List of the Top 25 SQL Databases for Windows in 2025

RaimaDB is an embedded time series database designed specifically for Edge and IoT devices, capable of operating entirely in-memory. This powerful and lightweight relational database management system (RDBMS) is not only secure but has also been validated by over 20,000 developers globally, with deployments exceeding 25 million instances. It excels in high-performance environments and is tailored for critical applications across various sectors, particularly in edge computing and IoT. Its efficient architecture makes it particularly suitable for systems with limited resources, offering both in-memory and persistent storage capabilities. RaimaDB supports versatile data modeling, accommodating traditional relational approaches alongside direct relationships via network model sets. The database guarantees data integrity with ACID-compliant transactions and employs a variety of advanced indexing techniques, including B+Tree, Hash Table, R-Tree, and AVL-Tree, to enhance data accessibility and reliability. Furthermore, it is designed to handle real-time processing demands, featuring multi-version concurrency control (MVCC) and snapshot isolation, which collectively position it as a dependable choice for applications where both speed and stability are essential. This combination of features makes RaimaDB an invaluable asset for developers looking to optimize performance in their applications.

Percona Server serves as a fully-compatible and enhanced open-source alternative to MySQL, designed for seamless integration. With its remarkable performance, scalability, and advanced instrumentation, the software has garnered over 5.3 million downloads, demonstrating its widespread acceptance. The support for high-performance hardware ensures that users experience outstanding reliability in their database operations. In addition to these features, Percona Server MySQL provides enterprise-level capabilities, increased uptime, and numerous advantages that significantly boost database performance and operational efficiency. As users find themselves spending less time on tuning and administration tasks, they can redirect their focus toward more critical aspects of their projects and businesses. Recognized as a leader in the market, Percona offers a range of enterprise-class software solutions and support options. Their services encompass consulting, managed solutions, and training for both on-premise and cloud-based open-source databases. Established with a vision that everyone deserves access to scalable, secure, and efficient database solutions without the burdens of vendor lock-in or exorbitant costs, Percona remains committed to empowering its users with the tools and knowledge they need.

SQLite is a library written in C that delivers a compact, efficient, and fully-featured SQL database engine that is both reliable and widely used. It is regarded as the most popular database engine in the world, integrated into virtually every mobile device and most computers, along with countless applications that people utilize on a daily basis. Functioning as an in-process library, SQLite serves as a self-contained, serverless, and zero-configuration transactional SQL database engine. The source code is in the public domain, allowing anyone to utilize it freely for both commercial and personal endeavors. Thanks to its extensive integration and deployment across various platforms, SQLite has become an essential resource for developers engaged in significant projects. Its remarkable adaptability and user-friendliness are key factors that contribute to its unparalleled popularity within the database arena, making it a go-to choice for many. This widespread adoption showcases its importance in modern software development and data management practices.

MySQL is recognized as the leading open source database in the world. Its impressive history of reliability, performance, and ease of use has made it the go-to choice for many web applications, including major platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, as well as the five most visited websites. Additionally, MySQL is a popular option for embedded database solutions, with many independent software vendors and original equipment manufacturers distributing it. The database's flexibility and powerful capabilities further enhance its popularity across diverse sectors, making it a critical tool for developers and businesses alike. Its continued evolution ensures that it remains relevant in an ever-changing technological landscape.

Microsoft SQL Server 2019 merges cutting-edge intelligence with robust security features, presenting a wealth of additional tools at no extra expense while maintaining exceptional performance and flexibility tailored for on-premises needs. Users can effortlessly migrate to the cloud, fully leveraging its operational efficiency and nimbleness without modifying their existing codebase. By harnessing Azure, organizations can speed up the generation of insights and engage in predictive analytics more effectively. The development process remains versatile, empowering users to select their preferred technologies, including those from the open-source community, all backed by Microsoft's continuous innovations. This platform facilitates straightforward data integration within applications and provides an extensive range of cognitive services designed to nurture human-like intelligence, accommodating any data volume. AI is fundamentally woven into the data platform, enabling faster insight extraction from data stored both on-premises and in the cloud. Combining proprietary enterprise data with global datasets allows organizations to cultivate a culture steeped in intelligence. Moreover, the adaptable data platform ensures a uniform user experience across diverse environments, significantly reducing the time required to launch new innovations; this flexibility enables developers to create and deploy applications in multiple settings, ultimately boosting overall operational productivity and effectiveness. As a result, businesses can respond swiftly to market changes and evolving customer demands.

