backup; suitable for moderate-sized databases |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Standard Edition 64 Bit CD/DV
|
Comprehensive backup and disaster recovery solutions available |
|
MySQL Community Edition
|
Backup via third-party tools; relies on community solutions |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 stacks up against Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2, Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU, Microsoft SQL Server Standard Edition 64 Bit CD/DV, Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 Query Tools ENU and MySQL Community Edition in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
License
|
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2
|
Commercial |
|
Microsoft SQL Server 2008
|
Commercial |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU
|
Commercial |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Standard Edition 64 Bit CD/DV
|
Commercial |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU
|
Commercial |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 Query Tools ENU
|
Commercial |
|
MySQL Community Edition
|
Open Source |