- What is a database app builder?
- Features to look for in a database app builder
- The best database app builders to check out
- Other top database builder apps to check out
- What’s the best database app builder?
- How to build a database application with Baserow
In a world where data drives decisions, the power of database platforms is undeniable. As we head into 2024, the need for robust database-powered app builders is at an all-time high, offering more than just data storage—they enable the creation and development of applications that utilize this data effectively.
Read on to find out more about the best database app builders to look out for in 2024, including their unique features and how they stand out in the busy marketplace of database tools.
What is a database app builder?
A database app builder is a tool that combines the simplicity of spreadsheets with the functionality of databases. It allows users to store and manipulate data in one place, create relationships between different sets of data, and build powerful database applications.
While spreadsheets have their uses, they are limited when it comes to handling large and complex datasets. This is where database app builders thrive. They provide advanced solutions by enabling specific queries, displaying related data, and creating sophisticated views and dashboards.
No-code database builders take things even further by simplifying the process of creating internal applications. From simple forms to complex automated business processes, these builders make it easy for teams to construct complex database systems quickly. With drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-coded elements, the risk of errors is reduced, and extensive coding knowledge is not necessary.
Features to look for in a database app builder
- Ease of use: Opt for a database app builder that offers ease of use, with no-code or low code capabilities, allowing users with minimal technical background to build and manage databases easily.
- Open source: Choose a platform that’s open source, offering the flexibility to modify the software as needed.
- Self Hosting or SaaS: It should also provide options for self-hosting or cloud-hosted solutions, catering to different IT infrastructure needs.
- Extensibility: Ensure it allows for extensive customization to tailor and extend the database to your specific business requirements and workflow.
- Security: Look for robust security measures, including data encryption, user authentication, and access controls, to protect sensitive business information.
- Integration: Choose a platform that integrates seamlessly with other tools and applications you use, streamlining your business processes.
- Scalability & flexibility: The platform should be able to handle increased loads and scale up as your business grows, without compromising on performance.
- Data visualization: Database app builders must include robust data visualization tools, enabling users to easily interpret complex datasets through charts, graphs, and dashboards for informed decision-making.
- Pricing: Look for a cost-effective solution, offering a range of pricing plans to suit different budgets. Ideally, it should include a robust free plan for small-scale projects, with the option to upgrade to more advanced features as your needs evolve.
- Real-time collaboration tools: Look for features that support real-time collaboration, enabling multiple team members to work on the database simultaneously.
- Reporting and analytics: Select a database app builder with robust reporting and analytics tools to extract meaningful insights from your data easily.
The best database app builders to check out
Baserow
Baserow is a database app builder that allows users of all levels to create their own applications without needing to code. It combines the simplicity of spreadsheets with the power of databases, making it a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for businesses.
Baserow’s top-rated platform comes with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and an extensive suite of features like advanced filtering and sorting, real-time collaboration, and creating detailed relationships between tables. You can get started quickly with a variety of pre-built templates, and visualize your data in various views such as Calendar, Kanban, Form, and more.
One of the key advantages of Baserow is its API-first approach, which makes integration with existing tools seamless. Additionally, its open-source nature allows for greater customization and control, especially for businesses with specific security or compliance requirements. You have the option to either use Baserow’s hosted solutions or self-host the software on your own servers.
In terms of pricing, Baserow offers excellent value for money. With unlimited databases, rows, and storage, it provides powerful features at a fraction of the cost of other platforms. Furthermore, Baserow’s permissible MIT license allows you to extend its functionality with plugins or even build on top of it without any additional license fees.
Baserow top features
- No-code database builder makes it accessible for users without coding skills.
- Application Builder for internal and external applications. Suitable for internal tools, customer portals, intranets, public websites and customized interfaces to the database.
- Collaboration features such as real-time editing, comments, and notifications.
- Variety of views including Calendar, Grid, Kanban, Form, and more.
- Flexible hosting options with Baserow Cloud and Baserow Self-Hosted.
- A range of pre-built templates for quick setup.
- Enterprise-grade features such as admin panel, single sign-on, audit logs, role-based permissions, and direct support.
- API-first design for ease of integration and customization with other systems and tools.
- Integrates natively with Make, Zapier and n8n for advanced automations.
- Designed for performance, handling even vast amounts of data effortlessly.
