How does Softr compare to Zapier Tables?

|

800,000+ companies rely on Softr to build database and apps, no code required. Customers choose Softr over Zapier Tables for more granular access control and higher record limits β€” and to build full-stack apps with permissions, roles, and actions.

softr functionality overview
Laura van der Sanden

"We really appreciate how we can set user-specific visibility in Softrβ€”clients see only what they need to see, nothing more."

Laura van der Sanden, Marketing Services Director, FUGA

Read customer story

6 reasons to choose Softr over Zapier Tables

1. Create bigger databasesβ€”without hitting limits

Zapier Tables limits the number of databases you can create and has stricter record limits. Softr lets you build unlimited databases and provides more records per workspace, making it easier to scale.

Image alt
Image alt

2. Get relational database power, even on the free plan

To access features like linked records or formulas in Zapier Tables, you’ll need at least the Pro plan. With Softr, essential relational database featuresβ€”linked records, formulas, rollups, lookups, multi-selects, and attachmentsβ€”are included on every plan, even free.

3. Build full-stack apps, not just interfaces

Zapier Tables is fine for basic internal views. But if you want to go furtherβ€”add logins, user roles, custom permissions, and CRUD actionsβ€”Softr gives you everything you need to build full-stack business apps for both internal and client/external use, including your back-end database.

Image alt
Image alt

4. Granular permissions for internal and external users

Zapier Tables doesn’t have advanced roles and permissions (and only has them coming soon on the Enterprise plan). Softr gives you full control. Define custom user groups, visibility rules, and permissions using your app’s data and user fields. Customize what each person can see, update, or deleteβ€”whether they’re part of your team or an external client.

5. Full control over design, layout, and branding

Zapier Tables is limited to basic layouts and styling, with basic control over structure or appearance. With Softr, fully customize your app’s layout and design using building blocks. Style your pages, tweak navigation, match your brand, and create polished experiencesβ€”without code.

pwa-web-apps
Softr mobile app

6. Turn your app into a mobile experience no extra tools

With Softr, every app is automatically mobile-ready through PWA (Progressive Web App) support. Your users can install your portal or internal tool on iOS and Android devices in secondsβ€”no separate mobile app build required.

Why else are people switching from
Zapier Tables to Softr?

Better value

With Softr, you can share your data and apps with more users and allow them to take action without paying per seat pricing.

Richer user authentication

Softr offers multiple sign-in options, including email, magic code, and Google authentication. It also has OpenID and SAML SSO.

AI app generator

Take your app idea from prompt to reality, then customize to your liking. It’s never been easier to build custom apps!

Softr vs Zapier Tables

Pricing (starting)
Included as part of platform pricing
Free ($0/mo), up to $100+/mo, priced as an add-on
Max records per workspace
5,000 (Free), up to 1M (Business)
2,500 (Free), up to 500,000
Records per Table
1,000 (Free), up to 200,000 β€” no table count limit
Same as above β€” but limited to 5–50 tables (depending on plan)
Max # of tables
No limit
5 (Free), up to 50 (Advanced)
Max # of fields per table
No limit
100 (Free), up to 200 (Pro+)
Linked Records
βœ…

Yes

🟑

Not available on free plan

Formulas
βœ…

Yes

🟑

Not available on free plan

Multiselect / Dropdown
βœ…

Yes

βœ…

Yes

Attachments
βœ…

Images, PDFs

❌

Not supported

Zaps / Integrations
βœ…

Via Zapier, Make, APIs

βœ…

Core feature

Frontend UI Builder
βœ…

Built-in app builder with custom permissions, roles, and actions

🟑

Limited Zapier Interfaces

AI Field
🟑

Coming soon

βœ…

Pro+ plan

Our customers love us

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."

Rachid
Rachid Akiki COO at Bookzdoctor

"The best no-code platform to create websites based on airtable databases."

Alexander
Alexander K. Ecommerce Manager

"Softr is an easy to use no-code platform that has so much potential."

Paul
Paul L. Head of Digital Marketing

"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."

Jeremy
Jeremy Taylor Owner, Defiant CNC

"Incredible platform - from web noob to office superstar in a month!"

Bryant
Bryant H. Analyst

"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."

Dan
Dan Smith Director at DS Automotives

"Softr is the goldilocks of no code β€” 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."

Chez
Chez Spigelman Co-founder at Nextcohort

"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."

Brian
Brian M. Director

"The best no-code platform to create websites based on airtable databases."

Alexander
Alexander K. Ecommerce Manager

Build better apps

Migrate your app to Softr

If you’re coming to Softr from Zapier, our support team can help you migrate your app quickly. Contact us ->

Get started for free

Custom domain. Unlimited applications. Try Softr's free plan β€” no credit card required. Get started ->

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 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. 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.

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.

More questions?

Reach out to us β€” we'd love to help!

Join 800,000+ companies
building custom apps

See how easy it is to automate and run your business on Softr.