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LocalDB Reviews

Vendor: Microsoft
4.6 out of 5
259 followers
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What is LocalDB?

LocalDB is a lightweight version of the SQL Server Express Database Engine that is targeted for program development. LocalDB starts on demand and runs in user mode, so there is no complex configuration.
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LocalDB is the #17 ranked solution in top Relational Databases. PeerSpot users give LocalDB an average rating of 9.2 out of 10. LocalDB is most commonly compared to SQL Server: LocalDB vs SQL Server. LocalDB is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 62% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 15% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
Relational Databases Tools
March 2025
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Helped 849,475 peers since 2012

Featured LocalDB reviews

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LocalDB mindshare

As of April 2025, the mindshare of LocalDB in the Relational Databases Tools category stands at 2.8%, up from 2.7% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
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Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

LocalDB boasts a minimal memory footprint with comprehensive features. Its complimentary nature is appreciated. Users highlight its use of the same client libraries as larger versions, including the Native client. LocalDB supports Stored Procedures, Geometry, Geography data types, and online backup. It offers a standard SQL management interface, robust reporting, compatibility with on-premise and cloud releases, and fast integration with Active Directory. The efficient connection between applications and databases is valued.
  • "LocalDB is an excellent solution for learners, beginners, and projects of negligible size; it is very good."
  • "The solution is fast."
  • "The most valuable feature of LocalDBis the connection between the application and DB."

Room for Improvement

LocalDB has a storage limit of 10GB, limiting its use for larger databases. Users suggest that its ALM features and internal connection capabilities require enhancements. The management tools are regarded as too simplistic, needing more complex options to integrate custom scripts. Technical support is noted for needing quicker response times, and there is a desire for better integration. Being on-premise, updates are unnecessary, but its mixed-purpose nature leaves no flexibility for expansion.
  • "It is only for a small amount of data. Local DB is made for the purpose of small-volume optics."
  • "The initial setup is complex and requires a skilled person."
  • "The internal connection features of LocalDB could improve."

Pricing

Enterprise users report mixed experiences with LocalDB's pricing. Many find setup costs negligible, with day-to-day expenses being minimal, aside from power consumption. Some users benefit from a subscription model, reducing costs effectively for large database clusters. However, others feel that licensing fees can be high, though some view annual fees as fair. Some users even describe LocalDB as free, indicating varied perspectives on cost effectiveness.
  • "The fees are fair."
  • "The licensing cost is too high for LocalDB."

Popular Use Cases

LocalDB is primarily utilized during development, assisting developers in connecting to databases while creating applications. Teams install LocalDB on workstations for seamless integration, allowing efficient monitoring of data. It serves as a platform for ERP systems, consolidating multiple data sources such as mainframes, gold databases, websites, and Excel spreadsheets into a unified database, streamlining solution architecture efforts for organizations.

Service and Support

Customer service information is abundant, reducing reliance on direct assistance. Technical support is rated as satisfactory by most users, with quick responses for Azure but occasional delays for on-premise issues. Local support is praised, although some users find self-learning challenging.

Deployment

LocalDB's initial setup is noted as straightforward and simple by most users, who appreciated the easy-to-follow guidelines and quick deployment. Many found the process involved downloading the correct version and running the SqlLocalDB.msi installer. Some users emphasized the simplicity and minimal manpower required for maintenance. However, a few indicated the setup was complex, needing skilled personnel and package updates, extending the deployment to a full day.

Scalability

LocalDB is not recommended for scalability and is intended for managing small-scale data projects. It suits personal or individual applications but is not ideal for enterprise-level scalability. Users indicate that while it supports a limited number of users effectively, for larger needs a transition to a commercial version of SQL Server is necessary. Migration is straightforward, involving a simple license upgrade, indicating ease in transitioning from smaller to larger systems.

Stability

LocalDB exhibits high stability according to user feedback. Many describe it as very stable without issues, and even though they experiment with newer versions, the stability remains in the production version. Users consistently affirm its reliability and express satisfaction, rating it highly. Stability is a highlight, with no significant disruptions reported. Users are pleased with how dependable it remains under various conditions.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our Relational Databases Tools Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Financial Services Firm
15%
Computer Software Company
14%
Government
11%
Manufacturing Company
10%
Comms Service Provider
7%
Energy/Utilities Company
5%
Non Profit
4%
Healthcare Company
4%
Hospitality Company
4%
Educational Organization
4%
Retailer
3%
Transportation Company
3%
University
2%
Construction Company
2%
Insurance Company
2%
Media Company
2%
Legal Firm
2%
Real Estate/Law Firm
1%
Performing Arts
1%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
1%
Marketing Services Firm
1%
Local Government
1%
Non Tech Company
1%