Redis Labs serves as the official home of Redis, showcasing its leading product, Redis Enterprise, which is recognized as the most advanced version of Redis. Offering much more than mere caching capabilities, Redis Enterprise is accessible for free in the cloud, delivering NoSQL solutions and utilizing the fastest in-memory database available. The platform is designed for scalability and enterprise-level resilience, enabling massive scaling along with user-friendly administration and operational efficiency. Notably, Redis in the Cloud has gained popularity among DevOps professionals due to its capabilities. Developers benefit from advanced data structures and a broad range of modules, empowering them to foster innovation and achieve quicker time-to-market. Chief Information Officers appreciate the robust security and reliable expert support that Redis provides, ensuring an impressive uptime of 99.999%. For scenarios involving active-active configurations, geodistribution, and conflict resolution with read/write operations across multiple regions on the same dataset, relational databases are recommended. Furthermore, Redis Enterprise facilitates various flexible deployment options, making it adaptable to different environments. The ecosystem also includes Redis JSON, Redis Java, and Python Redis, along with best practices for Redis on Kubernetes and GUI management, solidifying its versatility in modern application development.

What contributes to the platform independence of eXtremeDB? It features a hybrid data storage approach, allowing for configurations that are entirely in-memory or fully persistent, as well as combinations of both, unlike many other IMDS databases. Additionally, eXtremeDB incorporates its proprietary Active Replication Fabric™, enabling not only bidirectional replication but also multi-tier replication, which can optimize data transfer across various network conditions through built-in compression techniques. Furthermore, it offers flexibility in structuring time series data by supporting both row-based and column-based formats, enhancing CPU cache efficiency. eXtremeDB can operate as either a client/server architecture or as an embedded system, providing adaptable and speedy data management solutions. With its design tailored for resource-limited, mission-critical embedded applications, eXtremeDB is utilized in over 30 million deployments globally, ranging from routers and satellites to trains and stock market operations, showcasing its versatility across diverse industries.

Revolutionize your transaction-oriented applications, whether hosted on-premise or in the cloud, by implementing SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise (SAP ASE). This state-of-the-art SQL database server employs a relational management system tailored to meet the growing demands for performance, dependability, and efficiency across multiple industries. Enhance your operational efficiency and reduce expenses with tools such as the workload analyzer and workload profiler, which provide built-in high availability and robust disaster recovery capabilities alongside optimal resource management. Increase your transaction capacity, data handling, and user engagement while elevating performance through advanced technological innovations like MemScale and XOLTP. By lowering overhead on production databases, Q-Free employees can focus more on fostering innovation and creating value for their clients. SAP ASE can be deployed both on-premise and via infrastructure as a service (IaaS), guaranteeing the high performance and availability critical for handling mission-critical transactions. This flexibility not only enables businesses to respond quickly to changing market conditions but also empowers them to scale their operations seamlessly. With SAP ASE, companies can achieve a competitive edge while ensuring their applications remain robust and responsive to user needs.

Microsoft has dedicated substantial resources to fostering a strong integration between .NET and SQL Server, which is beautifully encapsulated by VistaDB in a compact and user-friendly package. The VistaDB engine is comprised of a single, lightweight managed assembly that can seamlessly merge with your application, with each database functioning as an independent file. Utilizing Xamarin, developers can enjoy the benefits of a complete relational database management system (RDBMS) directly on mobile devices. Acting as a fully compliant ADO.NET data provider, VistaDB supports Entity Framework, ADO.NET, and Typed Datasets, in addition to offering a specialized direct access API designed for efficient cursor operations. Through ADO.NET, VistaDB integrates effortlessly with a wide array of third-party object-relational mappers (ORMs), reporting solutions, and other tools. It also fully adheres to the ADO.NET provider factory model, allowing developers to maintain a consistent codebase that can switch between VistaDB and SQL Server at runtime. This flexibility benefits a wide range of applications developed on ADO.NET, including not just personal software but also various reporting systems, ORMs, and other data-oriented libraries within the .NET framework. Overall, VistaDB empowers developers to leverage the capabilities of a comprehensive database system while enjoying straightforward deployment and user experience, making it an attractive choice for modern application development. Furthermore, its lightweight nature and ease of use ensure that developers can focus on building innovative solutions without being bogged down by complex database management concerns.

