Free, open-source alternatives to Airtable

Spreadsheet-database hybrid. 4 apps you can run yourself instead of Airtable, sorted by how well they replace it. Each one is open source, so your data stays with you.

  1. BaserowBest match

    Create your own database without technical experience (alternative to Airtable).

    2.3k starsMITUpdated 12 October 2026
  2. NocoDB

    No-code platform that turns any database into a smart spreadsheet (alternative to Airtable and Smartsheet).

    65.3k starsSUL-1.0Updated 12 October 2026
  3. Grist

    Next-generation spreadsheet with relational structure, formula-based access control, and a portable, self-contained format (alternative to Airtable).

    11.9k starsApache-2.0Updated 13 October 2026
  4. Mathesar

    Intuitive UI to manage data collaboratively, for users of all technical skill levels. Built on Postgres – connect an existing DB or set up a new one.

    5.2k starsGPL-3.0Updated 13 July 2026

Side by side

AppStarsLicenseActivityRuns on
Baserow2,265MITDocker
NocoDB65,256SUL-1.0Node.js, Docker
Grist11,944Apache-2.0Node.js, Python, Docker
Mathesar5,151GPL-3.0Docker, Python

Why replace Airtable?

Airtable works, but your data lives in someone else's account, the price can change at any time, and features can disappear. An open-source app you run yourself is yours: you choose where it runs, who can see the data, and when to update.

Questions

What is the best free alternative to Airtable?

Baserow is the closest open-source replacement for Airtable in our list. NocoDB and Grist are worth a look too, depending on what you need.

Can I self-host an alternative to Airtable?

Yes. All 4 apps on this page are open source and can run on your own server, usually with Docker, or on a managed host that installs them for you.