| author | rwestMSFT | |
|---|---|---|
| ms.author | randolphwest | |
| ms.date | 11/18/2025 | |
| ms.service | sql | |
| ms.topic | include | |
| ms.custom |
|
The following table describes the editions of [!INCLUDE ssnoversion-md].
| Edition | Definition |
|---|---|
| Enterprise 1 | The premier offering, [!INCLUDE ssnoversion-md] Enterprise edition is built for organizations demanding uncompromising performance, security, and scalability. This edition is both an AI-powered database and a mission-critical engine designed to power the most complex workloads across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. |
| Standard | [!INCLUDE ssnoversion-md] Standard edition delivers a balance of performance, security, and affordability for businesses that need enterprise-class capabilities without the complexity. This edition empowers growing businesses with enterprise-grade performance, modern AI capabilities, and hybrid flexibility. |
| Enterprise Developer | [!INCLUDE ssnoversion-md] Enterprise Developer edition lets developers build any kind of application on top of [!INCLUDE ssnoversion-md]. It includes all the functionality of Enterprise edition, but is licensed for use as a development and test system, not as a production server. Developer editions are an ideal choice for people who build and test applications. |
| Standard Developer | Similar to Enterprise Developer edition, [!INCLUDE ssnoversion-md] Standard Developer edition includes all the functionality of Standard edition, but is licensed for use as a development and test system, not as a production server. |
| Evaluation | [!INCLUDE ssnoversion-md] Evaluation edition includes all the functionality of Enterprise edition. An evaluation deployment is available for 180 days. For more information, see SQL Server Licensing Resources and Documents. |
| Express 2 | [!INCLUDE ssexpress-md] edition is the entry-level, free database, ideal for learning and building desktop and small server data-driven applications. This unified edition includes SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT), machine learning integration, and Full Text Search. It's the best choice for independent software vendors, developers, and hobbyists building client applications. If you need more advanced database features, [!INCLUDE ssnoversion-md] Express can be seamlessly upgraded to other higher end editions of [!INCLUDE ssnoversion-md]. [!INCLUDE ssnoversion-md] Express LocalDB is a lightweight version of Express edition that has all its programmability features, runs in user mode and has a fast, zero-configuration installation and a short list of prerequisites. |
1 Enterprise edition offers unlimited virtualization for customers with Software Assurance. Deployments must comply with the licensing guide. For more information, see SQL Server Licensing Resources and Documents.
2 Starting with [!INCLUDE sssql25-md], Express edition includes all the functionality that was available in [!INCLUDE ssnoversion-md] Express edition with Advanced Services.