Firebird is a versatile relational database that adheres to many ANSI SQL standards and offers compatibility across Linux, Windows, and various Unix platforms. Its features include exceptional concurrency, high performance, and strong support for stored procedures and triggers, which contribute to its widespread use in different applications. Since its launch in 1981, Firebird has been employed in various production settings under several different names. The Firebird Project functions autonomously, comprising a team of C and C++ developers, technical advisors, and community supporters who all play a role in the continued enhancement of this multi-platform relational database management system, derived from the source code released by Inprise Corp (now known as Borland Software Corp) on July 25, 2000. In addition, the Firebird Project offers an extensive array of documentation for users, developers, and administrators, including beginner-friendly Quick Start guides and detailed expert articles that delve into various features of the Firebird system. This comprehensive resource guarantees that anyone engaging with Firebird has access to the necessary information to refine their experience and maximize the database's capabilities. As a result, the Firebird community continues to grow, enhancing collaboration and knowledge sharing among its users.

CUBRID is a relational database management system (DBMS) tailored for online transaction processing (OLTP) that complies with ANSI SQL standards, featuring support for MVCC, high availability, and intuitive GUI tools for database management and migration. It is designed to be compatible with Oracle and MySQL, while also supporting various interfaces like JDBC. Users will find the installation process to be seamless, complemented by native GUI-based administration tools that facilitate development. The system's architecture is both multi-threaded and multi-server, incorporating a native broker middleware, a cost-based optimizer, and advanced caching techniques specifically aimed at boosting OLTP performance. Moreover, it includes dependable automatic failover technology through the CUBRID Heartbeat engine core, which guarantees minimal downtime for users. Supporting multi-volume configurations and automatic volume expansion, CUBRID can efficiently manage a vast number of databases, tables, and indexes without facing size constraints. Its extensive and reliable features make it an excellent choice for dynamic and scalable applications across diverse industries, ensuring that it meets the varied demands of modern enterprise requirements. In conclusion, CUBRID stands out as a versatile solution for organizations seeking robust database management capabilities.

IBM Db2 represents a comprehensive array of data management solutions, with a strong emphasis on the Db2 relational database. These solutions incorporate AI-driven features aimed at facilitating the management of both structured and unstructured data within a variety of on-premises and multicloud environments. By making data more accessible, the Db2 suite enables companies to fully harness the benefits of AI technology. Most of the Db2 components are seamlessly integrated into the IBM Cloud Pak® for Data platform, offered either as supplementary features or as inherent data source services, which guarantees that nearly all data is available across hybrid or multicloud infrastructures to support AI-centric applications. Users can easily consolidate their transactional data repositories and quickly gain insights through intelligent, universal querying across multiple data sources. The multimodel capabilities contribute to cost reduction by eliminating the need for data replication and migration. Furthermore, Db2 provides remarkable flexibility, allowing for deployment across any cloud service provider, thus enhancing operational agility and responsiveness. This range of deployment options ensures that organizations can modify their data management approaches to align with their evolving requirements, ultimately fostering innovation and adaptability in their operations. This adaptability is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in today’s rapidly changing business landscape.

Greenplum Database® is recognized as a cutting-edge, all-encompassing open-source data warehouse solution. It shines in delivering quick and powerful analytics on data sets that can scale to petabytes. Tailored specifically for big data analytics, the system is powered by a sophisticated cost-based query optimizer that guarantees outstanding performance for analytical queries on large data sets. Operating under the Apache 2 license, we express our heartfelt appreciation to all current contributors and warmly welcome new participants to join our collaborative efforts. In the Greenplum Database community, all contributions are cherished, no matter how small, and we wholeheartedly promote various forms of engagement. This platform acts as an open-source, massively parallel data environment specifically designed for analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence initiatives. Users can rapidly create and deploy models aimed at addressing intricate challenges in areas like cybersecurity, predictive maintenance, risk management, and fraud detection, among many others. Explore the possibilities of a fully integrated, feature-rich open-source analytics platform that fosters innovation and drives progress in numerous fields. Additionally, the community thrives on collaboration, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptation to emerging technologies in data analytics.

