Microsoft Access
Microsoft Access: A mature Windows database builder for relational apps, automation, and SQL-connected workflows. Ranked #34 of 40 in No-Code Database Software by our editors (6.0/10); pricing: Paid; best for windows users needing a traditional database builder.
At a glance
- Editor score6.0 / 10
- PricingPaid
- Best forWindows users needing a traditional database builder
- Free planNo
- Paid from$10/user/mo
- App interface builderYes
- Founded1975 · Redmond, Washington, United States
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Relational tables, queries, forms, reports, and referential integrity
- VBA, macros, DAO, and ADO support for customization and automation
- Connects to SQL Server, Azure SQL, ODBC sources, and SharePoint
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only availability limits cross-platform deployment
- Locally installed design is less cloud-native than newer no-code tools
- Permission controls differ between older and newer Access file formats
Our verdict on Microsoft Access
Microsoft Access is a Windows desktop database application for creating and sharing custom business database apps. It suits Windows users who need structured relational data, configurable interfaces, and business workflows without starting from a blank programming project. Teams can build from templates or from scratch, using tables, relationships, queries, forms, reports, macros, and VBA customization. Access also supports connections to external data sources and can link a desktop front end to SQL Server or Azure SQL.
Pricing is tied to Microsoft 365 subscriptions or a separate Access 2024 one-time purchase. According to the published Microsoft 365 plans, Microsoft 365 Apps for business costs $10 per user per month with annual billing and includes desktop Microsoft 365 apps, 1 TB of cloud storage per user, availability for up to 300 employees, and Microsoft Access. Microsoft 365 Business Standard includes desktop, web, and mobile Microsoft 365 apps, 1 TB of cloud storage per user, and Access, although a price is not specified here. The subscription route makes sense for organizations already standardizing on Microsoft 365, while the one-time purchase may suit a Windows user seeking a standalone desktop option.
Its strongest fit is a traditional database workflow: relational tables with referential integrity, queries for combining data, forms for record editing, reports with grouping and totals, and macros or VBA for automation. SQL Server, Azure SQL, ODBC data sources, and SharePoint extend its ecosystem, while DAO and ADO provide programming interfaces. The trade-off is platform and architecture: Microsoft states that Access is available for PC only, and the product is primarily locally installed rather than cloud-native. User-level permissions are documented for earlier .mdb and .ade formats, while those controls are unavailable in newer .accdb and .accde formats. Choose Access for Windows-based business databases and SQL-connected front ends; choose an alternative if cross-platform or cloud-native workflows are central.
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Microsoft Access pricing
All 2 Microsoft Access plans and prices →
Microsoft Access fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $10/user/mo |
| Relational data | Yes |
| Permission controls | Yes |
| App interface builder | Yes |
| Workflow automation | Yes |
| Deployment | Self_hosted |
| Record limit | Not verified |
| API access | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: SQL Server, Microsoft Azure SQL, ODBC data sources, SharePoint |
| Pricing | Paid (source) |
| Website | microsoft.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Microsoft Access integrations
Microsoft Access lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- SQL Server
- Microsoft Azure SQL
- ODBC data sources
- SharePoint
Alternatives to Microsoft Access
- AirtableAirtable combines relational data, apps, automation, integrations, and APIs in one platform.9.4
- GristA flexible open-source database builder with strong controls and a generous free tier.9.2
- SeaTableA flexible no-code database for teams that need relational data and deployment choice.9.0
See all Microsoft Access alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Microsoft Access is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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