Comprehensive comparison between the leading open-source database and Microsoft's enterprise database solution. Discover which database fits your platform, budget, and performance requirements.
Open Source
Microsoft Enterprise
| Feature | PostgreSQL | SQL Server |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing | Open Source (Free) | Commercial ($3,717-$14,256/core) |
| Platform Support | Cross-platform | Windows + Linux |
| Windows Integration | Good | Excellent |
| Performance | Excellent | Excellent |
| Enterprise Features | Good (extensions) | Comprehensive |
| Analytics | Strong | Superior (SSAS) |
| Learning Curve | Moderate | Moderate |
SQL Server shows slight advantage in standardized OLTP benchmarks.
SQL Server's columnstore indexes provide advantages in analytical workloads.
PostgreSQL handles more concurrent connections efficiently.
Completely free and open source
Commercial support from various vendors
Depends on support requirements
Minimum 4 cores per server
Advanced features and unlimited virtualization
Plus Software Assurance (25% annually)
PostgreSQL is significantly more cost-effective as it's open source with no licensing fees. SQL Server requires substantial licensing costs ($3,717-$14,256 per core) plus annual Software Assurance fees. For most organizations, PostgreSQL can provide similar functionality at a fraction of the cost.
Yes, PostgreSQL runs natively on Windows and provides excellent performance. However, SQL Server has deeper Windows integration features like Active Directory authentication, Windows services integration, and better integration with Microsoft Office products.
Both databases offer excellent performance. SQL Server may have slight advantages in some enterprise scenarios and analytical workloads due to features like columnstore indexes. PostgreSQL excels in concurrent connections and complex queries. Performance ultimately depends on proper tuning and workload characteristics.
Migration complexity depends on your SQL Server usage. Simple applications migrate relatively easily, while complex systems using T-SQL, SSRS, SSIS, or Windows-specific features require more planning. Tools like AWS DMS and migration assistants can help automate much of the process.
SQL Server has superior built-in BI capabilities with SSAS, SSRS, SSIS, and Power BI integration. PostgreSQL requires third-party tools for comprehensive BI but offers excellent integration with popular BI platforms and has strong analytical SQL capabilities.
Yes, PostgreSQL can replace SQL Server in many enterprise scenarios, especially when cost savings and platform flexibility are priorities. However, organizations heavily invested in Microsoft's BI stack or requiring specific Windows integrations may find SQL Server more suitable.