To sustain uninterrupted operations, businesses need effective solutions for improving system functionality, accelerating data processing, and guaranteeing reliable storage. In-memory technologies have proven to be valuable assets in tackling these issues. For over ten years, Tarantool has played a pivotal role in helping organizations worldwide develop intelligent caches, data marts, and detailed client profiles while maximizing server efficiency. This strategy not only cuts down storage costs related to credential management compared to standalone solutions but also enhances the overall service quality and security for client applications. Moreover, it reduces data management expenses by decreasing the number of independent systems that store customer identities. By examining user behavior and data insights, businesses can increase sales through faster and more precise product or service recommendations. Furthermore, improving the performance of mobile and web platforms can lead to a significant decrease in user drop-off rates. In larger companies, IT systems frequently operate within a closed network loop, which can create vulnerabilities as data flows without sufficient safeguards. Therefore, it is crucial for organizations to implement comprehensive strategies that not only protect their data but also optimize system performance and reliability. This dual focus can lead to enhanced customer trust and long-term business success.

The Mimer SQL codebase is widely regarded as one of the most sophisticated in the field. It features a modular design that guarantees outstanding maintainability, seamless scalability, and an emphasis on portability. Our proficiency in leveraging the full potential of computers and operating systems is evident in Mimer SQL. With a state-of-the-art SQL compiler that incorporates the most current optimization methods, along with an exceptional storage engine, Mimer SQL sets a benchmark for unparalleled speed and efficiency, constrained only by the capabilities of the hardware. The security measures integrated into Mimer SQL are consistently updated, ensuring that every detail is meticulously addressed. It provides robust protection for data whether it is in use, in transit, or stored, employing trusted and well-documented algorithms. As an ideal solution for modern in-vehicle computing systems, Mimer SQL offers the performance and reliability necessary to meet the stringent requirements of secure, flexible, and efficient data management in the context of today’s autonomous and connected vehicles. The innovative architecture of Mimer SQL not only enhances user confidence but also positions it as a go-to resource for all data management necessities, ensuring that users can trust its capabilities in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Apache Phoenix effectively merges online transaction processing (OLTP) with operational analytics in the Hadoop ecosystem, making it suitable for applications that require low-latency responses by blending the advantages of both domains. It utilizes standard SQL and JDBC APIs while providing full ACID transaction support, as well as the flexibility of schema-on-read common in NoSQL systems through its use of HBase for storage. Furthermore, Apache Phoenix integrates effortlessly with various components of the Hadoop ecosystem, including Spark, Hive, Pig, Flume, and MapReduce, thereby establishing itself as a robust data platform for both OLTP and operational analytics through the use of widely accepted industry-standard APIs. The framework translates SQL queries into a series of HBase scans, efficiently managing these operations to produce traditional JDBC result sets. By making direct use of the HBase API and implementing coprocessors along with specific filters, Apache Phoenix delivers exceptional performance, often providing results in mere milliseconds for smaller queries and within seconds for extensive datasets that contain millions of rows. This outstanding capability positions it as an optimal solution for applications that necessitate swift data retrieval and thorough analysis, further enhancing its appeal in the field of big data processing. Its ability to handle complex queries with efficiency only adds to its reputation as a top choice for developers seeking to harness the power of Hadoop for both transactional and analytical workloads.

