Best Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB alongside similar software solutions including Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB, Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU, Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU and Microsoft SQL Server 2008.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB, Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU, Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Database Size Limit
 Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB
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Supports up to 10 GB maximum database size. |
 Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU
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Supports up to 4 GB maximum database size. |
 Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB
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Supports up to 10 GB maximum database size. |
 Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU
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Has size limitations suitable for small to medium-sized applications. |
 Microsoft SQL Server 2008
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Supports larger databases, e.g., up to 50 GB. |
Deployment Model and Footprint
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Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB
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Lightweight version; easy local deployment for development and testing with smaller footprint. |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU
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Small footprint; easy deployment with no service installation required; used for small-scale databases. |
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Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB
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Lightweight and easy-to-use local database engine suitable for development purposes. |
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Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU
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Small file size; supports private and shared deployment models; efficient storage for desktop and mobile apps. |
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Microsoft SQL Server 2008
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Full relational database management system requiring significant hardware resources; enterprise-grade deployments. |
Intended Usage and Scalability
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Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB
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Designed for development and testing purposes with limited features; not recommended for production environments. |
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Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU
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Designed for small-scale, desktop, and light applications with limited scalability. |
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Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB
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Intended for small-scale applications and development purposes with some limitations on features and support. |
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Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU
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Suitable for small to medium-sized applications including mobile apps; has performance constraints under heavy workloads. |
|
Microsoft SQL Server 2008
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Supports large amounts of data and enterprise-level workloads with advanced security, business intelligence, and disaster recovery features. |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB stacks up against Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB, Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU, Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
License
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Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB
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Commercial |
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Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU
|
Commercial |
|
Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB
|
Commercial |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU
|
Commercial |
|
Microsoft SQL Server 2008
|
Commercial |