How does Softr compare to Airtable?
800,000+ companies rely on Softr to build client portals and internal tools, no code required. Customers choose Softr over Airtable to build full-stack business apps with built-in databases, more granular access control, and more overall value (no per seat pricing).
“While Airtable Interfaces is great, it’s missing that extra something. I wanted a tool that would let me build and take things to the next level. Softr was perfect.”
Jonathan Strupek Agency Owner (Strupek)
1. Create large databases without performance or record limits
Airtable caps each base at 125K records on non-Enterprise plans, and performance can drop as you add more linked records, formulas, or automations. Softr Databases is built for speed and scale, supporting 1K to 200K records per base (depending on plan) and up to 1M records per workspace—plus fast load times, no API rate limits, and reliable performance even as your datasets grow.
2. Avoid per-seat pricing
Airtable charges per user pricing, even for basic internal collaboration, and restricts many features (like advanced permissions) to higher-tier plans. Softr uses tiered pricing based on functionality and number of users. You can share your database and apps with both internal and external users without paying per collaborator or user—ideal for cross-functional teams, clients, or vendors.
3. Build full-stack apps, not just interfaces
Airtable Interfaces is fine for basic internal views. But if you want to go further—add login, user roles, custom layouts, and conditional logic—Softr gives you everything you need to build full-stack business apps, including built-in databases.
4. Set granular user permissions
Airtable Interface Designer doesn’t offer much flexibility—internal users need full access (and paid seats) to access apps and portals, while external users are limited to read-only views. Softr lets you define custom user groups, visibility rules, and permissions using your app’s data and user fields. Customize what each person can see, update, or delete—whether they’re part of your team or an external client or partner.
5. Full control over design, layout, and branding
Airtable Interface Designer is limited to basic layouts and styling, with no real control over structure or appearance. Softr lets you fully customize your app’s layout and design using building blocks. Style your pages, tweak navigation, match your brand, and create polished experiences—without code. 🎨 Bonus: Softr apps are fully white-label (on the Professional plan and higher). Airtable branding appears on Interfaces—even on the most expensive plans.
6. Turn your app into a mobile experience with no extra tools
Every Softr app is mobile-ready through PWA (Progressive Web App) support. Your users can install your apps on iOS and Android devices in seconds—no separate mobile app build required. Airtable Interfaces have limited responsiveness and no native mobile app or PWA capabilities. You’re stuck with desktop-only tools, or building a mobile layer elsewhere.
7. Build powerful, conditional forms—no workarounds needed
Softr's built-in forms let you create: - Multi-step flows - Logic-based branching between sections - Dynamic visibility based on user input You can send submissions to any data source (Airtable included) or trigger automations via Zapier and Make. Airtable’s forms are single-page and limited—no conditional logic, no custom flow, and no control over structure or layout inside your app.
8. Combine multiple data sources in one app
Along with Airtable, Softr gives you a 14+ other data sources to connect your apps to, including Google Sheets, Notion, HubSpot, BigQuery, SQL, Xano, monday.com, ClickUp, and more. Eliminate data silos and manual processes, and build process-driven apps that connect all your tools and workflows.
Databases: Softr vs Airtable
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Choose any hex code
Limited to specific colors
Built to scale with fast load times—no API rate limits when using native Softr Databases.
Performance drops as bases grow large—especially with many linked records, formulas, or automations. Can feel sluggish with 50K+ records.
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Coming soon
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App building: Softr vs Airtable
Full drag-and-drop builder for portals, CRMs, dashboards, etc.
Limited app builder for internal data-sharing purposes
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No
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Multi-step, logic-based forms with visibility rules
Single-step forms, no logic or branching
Tiered: 5k to 1M+ per workspace
1k to 500k per workspace
No dealing with API limits when using Softr Databases
Hit sync delays due to API limits when integrating Airtable bases with Softr
Build internal and public apps all within the same pricing structure.
Add-on price for portals starting at $120 per additional 5 users.
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(Zapier only)
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Rated 4.8 in 450+ verified reviews
Read why companies and operators love Softr.
"They say that if you can’t explain it in a simple way, you don’t understand it well enough. I say the same thing about any software. If you can’t figure it out in the first 10 min by yourself without any tutorial, it’s probably not for you. Since the first moment we discovered Softr, we started the work."
"The best no-code platform to create websites based on airtable databases."
"Softr is an easy to use no-code platform that has so much potential."
"Creating a customer portal with Softr allows us to give our customers that bit of extra value. Our customers always comment on how easy to use our Softr portal is and love the fact that it updates with data from Airtable in real-time."
"Incredible platform - from web noob to office superstar in a month!"
"I have been impressed with the flexibility of Softr. The ability to pull data from different Airtable bases into different blocks and display them on one page was one of the main reasons I chose Softr."
"Softr is the goldilocks of no code — not too difficult, not too simple. It’s powerful in that you can build a dynamic app that reacts to user inputs, yet is simple enough to build quickly."
"Easily the shortest learning curve on any app I've used! It's very intuitive and when you can't figure something out the support is excellent and there is also a great community who are always willing to help."
"The best no-code platform to create websites based on airtable databases."
Build better apps
Migrate your app to Softr
If you’re coming to Softr from Airtable, our support team can help you migrate your app quickly. Contact us ->
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring your existing data into Softr with a simple import. We currently support CSV import, with Airtable import, API, and Zapier and Make integrations to import data coming soon.
Yes! Softr Databases are available for everyone to try, with record limits tailored to each plan so you can build and scale with confidence. The free plan includes up to 1000 records per database (and 5000 records across databases).
Yes, Softr follows GDPR-aligned practices for data protection and privacy.
Yes. Softr offers a 30% discount to all non-profits, educational institutions and students. To apply, please create an account and contact us via support@softr.io.
Yes! You have the option to add custom code snippets (Javascript, CSS) to extend your app with custom features. Available on the Basic plan and higher.
Softr apps are completely white-label (Professional plan and higher), with minimal branding on lower-tier plans. Airtable branding will show up on Interfaces, even on the highest-tier plans.
No! You can use a Softr subdomain (e.g. yoursite.softr.app) to publish your app. Later on, you can connect your custom domain to Softr in all of our paid plans. We also take care of hosting your app for you.