As the shift towards distributed applications and architectures accelerates, it becomes crucial for your database to evolve in response. Experience the versatility of a distributed SQL database that can be deployed anytime and anywhere, customized to fit your unique needs. Upgrade your existing SQL applications to a powerful multi-node framework that can easily scale up or down based on fluctuating demand. Our Transaction Engines (TEs) and Storage Managers (SMs) work in harmony to ensure ACID compliance across diverse nodes. Through the adoption of a distributed architecture, your database gains the ability to endure the failure of one or more nodes while still providing uninterrupted access. You can strategically position TEs and SMs to meet the demands of your workload or across the various environments your teams utilize, including private clouds, public clouds, hybrid configurations, or multiple cloud services. This remarkable flexibility guarantees that your database stays resilient and efficient amid a rapidly changing technological environment. Ultimately, the ability to adapt and thrive in such conditions will give your organization a significant competitive edge.

SAP HANA is a cutting-edge in-memory database that efficiently manages both transactional and analytical workloads by utilizing a single data copy, regardless of its nature. It effectively eliminates the divide between transactional and analytical functions within businesses, allowing for quick decision-making whether used in a traditional data center or through cloud services. This advanced database management system grants users the ability to develop intelligent, real-time applications, which promotes fast decision-making from a consolidated data repository. By integrating sophisticated analytics, it bolsters the performance of modern transaction processing systems. Organizations can leverage cloud-native features such as enhanced scalability, speed, and performance to create comprehensive data solutions. With SAP HANA Cloud, businesses gain access to dependable and actionable insights from a unified platform while maintaining stringent security, privacy, and data anonymization that align with established enterprise standards. In the rapidly evolving market landscape, the intelligent enterprise increasingly depends on prompt insights generated from data, highlighting the necessity for real-time access to critical information. As organizations face rising expectations for immediate insights, adopting a powerful database solution like SAP HANA is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. The ability to make informed decisions based on real-time data is becoming a key differentiator in business success.

FrontBase was created to fulfill the need for a robust and scalable relational database server tailored for internet applications, ensuring uninterrupted operation and minimal administrative overhead. Its exceptional speed, comprehensive features, and flexible architecture grant users a considerable edge over competitors. Not only does FrontBase excel in performance, but it also offers remarkable scalability, making it an ideal choice for a diverse range of databases, from simple personal projects to some of the largest enterprise systems around the world, all while significantly reducing the need for expensive database administration staff. Founded in 1996, FrontBase not only produces vital tools but also develops essential applications, such as the Command and Control Center utilized by the Copenhagen Police for 24/7 emergency response services. With a commitment to providing dedicated support and having specialized divisions in Tools, Core Development, and Professional Services, FrontBase is focused on helping clients achieve their goals, backed by three global offices that enhance its customer service capabilities. Their unwavering commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction remains the driving force behind their success in an ever-changing technological environment, paving the way for future advancements. Thus, FrontBase continues to explore new solutions to further empower its users and refine its offerings.

Delve into a wide range of SQL capabilities that empower you to create applications, from simple data analysis to intricate hybrid transactional and analytical processing systems. If you're keen on extracting valuable insights from your data while aiming for optimal efficiency or operating under tight deadlines, MonetDB stands out by delivering query results in mere seconds or even less. For those interested in enhancing or customizing their coding experience with specialized functions, MonetDB offers the flexibility to incorporate user-defined functions in SQL, Python, R, or C/C++. Join a dynamic MonetDB community that includes participants from over 130 countries, such as students, educators, researchers, startups, small enterprises, and major corporations. Embrace the cutting-edge of analytical database technology and join the wave of innovation! With MonetDB’s user-friendly installation process, you can swiftly set up your database management system, ensuring that users from diverse backgrounds can effectively utilize the power of data for their initiatives. This broad accessibility not only fosters creativity but also empowers individuals and organizations to maximize their analytical capabilities.

PostgreSQL is a robust and well-established open-source object-relational database system that has been under continuous development for over thirty years, earning a strong reputation for its dependability, rich features, and exceptional performance. The official documentation provides thorough resources for both installation and usage, making it an essential reference for newcomers and seasoned users alike. Moreover, the vibrant open-source community supports numerous forums and platforms where enthusiasts can deepen their understanding of PostgreSQL, explore its capabilities, and discover job openings in the field. Participating in this community can greatly enrich your knowledge while strengthening your ties to the PostgreSQL network. Recently, the PostgreSQL Global Development Group revealed updates for all currently supported versions, including 15.1, 14.6, 13.9, 12.13, 11.18, and 10.23, which fix 25 bugs reported in recent months. It is important to note that this update represents the final release for PostgreSQL 10, which will no longer receive any security patches or bug fixes moving forward. Therefore, if you are still using PostgreSQL 10 in a production environment, it is strongly advised to organize an upgrade to a newer version to maintain support and security. Transitioning to a more recent version will not only help safeguard your data but also enable you to benefit from the latest features and enhancements introduced in newer updates. Furthermore, keeping your database system up-to-date can significantly improve overall performance and provide better compatibility with modern applications.

