Best Microsoft Access Runtime Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to Microsoft Access Runtime? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Microsoft Access Runtime alongside similar software solutions including Microsoft Access Runtime, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU, Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2012 and Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB.
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 Access Runtime, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU, Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2012 and Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Primary Use Case
 Microsoft Access Runtime
|
Free version for running existing Access applications without design changes. |
 Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU
|
Small, efficient database engine for mobile and desktop apps with moderate-sized databases. |
 Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2012
|
Provides SQL Server-specific data types support for client applications and development. |
 Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB
|
Lightweight version of SQL Server for development and testing on local machines. |
Installation & Deployment
|
Microsoft Access Runtime
|
Free download, runtime package, specialized installation software. |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU
|
Supports Private and Shared Deployment models with minimal administration. |
|
Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2012
|
Separate installer with additional dependencies, installs CLR type support. |
|
Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB
|
Lightweight install with smaller footprint than full SQL Server, integrates with Visual Studio. |
Feature Limitations
|
Microsoft Access Runtime
|
No design changes allowed; limited to running applications. Does not support editing database design. |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU
|
Does not support large scale or heavy workload databases; limited support and advanced features. |
|
Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2012
|
No standalone functionality; part of supporting libraries and APIs for development. |
|
Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB
|
Subset of full SQL Server features; supports single-user access; limited high availability 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 Access Runtime stacks up against Microsoft Access Runtime, Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU, Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2012 and Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
|
Microsoft Access Runtime
|
|
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU
|
5.3MB |
|
Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2012
|
4.1MB |
|
Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB
|
27.8MB |
License
|
Microsoft Access Runtime
|
Freeware |
|
Microsoft SQL Server Compact SP2 ENU
|
Commercial |
|
Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2012
|
Commercial |
|
Microsoft SQL Server 2016 LocalDB
|
Commercial |