- Outstanding user support.
- Modify and enhance the source code to suit specific needs.
- Dedicated developer community.
- Generous free plan. Paid plans start from just $5 per user/month.
Airtable
This cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform is designed for building a range of database applications, including project management, content creation, customer relationship management (CRM), and more. It’s particularly appealing to those who are familiar with spreadsheets but require additional database capabilities.
Airtable offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features including real-time collaboration, diverse view options, and a range of extensions such as Chart and Page Designer. You can integrate it with popular work apps like Slack and Jira, and use Airtable’s ‘Zaps’ to trigger automation and streamline your workflow.
The platform doesn’t offer an open-source version and it can’t be self-hosted, which might be an issue if you need to customize the software or conform to specific data security requirements. Nonetheless, it’s an ideal app builder tool if you don’t require those capabilities.
Paid plans start from $12 per user/month, billed monthly. The popular Business plan starts at $54 per user/month, billed monthly. Here’s a helpful guide to understanding Airtable’s pricing.
Airtable top features
- Cloud-based platform ideal for individuals and businesses looking for a pre-built system to manage projects, track inventory, or handle lightweight CRMs.
- User-friendly interface ideal for users of all skill levels.
- Offers multiple views like Grid, Calendar, Kanban, and Gallery.
- Supports collaborative work with features like commenting, notifications, and shared views.
- A variety of pre-designed templates for different industries and use cases.
- Integrates natively with apps like Slack, Jira, and Salesforce, and connects with other apps via Zapier.
- Interface Designer lets you create custom interfaces and dashboards for a more personalized experience.
- A range of blocks and extensions for added functionalities like time tracking and Gantt charts.
- Free tier with up to 1,000 entries per database. Enterprise level with up to 500,000 entries.
Coda
Coda is an all-in-one collaborative workspace that combines the flexibility of documents, the familiarity of spreadsheets, and the power of applications into a single, unified workspace. It helps teams of all sizes organize, plan, and execute their work more efficiently, allowing you to create anything from simple documents to complex project management applications with ease.
Coda offers a rich set of features catering to a wide range of business needs. You can start with a blank canvas or use pre-built templates to jumpstart projects and collaborate in real-time, making it easy for teams to comment, share ideas, and make decisions. With Coda, documents come alive with interactive tables, dynamic charts, and customizable views, ensuring everyone is on the same page and able to access information in the format that works best for them.
Easily embed elements such as buttons, sliders, and checkboxes. You can manipulate data, calculate metrics, and create sophisticated logic, all without leaving your workspace. Coda integrates seamlessly with an array of work apps like Slack, Gmail, Jira, GitHub, and Zapier. Coda AI helps you delegate repetitive tasks, create content, and get insights faster.
Coda’s pricing is designed to maximize value for teams. Only Doc Makers—those who create new documents and pages—are charged, while Editors and Viewers are always free. Coda’s Free plan includes unlimited unshared documents, 1GB of attachment storage per document, and access to a range of integration Packs such as Spotify, Wikipedia, and Dropbox. The team plan starts at $30/month per Doc Maker, and Enterprise pricing is available on request.
Coda top features
- Unified workspace combines documents, spreadsheets, and app building into a single platform.
- Real-time collaboration features.
- Create dynamic documents that include text, tables, buttons, sliders, and more.
- New features include infinite pages, callouts, multi-column layout, and collapsible content.
- Connected tables and various views including tables, cards, calendars, and Kanban boards.
- Supports over 600 integrations with popular apps and services, including Google Workspace tools and third-party platforms.
- Coda AI helps with brainstorming, content creation, generating tables, and gaining insights.
- Create custom automations and bots for automating routine tasks, sending notifications, and more.
- Granular access controls, including role-based permissions for Doc Makers, Editors, and Viewers.
- A vast library of templates for various use cases, from project management to event planning.
Ninox
.jpeg)
Ninox is a low-code platform that allows you to build database applications tailored to your specific needs. With its user-friendly interface and low-code approach, it’s particularly useful for businesses looking to digitize and streamline various operations, such as task management and project planning, with minimal coding required.
Ninox offers a rich set of features including tables, forms, fields, and formulas that can be customized to fit various business processes. Users can use pre-built templates, link different databases to each other, and collaborate in real-time, with multiple users able to work on the same database simultaneously.