SAP® MaxDB™, created and supported by SAP SE, functions as the exclusive database management system tailored for SAP applications. This database is specifically designed to reduce the overall cost of ownership (TCO) linked to SAP solutions. In SAP settings, MaxDB is essential for handling both application logic and the corresponding business data. It is crucial for the stability and efficiency of any SAP solution deployment. Users can access a wide range of resources for setting up and configuring the database, monitoring its performance, ensuring reliable data backups, as well as facilitating data import and export processes. Furthermore, it supports user management, performance enhancement, SQL refinement, error identification, and the creation of database applications. Tools integrated within the Computing Centre Management System (CCMS) allow for in-depth analysis of SAP MaxDB databases, scheduling of required tasks, and the monitoring of various database operations and alerts. For added convenience, a command-line interface is provided to streamline database administration, offering users greater control and visibility. This comprehensive framework guarantees that SAP MaxDB continues to be a powerful and adaptable option for managing enterprise data efficiently, catering to the evolving needs of businesses. Ultimately, its versatility and robust features make it an integral asset for organizations leveraging SAP solutions.

Actian Zen is a high-performance database management system designed for embedded applications, particularly those functioning at the edge, along with mobile and IoT platforms. It effectively combines SQL and NoSQL data models, providing developers with the versatility needed to manage a diverse range of structured and unstructured data. Known for its compact design, scalability, and outstanding reliability, Actian Zen is ideal for resource-constrained environments where steady performance and low maintenance are essential. Moreover, it features advanced security measures and a self-optimizing architecture that supports real-time data analytics and processing without the need for constant management. This system is widely adopted across various sectors, including healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, as it is crucial for handling distributed data environments that support their critical operations. Its distinct attributes make it an attractive option for organizations eager to embrace the benefits of edge computing technologies, fostering innovation and efficiency in their processes. Ultimately, Actian Zen stands out as a robust solution for modern data management challenges.

The MariaDB Platform stands out as a robust open-source database solution tailored for enterprise use. It is versatile enough to handle transactional, analytical, and hybrid workloads while accommodating both relational and JSON data formats. Its scalability ranges from single databases to extensive data warehouses and fully distributed SQL systems capable of processing millions of transactions every second, enabling interactive analytics on vast datasets. Additionally, MariaDB offers deployment options on standard hardware as well as across major public cloud services, including its own fully managed cloud database, MariaDB SkySQL. For further details, you can explore MariaDB.com, which offers comprehensive insights into its features and capabilities. Overall, MariaDB is designed to meet the diverse needs of modern data management.

Altibase distinguishes itself as a robust, open-source relational database designed for enterprise use, known for its exceptional performance. By leveraging in-memory processing alongside significant on-disk storage capabilities, it achieves speeds up to ten times faster than conventional on-disk databases. As a result, many organizations favor Altibase over other major players like Oracle, IBM, and Microsoft. Since its inception in 1999, it has effectively supplanted numerous traditional databases in industries requiring immediate data access. Altibase serves a diverse clientele of over 650 businesses worldwide, including eight members of the Fortune Global 500, facilitating thousands of vital deployments globally. The product is marked by its extensive maturity and rich array of features and functionalities. Altibase's open-source nature allows it to incorporate advanced technologies such as sharding to ensure scalability. Users enjoy the advantages of no licensing fees along with flexible, competitive subscription models. Over the span of two decades, Altibase has adeptly managed upwards of 6,000 mission-critical applications, showcasing its dependability and efficiency across various settings. This vast experience not only underlines its reliability but also positions Altibase as a prominent leader in the ever-evolving landscape of database technology, continuously adapting to meet the needs of modern enterprises.