| author | rwestMSFT | |
|---|---|---|
| ms.author | randolphwest | |
| ms.date | 12/07/2025 | |
| 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 delivers comprehensive high-end datacenter capabilities with blazing-fast performance, unlimited virtualization 1, and end-to-end business intelligence, enabling high service levels for mission-critical workloads and end-user access to data insights. |
| 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, business intelligence capabilities, and hybrid flexibility. |
| Web 2 | [!INCLUDE ssnoversion-md] Web edition is a low total-cost-of-ownership option for Web hosters (including choosing Web edition on IaaS on Azure) and Web VAPs to provide scalability, affordability, and manageability capabilities for small to large-scale Web properties. |
| Developer | [!INCLUDE ssnoversion-md] 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. [!INCLUDE ssnoversion-md] Developer edition is an ideal choice for people who build and test applications. |
| 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 3 | [!INCLUDE ssexpress-md] edition is the entry-level, free database, ideal for learning and building desktop and small server data-driven applications. 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 Web edition isn't available in [!INCLUDE sssql25-md] and later versions.
3 Starting with [!INCLUDE sssql25-md], Express edition includes all the functionality that was available in [!INCLUDE ssnoversion-md] Express edition with Advanced Services.