The platform also offers a built-in scripting language for advanced users who wish to add custom behaviors and complex logic to their applications. This scripting capability allows for things like the automation of tasks, the creation of complex calculations, and the customization of user interfaces.
Ninox offers flexibility in terms of data hosting and accessibility, with options for cloud-based or on-premises deployment. It can also integrate with various external services and platforms making it a good tool if you’re looking for an efficient database app builder to help manage your data and workflows.
Ninox top features
- Ninox leverages low-code technology, allowing teams to build database applications without needing extensive programming knowledge.
- Offers tools to build a wide range of applications, from simple databases to complex enterprise solutions, tailored to specific business needs.
- Includes a variety of pre-designed templates for common business processes.
- Supports the creation of relational databases for creating links between different data sets.
- Offers a range of integration options with other tools and services.
- Collaboration features such as shared databases and real-time data syncing.
- Provides robust security features, giving users full control over data visibility and editing permissions.
- Available on multiple platforms, including web, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Kintone
Kintone is a cloud-based database app builder, primarily designed for business use. It provides a no-code environment, allowing you to create, customize, and manage your own database apps without needing coding skills. This makes it appealing if you’re looking to digitize and streamline workflows without the overhead of traditional software development.
Users can create a wide range of applications, ranging from CRMs to project tracking tools, inventory management, and more. It provides a suite of advanced features, like advanced filtering and sorting, customizable views and interfaces, and various plugins and APIs to expand Kintone’s capabilities and integrate it with other business tools.
Teams can communicate and share data in real-time, with comments and notifications, automated reminders, approvals, and task handoffs. Granular permissions and revision history ensure data is appropriately managed and secure. While its compatibility with a variety of devices lets teams view, edit, and manage data from any location.
Kintone’s pricing structure is simple and transparent with a single plan that includes all features at $24 per user per month. It requires a minimum of five users, which amounts to a base cost of $120 per month. Clients have the flexibility to add more users as needed and can opt for either monthly or annual contracts. Kintone also offers a 30-day free trial, providing full access to all platform features.
Kintone top features
- User-friendly drag-and-drop interface.
- Automate processes like task assignments, approvals, and notifications.
- Real-time collaboration with features for sharing, commenting, and updating data in real-time within the platform.
- Allows for central storage and management of various types of business data, from sales and customer information to project details.
- Provides detailed access control, ensuring that sensitive data can be protected and only accessed by authorized users.
- Offers a responsive design for mobile devices, enabling users to access and manage their apps and data on the go.
- Supports integration with an array of external tools and services.
- Users can tailor database fields and views to suit their specific data requirements and preferences.
- Features tools for creating automated reports and analytics.
Budibase
Budibase is a low-code database app builder designed for rapid development and deployment of internal tools and applications. You can use it for designing, deploying, and scaling custom applications, such as client portals, custom CRMs, admin panels, forms, and more, all via its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface.
Aimed at businesses of all sizes, it’s versatile enough to serve a wide array of industries, including IT, software development, project management, and marketing. If you know how to use platforms like Airtable, you’ll likely find it a breeze, with more than 40 pre-built components and templates for building complex applications that can grow with your business needs.
The platform’s open-source nature combined with self-hosting capabilities offers users greater control and flexibility over their applications. You can freely access and modify the source code to tailor your apps precisely to your needs, and choose where your data is stored, whether deploying on private servers or using cloud services, allowing you to create and manage applications with confidence.
Budibase key features
- Built-in scalable database with drag-and-drop interface
- More than 40 pre-built components and templates
- Automate complex workflows
- Custom RBAC, SSO, SAML, backups, audit logs, and additional features
- Enterprise-grade security
- Tailor and configure views, filters, and controls
- Open-source, and you can self-host via Docker or Kubernetes or use Budibase Cloud
- Public API for using Budibase as a backend
- Extend with JavaScript, power-up with plugins, embed apps externally, and connect any datasource
- Integrate with a wide range of services like Stripe, Slack, and Zapier
- Premium plans start from $5 per app user/month / $50 per app creator/month
Retool
Retool makes it quick and easy to build custom business applications without extensive coding. It offers a vast library of pre-built components for creating highly customized applications that can interact with databases, APIs, and nearly all internal data sources. You can make all sorts of things with it, from managing inventory to tracking projects or even organizing customer support. It handles all of the programming, so you can focus on building something useful for your business.
