Couchbase vs Microsoft SQL Server

by Gralio Feb 21, 2025

Couchbase and SQL Server cater to different database needs. Couchbase prioritizes speed, scalability, and flexible data handling, while SQL Server emphasizes robust SQL support, security, and integration with the Microsoft ecosystem. Choose Couchbase for modern, high-performance applications requiring diverse data handling. Opt for SQL Server for reliable, secure data management within a Microsoft-centric environment.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 4165 reviews and 60 websites, saving 23 hours, 38 minutes of reading.

Couchbase

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Microsoft SQL Server

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About

Couchbase is a versatile database designed for modern, data-intensive applications. Its strength lies in handling various data types efficiently, making it suitable for applications requiring speed and scalability. This adaptability simplifies data management and allows developers to use their preferred tools. While Couchbase serves diverse industries, it's particularly beneficial for companies with high-performance needs like real-time analytics and personalized user experiences. Its flexible deployment model accommodates both cloud-based and on-premise preferences.

Microsoft SQL Server is a database management system for businesses of all sizes. It helps you analyze various types of data and can be used in multiple environments, including on your servers and in the cloud. SQL Server offers high performance and strong security features. It allows developers to build applications using different programming languages and provides mobile business intelligence tools.

Summary

Main difference

Couchbase excels in handling diverse data types and scaling for high-performance applications, making it ideal for real-time analytics and personalized experiences. SQL Server offers robust SQL support, strong security, and seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, benefiting businesses needing reliable data management and compatibility with existing Microsoft tools.

Relative strengths of Couchbase (compared to Microsoft SQL Server)

Flexible data model accommodating various data types and JSON documents, simplifying data management.
Scalable architecture enabling horizontal scaling and high availability for demanding workloads.
Easy integration with various platforms and SDKs, streamlining development.

Relative weaknesses of Couchbase (compared to Microsoft SQL Server)

Steeper learning curve for N1QL compared to standard SQL.
Limited community support compared to established SQL databases.
Potential setup challenges on Linux systems.

Who should use Couchbase VS. Microsoft SQL Server

Couchbase is a fast and versatile NoSQL database known for its flexible data model and easy integration. Best for developers and enterprises needing high-performance, scalability, and real-time analytics, such as personalized user experiences. Users praise its speed and ease of use, while some find the setup and N1QL query language challenging.

Microsoft SQL Server is a robust and reliable database management system ideal for businesses of all sizes needing to analyze various types of data. Users praise its powerful querying capabilities and integration with other Microsoft products. However, some users mention high licensing costs and complex setup. It's a particularly good fit for the IT sector but also suitable for many other industries.

Best for small, medium, and large enterprises.
Ideal for Software, IT, and Telecommunications.

Ideal for small, medium, and large enterprises.
A good fit for Software, IT, and Telecommunications, suitable for various other industries.

Couchbase and Microsoft SQL Server features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

SQL Support

Supported

Couchbase supports SQL queries via its SQL++ query language, which is SQL-like and works with JSON data.

Supported

Microsoft SQL Server supports executing SQL queries.
SQL support

Supported

Couchbase supports SQL queries via SQL++, a SQL-like language designed for JSON.

Supported

SQL Server supports querying data using SQL.
SQL data transformation

Supported

Couchbase supports SQL-like data transformations using N1QL and SQL++.

Supported

SQL Server supports data transformations using SQL queries within Integration Services.
T-SQL support

Not supported

Couchbase does not support T-SQL for querying Microsoft SQL Server databases. It uses N1QL, a SQL-like language, for querying its own NoSQL database.

Supported

Microsoft SQL Server fully supports T-SQL for database queries.
RDBMS integration

Supported

Couchbase integrates with RDBMS via tools like cbimport, ETL processes, and CData drivers.

Supported

SQL Server integrates with other RDBMS through standard SQL interfaces and tools like SSIS.
Standard SQL support

Supported

Couchbase supports standard SQL syntax through its SQL++ query language.

Supported

Microsoft SQL Server supports queries written in standard SQL syntax.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

-1

Strongly negative sentiment

-0.33

Rather negative sentiment
Customer Service

No data

+0.76

Strongly positive sentiment
Ease of Use

+0.9

Strongly positive sentiment

+0.68

Rather positive sentiment
Reliability and Performance

+0.82

Strongly positive sentiment

+0.6

Rather positive sentiment
Ease of Implementation

-0.29

Neutral sentiment

+0.29

Neutral sentiment
Scalability

+1

Strongly positive sentiment

+0.27

Neutral sentiment

Couchbase and Microsoft SQL Server Pricing

Couchbase offers flexible pricing options for its Capella, Server, and Mobile products. Capella, the Database-as-a-Service offering, provides a free tier and various paid plans based on hourly node usage, with prices varying by region and cloud provider. Server, the self-managed option, requires contacting sales for pricing, while Mobile, the embedded database solution, also requires a custom quote. Couchbase highlights its cost-effectiveness and encourages potential customers to discuss pricing and explore their developer resources.

Plans

User sentiment

Strongly negative

-1

See full Pricing page

No data

User sentiment

Rather negative

-0.33

We couldn't find a pricing page for Microsoft SQL Server.

