Best Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB alongside similar software solutions including Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB, Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 Query Tools ENU, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 x64 JPN, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 x64 DEU and Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU.
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 2012 Express LocalDB, Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 Query Tools ENU, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 x64 JPN, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 x64 DEU and Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Database Size Limit
 Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB
|
10GB maximum database size limit. |
 Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB
|
Up to 10GB maximum database size. |
 Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 Query Tools ENU
|
1GB maximum database size. |
 Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU
|
4GB maximum database size. |
 Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 x64 JPN
|
4GB maximum database size. |
 Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 x64 DEU
|
4GB maximum database size. |
 Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU
|
4GB maximum database size. |
Intended Usage/Scope
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Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB
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Lightweight, easy-to-use version of SQL Server Express, suited for small-scale applications and development purposes with limited features and no support for high availability features like AlwaysOn Availability Groups. |
|
Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB
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Lightweight local database intended for development and testing purposes with a smaller footprint and some advanced features, but limited for production use. |
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Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 Query Tools ENU
|
Designed for simple deployment, desktop and small-scale applications, suitable for development and management tasks with limited features and storage capacity. |
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Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU
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Embedded and mobile databases for small to medium-sized applications supporting private and shared deployment models with efficient storage and easy deployment. |
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Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 x64 JPN
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Embedded and mobile applications, supporting a minimal installation footprint optimized for Windows 7 SP1 and later. |
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Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 x64 DEU
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Lightweight embedded database engine targeting mobile and desktop applications with some scalability limitations but good compatibility and security. |
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Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU
|
Compact relational database for small-scale applications with easy deployment, limited scalability, and basic features suitable for development and testing. |
Advanced Features Support
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Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB
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Limited advanced feature set; does not support high availability features such as AlwaysOn Availability Groups or replication; lacks full enterprise-level capabilities. |
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Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB
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Supports some advanced features including integration with Reporting Services and some high availability features but limited compared to full editions. |
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Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 Query Tools ENU
|
Limited to basic SQL query capabilities; lacks advanced database management system features; supports T-SQL syntax but not all advanced constructs. |
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Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU
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Supports some advanced features such as replication, synchronization, security including AES encryption, full-text search capabilities on a smaller scale. |
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Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 x64 JPN
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Offers security features including authorization, supports ADO.NET or OLE DB access, some encryption, but less support overall compared to full server versions. |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 x64 DEU
|
Provides some advanced features like encryption, replication capabilities, compatibility with Entity Framework and ADO.NET but limited performance capabilities. |
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Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU
|
Supports password encryption, Entity Framework integration, and some advanced key features but limited scalability and replication compared to full server editions. |
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 2012 Express LocalDB stacks up against Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB, Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 Query Tools ENU, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 x64 JPN, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 x64 DEU and Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
License
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Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB
|
Shareware |
|
Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB
|
Shareware |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 Query Tools ENU
|
Shareware |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU
|
Shareware |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 x64 JPN
|
Shareware |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 x64 DEU
|
Shareware |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact x64 ENU
|
Shareware |