The platform supports SQL, REST, GraphQL, and more, making it possible to connect to a wide array of data sources seamlessly. Once you’ve built what you need, you can instantly see how it app looks and functions, then share it with users for immediate feedback or deployment. Once you’re done, start using the app right away, on any device.
Retool takes care of security and can handle as many users as you need. Version control helps keep track of changes and updates to your applications, making it easy to manage and collaborate on projects. And you can choose from a number of deployment options, whether you want to run your applications in the cloud or on your own infrastructure.
Retool key features:
- Drag-and-drop interface and visual editor with over 100 components
- Link your app to databases, APIs, and external services
- No-code tool with the option to write custom code, offering the best of both worlds for developers.
- Track and manage changes using Git integration
- Choose to self-host your applications for full control or use Retool’s cloud service
- Integrate with identity providers using SAML, OpenID, or LDAP for secure and streamlined user access.
- Audit logs and usage analytics
- SOC 2 Type II compliance
- Professional services for app deployment and a dedicated team to assist in building your first application.
- Paid plans start from $5 end user/month and $10 user/month
Stackby
Stackby combines the simplicity of spreadsheets with the power of databases and the functionality of business APIs, offering a unique platform for managing data and automating workflows. Aimed at non-technical users and developers alike, it allows anyone to create their own customized no-code solutions, such as CRM, project management tools, and campaign trackers—all within a single, user-friendly interface.
Getting started is as simple as signing up. From there, you can easily import existing data from Excel or Google Sheets, or start from scratch from a range of pre-built, no-code templates. With over 25+ unique column data types, 6 different data views, power-ups, and an ever-growing app marketplace, it provides the necessary tools and building blocks to meet a team’s evolving needs.
Connect columns to your favourite apps, pull data automatically in your table, and refresh data in real-time, all without any coding. Stackby also supports a range of views, including tables, kanban boards, calendars, galleries, and forms, so you can visualize and organize your data in the way that best suits your projects.
Stackby key features
- Customizable spreadsheet-database hybrid
- Real-time collaboration
- Automatic data pulling from external sources directly into tables
- Pre-built no-code templates
- Mobile app
- Various views like Table, Kanban, Calendar, and Gallery
- 25+ unique column data types
- Built-in automation features
- Expands functionality with access to an apps marketplace and power-ups
- Create custom reporting dashboards
- Manage user permissions for viewing, editing, and sharing data
- Cloud-based platform
- Transfer data to and from Stackby for easy integration with other tools
- Paid plans from 45 user/month
Zoho Creator
Zoho Creator is a low-code platform for building custom applications without needing extensive coding knowledge. Part of the extensive Zoho ecosystem, Creator is designed with flexibility and scalability in mind, enabling users to automate business processes, manage data, and create interactive applications tailored to their operational needs.
It features a drag-and-drop interface for form and dashboard creation, including over 30 field types with AI capabilities. It also boasts robust reporting and analytics capabilities, integration capabilities for over 600 apps, and a user-friendly IDE, allowing for the development of enterprise-grade applications.
Designed for scalability and security, the software supports both self-hosting and cloud options, including custom SSO, audit logs, and SOC 2 Type II compliance, making it ideal for enterprises. Choose from deployment options for web, Android, and iOS platforms, allowing you to bring powerful applications to market more quickly.
Zoho creator key features
- Low-code development platform
- Drag-and-drop interface
- AI-enabled fields for smart data collection and analysis
- Connects with over 600 apps, including Zoho’s suite, for seamless workflows
- Cross-platform deployment
- Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
- Version Control with Git enables collaborative development and easy version management
- Comprehensive debugging tools
- Flexible hosting options
- SOC 2 Type II compliance, custom SSO, and audit logs
- Mobile app versions
AppSheet
AppSheet offers a no-code development platform that lets you create mobile and web applications directly from data sources like Google Sheets and Excel. It’s designed for both technical and non-technical users, simplifying the creation of custom solutions, streamlining work processes, and enhancing productivity across various business operations.