Compare LocalDB with alternative products

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Learn more about LocalDB

LocalDB customers

AstraZeneca, Kienzle Automotive GmbH, Kodak Alaris, Unilever, Floatel International and Kongsberg Maritime, MyHero

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LocalDB reviews

Sort by:
Srini-Dhanaraj - PeerSpot user
Founder & CEO at imfine.club
Verified user of LocalDB
Jul 30, 2024
The database always has structured data, like rows, columns, and bases

Pros

"LocalDB is an excellent solution for learners, beginners, and projects of negligible size; it is very good."

Cons

"It is only for a small amount of data. Local DB is made for the purpose of small-volume optics."

What is our primary use case?

There were multiple systems, some planned, like the mainframe, the gold database, a website, and a manual Excel spreadsheet. These were the various data sources, and we wanted to bring everything into one database platform. That's where I was doing solution architect work.

How has it helped my organization?

It is easy to build, and you can develop a lot of serial POC (proof of concept). If it doesn't work, you can trash it and start again. 

The database always has structured data, like rows, columns, and bases. So that gives great feedback.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (459 words)
SatyaprakashSingh - PeerSpot user
Senior System Administrator at skp group
Verified user of LocalDB
May 13, 2022
Product version discussed: 2019
Straightforward setup, reliable, and beneficial connections

Pros

"The most valuable feature of LocalDBis the connection between the application and DB."

Cons

"The internal connection features of LocalDB could improve."

What is our primary use case?

We are monitoring the data and records in LocalDB.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature of LocalDBis the connection between the application and DB.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (184 words)
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Find out what your peers are saying about Relational Databases Tools. Updated March 2025
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PeerSpot user
Senior business Intelligence consultant at Asociación SevillaUP
Verified user of LocalDB
Oct 14, 2015
Product version discussed: 2014 (localdb)
I evaluated Oracle & PostgreSQL but am sticking with SQL Server because of its vast knowledge base & better feature list.

What is most valuable?

The memory footprint is the smallest in its category of products. I think Microsoft did a very good job squeezing as many features as possible in such a tiny executable. The price, being it free, it's of course a plus. And the capability to do almost everything as in the commercial version. When using a developer machine or also a virtual machine, it is essential that every MB of memory is well utilized. The binaries are loaded in memory only when needed. It uses the same client libraries as its bigger siblings, including the Native client. Unlike the Compact version which uses a limited set of functionality this LocalDB has Stored Procedures, Geometry, Geography data types, online backup, transactions, data integrity etc. It runs as a separate process as opposed to in-proc DLL.

How has it helped my organization?

For the development process and for small Business Intelligence projects, this software gives a very good head start because the installation is merely seconds. It runs in the current user context, and this allows the developer to be freed from switching accounts many times during the develop/deploy/test phase.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (592 words)
Arthur Muruga - PeerSpot user
System Administrator at Access Techy Limited
Verified user of LocalDB
Apr 17, 2023
Product version discussed: 12
Affordably priced, and scalable, but is complex to deploy

Pros

"The solution is fast."

Cons

"The initial setup is complex and requires a skilled person."

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution for the ERP.

What is most valuable?

The solution is fast.

We are able to integrate easily with the Active Directory.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (220 words)
MO
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at EXEC
Verified user of LocalDB
Oct 5, 2020
Good for the development process, generally stable, and easy to set up

Pros

"The initial setup was simple."

Cons

"The solution needs to create a management tool. Right now, the solution has tools for creating a local installation, but it's too simplistic. We need something that's a bit more complex so that we can extend the tools with our scripts."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution during the development process. When our developers need to connect to the database during an application's creation, they install LocalDB on their development workstation and use it to connect.

How has it helped my organization?

This tool help us build apps quicker and faster.

*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner.
Read full review (408 words)
PeerSpot user
IT Architect and Test Tool Designer at a comms service provider with 5,001-10,000 employees
Verified user of LocalDB
Sep 19, 2019
A database with excellent reporting features, good technical support, and a straightforward setup

Pros

"The initial setup is very straightforward. The guidelines are very easy to follow. Maintenance is very easy and requires very little manpower."

Cons

"The ALM features can be improved, but the database by itself is reliable."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution for our database.

What is most valuable?

The solution has powerful reporting features that are very valuable. The user interface is the standard SQL management tool, so it's very easy to navigate.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (243 words)