Softr vs. Airtable
Running into Airtable performance or pricing limits? Try Softr, the fastest way to build scalable databases and business apps.
The #1 Airtable alternative
Build powerful databases and full-stack apps, then iterate as your business grows.
A database designed to power your business ops.
Airtable is designed for structured data, but it can struggle as complexity and record counts grow. Softr includes a native relational database built to power portals and internal tools without lag.
Everything you need to turn data into apps.
Airtable works for basic internal views of your data. But when you need logins, user roles, permissions, and custom design, Softr gives you everything you need to build complete business apps.
No seat-based pricing or hidden costs.
Airtable charges per-seat pricing and has strict record limits, even on its highest plans. Softr offers more generous user and record limits, making it easy to scale without unpredictable costs.
Why businesses are choosing Softr over Airtable
Better database performance
Airtable caps each base at 50K-125K records on non-Enterprise plans, and performance drops as you add linked records, formulas, or automations. Softr Databases are built for speed, supporting up to 200K records per database—with fast load times and no API rate limits.
Full-stack apps, not just interfaces
Airtable works for organizing data, but Interfaces and Portals offer only simple data visualization. Softr lets you create white-label business apps with logins, user roles, custom design, and permissions that support real business workflows.
No per-seat pricing
Airtable charges per collaborator and requires add-ons for Portal guest access. Softr includes generous user limits per plan, and doesn’t differentiate between internal and external users in its pricing.
Connect multiple data sources
Airtable keeps you in its ecosystem. Softr connects to 15+ data sources—including Airtable, Notion, SQL, HubSpot, Google Sheets—plus Softr Databases, so you can use multiple sources together in the same app.
Multi-page forms with logic
Airtable’s forms are single-page and limited. Softr supports advanced forms with conditional logic, and branching. You can even run custom workflows from in-app form submissions.
Custom-branded portals
Airtable Portals offer limited customization. Softr lets you build branded portals with personalized dashboards and mobile-friendly layouts, creating a more professional experience for clients and partners.
Vibe coding and AI to build faster
Vibe coding in Softr lets you generate custom tools and UIs from a prompt—inside a real app. Vibe-coded blocks connect to live data, follow visibility rules, and include version history so you can iterate quickly.
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See how Softr compares to Airtable
Deciding between Airtable and Softr? It's no contest. With Softr, you get higher record limits and better performance at a much better price.
Functionalities | Softr | Airtable |
|---|---|---|
Core focus | Full-stack app builder with native relational databases | Data platform optimized for collaborative data management |
Data model | Relational databases with custom views and field types | Relational bases with custom views and field types |
Database record limits | Up to 200K records per database (plan-based) | 50K–125K per base (plan-based) |
API limits | No dealing with API limits when using Softr Databases | Hit sync delays due to API limits when integrating Airtable bases with Softr |
Design flexibility (apps) | Customizable layouts, navigation, and branding | Interfaces & Portals with limited design flexibility |
Data flexibility (apps) | Native databases plus 15+ external data sources | Airtable bases only |
Permissions & access | Custom user groups, granular permissions, and global data restrictions | Basic collaborator roles and permissions |
External users | Supports secure access for external users | Paid guests via Portals or Interfaces |
Forms | Multi-page forms with conditional logic | Basic single-page forms |
Workflow automation | Built-in workflows (includes app UI triggers) | Built-in, base-level automations |
AI Co-builder | Build structured databases and workflows from prompts | Airtable Omni assistant |
AI agents | AI Agents for databases and workflows | AI Fields & automations |
Mobile experience | Responsive web apps with PWA support | Limited mobile experience for apps |
Branding (apps) | Fully white-label on Pro plan and higher | Always carries Airtable branding |
Pricing | No per-seat pricing on paid plans; external users aren't charged separately | Per-seat pricing and paid guest access |
Go from zero to app, incredibly fast
Connect to your data in seconds
Integrate with your spreadsheets and databases, including Airtable, SQL, Hubspot, Google Sheets, Supabase, BigQuery, and more—in just a few clicks. Your data is always secure and in sync.
Customize layout and logic
Drag and drop customizable building blocks with various views and functionalities. Granular permissions allow you to control what data each user can access, and which actions they can take.
Publish and launch
Ship applications that your team will love in minutes or hours, instead of days or weeks. Deploy on both desktop and mobile.