Couchbase and Microsoft SQL Server review insights

4165 reviews analysed from and

Users love

Fast NoSQL database with excellent performance for key-value operations.
Flexible data model, easily handling various data types and JSON documents.
Easy integration with various platforms and SDKs.
Scalable architecture, enabling horizontal scaling and high availability.
User-friendly web console for monitoring and administration.

Robust and reliable for data storage and management.
Powerful querying capabilities.
Easy integration with other Microsoft products and services (e.g., Azure, Power BI).
User-friendly interface with SQL Server Management Studio.
Large and supportive community.

Users dislike

Difficult setup on Linux systems.
N1QL has a steep learning curve, especially for users new to NoSQL.
Limited community support and fewer readily available resources compared to other NoSQL databases.
Concerns about inconsistent resource utilization, particularly memory and CPU.

High licensing costs for enterprise edition.
SQL Server Management Studio can be slow and resource intensive.
Limited JSON support in older versions.
Complex installation and configuration process.
Limited compatibility with non-Microsoft platforms.

Couchbase and Microsoft SQL Server Ratings

Glassdoor

4.3/5

(399)

Company health

Employee growth

2% increase in the last year

3% increase in the last year

Web traffic

5% increase in the last quarter

11% decrease in the last quarter

Financing

February 2020 - $251M

No data

How does Couchbase's NoSQL flexibility compare to SQL Server's relational structure?

Couchbase's NoSQL flexibility, handling diverse data types including JSON, contrasts with SQL Server's relational structure based on tables with predefined schemas. While SQL Server excels in structured data and transactional consistency, Couchbase offers schema-less design for agile development and evolving data structures. Couchbase uses SQL++ for querying, providing a familiar syntax for SQL users, but its core strength remains its ability to handle unstructured and semi-structured data that doesn't fit neatly into relational tables.

Which product best integrates with existing Microsoft-centric infrastructure?

Microsoft SQL Server (Product B) is the better choice for integration with an existing Microsoft-centric infrastructure. Its deep integration with other Microsoft products and services, including Azure and Power BI, simplifies data management and analysis within the Microsoft ecosystem. This native compatibility reduces the need for complex integrations and allows for a more seamless workflow compared to Couchbase.

What are the advantages of Couchbase?

Couchbase's advantages include its flexible data model, accommodating various data types and JSON documents, simplifying data management for developers. Its architecture is designed for scalability and high availability, catering to high-performance needs like real-time analytics. Furthermore, Couchbase offers easy integration with various platforms and SDKs, streamlining development processes. It's particularly well-suited for modern applications requiring speed and scalability.

What are the disadvantages of Couchbase?

Couchbase has a steeper learning curve for its query language (N1QL) compared to standard SQL, posing challenges for users unfamiliar with NoSQL databases. It also has a smaller community and fewer readily available resources compared to more established database solutions, potentially hindering troubleshooting and support. Some users report difficulties with the initial setup, particularly on Linux, and concerns about inconsistent resource utilization, which could impact performance and cost optimization.

Alternatives to Couchbase and Microsoft SQL Server

SingleStore

SingleStore is a database platform designed for speed and handling large amounts of data, making it suitable for applications requiring real-time analytics. It allows businesses to manage various data formats in one place, simplifying data infrastructure. SingleStore is used by companies of all sizes across various industries, notably in finance and technology.

Snowflake

Snowflake is a cloud-based data platform designed for businesses to store, manage, and analyze large amounts of data. It works like a giant, virtual warehouse for all your data, accessible from anywhere. Snowflake adapts to your needs, scaling its power and cost up or down on demand. This makes it suitable for tasks like analyzing customer trends, building data-driven applications, or sharing data securely with partners. Its strength lies in handling massive datasets with high speed and efficiency.

YugabyteDB

YugabyteDB is a database designed for modern, data-intensive applications. It's built to be as easy to use as popular databases like PostgreSQL while offering the scalability and reliability of cloud-native technologies. YugabyteDB ensures your data is always available and handles growth seamlessly without service interruptions. It's a good fit for businesses that need a reliable database that can expand with their needs. YugabyteDB offers both self-managed and fully managed options depending on your preference for hands-on control or operational simplicity.

MongoDB Atlas

MongoDB Atlas is a cloud-based database service that's easy for developers to use. It allows you to store information in flexible formats that are like digital filing cabinets. It's designed for businesses of all sizes and can handle various data needs. MongoDB Atlas is reliable, adapts to changes easily, and can grow with your company's needs by spreading information across multiple servers.

Directus

Directus is a tool that makes it easier for your company to manage its data, even if you don't have a team of tech experts. It works directly with your existing databases and provides a user-friendly interface for non-technical staff to update and manage website content, product information, and more. Directus offers developers powerful tools to customize the platform while giving everyone in the company access to the information they need. This means Directus can be customized to your company's needs and can grow with your business.

SQL Server 2019

SQL Server 2019 is a database management system developed by Microsoft. It lets you store and manage data, analyze information, and perform business reporting. SQL Server 2019 is designed for businesses of all sizes, and offers high performance and scalability for even the most demanding workloads. Its strengths include data analytics and business intelligence features, making it a good choice for companies wanting to make data-driven decisions.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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