With AppSheet, creating custom applications to manage everyday tasks, workflows, and data is simple. The platform automatically generates a user interface based on the data structure, which can then be customized to suit specific requirements. Real-time data synchronization ensures that your applications are always up to date, while its rich set of features supports everything from GPS and maps to image capture and signature collection.
The platform seamlessly connects with Google Workspace, enhancing collaboration and productivity with apps like Gmail, Sheets, and Spaces. Plus, it offers compatibility with a wide array of third-party apps and data sources, ensuring that your AppSheet applications can integrate smoothly into your existing digital ecosystem.
Explore the platform and test your apps with up to 10 users for free, using features from any plan. When you’re ready, sign up for a plan and deploy your apps to the rest of your team. The Starter plan costs $5 user/month.
App sheet top features
- No-code mobile and web app builder
- Connect to data sources like Google Sheets, Excel, and more
- Real-time data synchronization
- Capture data through customizable forms, barcodes, locations, signatures, and photos
- Tailor features, UX, security settings, and branding to fit your needs
- Manage app access and functionalities with role-based security and authentication
- Automate manual tasks with bots, including email, SMS, and push notifications
- Enhance your apps with intelligent document processing
- Connect with Google Workspace apps and other third-party services like Office 365, Dropbox, and Salesforce.
- Cross-platform compatibility across mobile and desktop platforms
Other top database builder apps to check out
Spreadsheet.com
- Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses transitioning from traditional spreadsheets to more robust database systems.
- Key features: Creation of relational databases, workflow management, task automation within a spreadsheet interface, support for custom data types and formulas, Gantt charts, and Kanban views.
- Best suited for: Teams and individual users who require the flexibility and familiarity of spreadsheets combined with advanced database functionalities.
- Pricing: Offers a free tier with basic features. Premium plans start from $18 per user/month.
Caspio
- Best for: Businesses and organizations needing custom database applications with high scalability and complex requirements.
- Key features: Intuitive app builder, robust data management, integration options, and strong security measures.
- Best suited for: Corporate environments and larger enterprises looking for professional, large-scale application development.
- Pricing: Starter plan starts from $48 per month. The Professional plan starts at £580 per month.
Quickbase
- Best for: Medium to large-sized businesses seeking versatile tools for custom application development and workflow automation.
- Key features: Workflow automation, data integration, real-time insights, extensive integration capabilities with other tools and systems.
- Best suited for: Companies requiring integration of multiple data sources and systems, and those looking to streamline complex workflows.
- Pricing: Team plan starts at $35 user/month for a minimum of 20 users. The Enterprise plan has pricing on request and offers advanced performance, data encryption, and security tools.
Podio
- Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses and teams requiring a customizable platform for project management and collaboration.
- Key features: Customizable workspaces, task management, collaboration tools, and flexibility in app creation.
- Best suited for: Organizations and teams seeking to tailor their work management tools to specific operational needs.
- Pricing: Includes a free tier for basic use. Paid options start from $19.20 for the Premium plan, offering advanced features like automated workflows and visual reports.
So, what’s the best database app builder?
When it comes to selecting the best database app builder, the choice largely depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective and flexible solution for building database applications tailored to large and complex datasets, then Baserow is the best option. Its open-source nature and self-hosting capabilities offer a high degree of customization and control, making it particularly suitable for businesses with unique or advanced operational demands. It offers advanced features and unlimited rows, databases, and storage, along with a permissive MIT license which lets you extend Baserow’s functionality with plugins or build upon it without incurring additional license fees.
For those who do not require an open-source, self-hosted solution, Airtable is an ideal choice. Its user-friendly interface and rich feature set make it a strong contender for businesses seeking a managed solution. However, it’s important to note that Airtable can be expensive, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious businesses.
Ultimately, the decision between Baserow, Airtable, or any other database app builders, should be based on a careful assessment of your business’s specific needs, budget constraints, and the level of customization and control required.
How to build a database application with Baserow
Baserow makes it easy for anyone to create a database that fits their specific needs. Whether you’re managing a project, tracking inventory, or organizing customer data, it offers a user-friendly platform that lets you easily store, organize, and manipulate your information.
Build a database from scratch or add a database from a pre-built template for a quick start.
With Baserow, what you see is what you get—there are no hidden costs! It’s designed for performance, handling even vast amounts of data effortlessly. For a scalable, flexible solution at a competitive price, contact us today!
Other related content
