So I need to migrate from 2010 to 2013, I know that I need to move the databases and service applications needed to a new SQL 2012 server, then I need to attach the content database to the new web application, but then i am lost, using sharegate is easy, its a copy and paste job basically. But if we don't buy sharegate and i have moved and attached the databases, what happens next? Do i need to copy all the sites? Managed Met

To learn about the process of upgrading databases, service applications, My Sites, and site collections to SharePoint 2013 check out this article

Also have a look on this step by step guide on upgrading a SharePoint 2010 site to a SharePoint 2013.

The article below is about SharePoint: Manually upgrade Service Application database:
http://blog.jussipalo.com/2014/01/sharepoint-manually-upgrade-service.html

Performing an in place upgrade of Server 2008 R2 to Server 2012 R2

Moreover, If you wish you may also try this automated solution which lets you to migrate from SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint 2013 without any interruption.

Hope it helps you!

Hi,

According to your description, you have no idea after attaching the databases.

You dont need to copy all the sites. All the sites have been migrated to your new farm when you attached the databases. You only need to let site owners upgrade their site collections. However, there are a little difference about upgrading MySites. If the users want to upgrade their MySites, you should upgrade the MySite Host firstly.

Please refer to the link for a complete process and more details
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc262483(v=office.15)

Hope it will be helpful to you.

Thanks,