Skip to content
Alternatives.toolsSubmit a tool
Grist logo

Free Grist alternatives

Top Spreadsheets & Databases like Grist

The most popular alternative to Grist is Airtable, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Grist are NocoDB, Baserow, SeaTable, and Google Sheets.

Most alternatives to Grist are in the Spreadsheets & Databases category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Grist alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
8 apps

All Grist alternatives

  1. Airtable

    4.8(25K) · App Store

    Airtable combines the look of a spreadsheet with a relational database, letting teams link records across tables and view them as grids, kanban boards, calendars, galleries or forms. Interfaces, automations and AI features turn bases into lightweight internal apps for content calendars, product roadmaps or inventories. A free plan exists, with paid plans adding capacity and admin features.

    12 Airtable alternatives

    Pros

    • Linked records give spreadsheet users real relational database power
    • Grid, kanban, calendar, gallery and form views on the same data
    • Interfaces and automations turn bases into lightweight internal apps

    Cons

    • Free plan limits on records and automations are reached quickly
    • Paid seats get expensive for larger teams
    • Complex bases can slow down and take effort to maintain
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Spreadsheets & DatabasesProject Management
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMaciPhoneAndroid
    Features
    AI assistantAPI accessIntegrationsReal-time collaborationRelational recordsTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about Airtable

  2. NocoDB

    65.3Kstars

    NocoDB is a no-code database platform that puts a spreadsheet-style interface on top of new or existing PostgreSQL and MySQL databases. Teams get grid, kanban, gallery, form and calendar views, role-based access and automatically generated REST APIs. It can be self-hosted with Docker or used as a cloud service, and its source code is published under the fair-code Sustainable Use License.

    8 NocoDB alternatives

    Pros

    • Connects to existing PostgreSQL and MySQL databases
    • Auto-generated REST APIs for every table
    • Self-hostable with Docker for full control over data

    Cons

    • Fair-code license is not open source in the OSI sense
    • Fewer native integrations and automations than Airtable
    • Self-hosting requires technical skills to maintain
    Cost / License
    FreemiumSource available
    Categories
    Spreadsheets & Databases
    Platforms
    WebSelf-hosted
    Features
    API accessIntegrationsRelational recordsTeam collaboration
    Visit websiteMore about NocoDB

  3. Baserow

    Baserow is a no-code database from the Dutch company of the same name, with a spreadsheet-like interface, linked tables, multiple views and a REST API. It also includes an application builder and AI fields for turning data into internal tools. The core is open source under MIT and can be self-hosted; the cloud version, hosted in the EU, has a free plan and paid tiers.

    8 Baserow alternatives

    Pros

    • Open source core that can be self-hosted at no cost
    • Familiar spreadsheet-style interface with linked tables and views
    • EU-hosted cloud option helps with GDPR requirements

    Cons

    • Smaller integration ecosystem than Airtable
    • Some advanced features are reserved for paid plans
    • Self-hosting requires server maintenance and updates
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
    Spreadsheets & Databases
    Platforms
    WebSelf-hosted
    Features
    AI assistantAPI accessGDPR compliantReal-time collaborationRelational recordsTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about Baserow

  4. SeaTable

    SeaTable is a spreadsheet-style database made by SeaTable GmbH in Germany, letting teams link tables, attach files, build forms and create custom views. Automations, Python and JavaScript scripts and an API turn tables into business processes without writing a full application. It can be used in the cloud, with a free plan, or installed on your own servers.

    7 SeaTable alternatives

    Pros

    • German vendor offering both GDPR-friendly cloud and self-hosting
    • Python and JavaScript scripts extend tables into business processes
    • Linked tables, forms and file attachments in one workspace

    Cons

    • Smaller community and template library than Airtable
    • Advanced features are reserved for paid plans
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Spreadsheets & Databases
    Platforms
    WebSelf-hosted
    Features
    API accessGDPR compliantRelational recordsTeam collaboration
    Visit websiteMore about SeaTable

  5. Google Sheets

    4.8(1.9M) · App Store

    Google Sheets is Google's browser-based spreadsheet, made for working on the same file with others at the same time. It supports formulas, pivot tables, charts, connected data sources and add-ons, and Apps Script can automate tasks or link sheets to other Google services. It is free with a Google account; Gemini AI features and business controls come with paid Google Workspace plans.

    11 Google Sheets alternatives

    Pros

    • Real-time co-editing works smoothly in the browser
    • Free with a Google account, with easy sharing and comments
    • Apps Script and add-ons automate tasks across Google services

    Cons

    • Slows down noticeably with very large datasets
    • Fewer advanced analysis features than desktop Excel
    • Gemini features require a paid Google Workspace plan
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Spreadsheets & Databases
    Platforms
    WebiPhoneAndroid
    Features
    AI assistantFormulasIntegrationsOffline modePivot tablesReal-time collaboration
    Visit websiteMore about Google Sheets

  6. Microsoft Excel

    4.7(1.5M) · App Store

    Microsoft Excel is the spreadsheet in Microsoft 365, used in many organisations for budgets, financial models and data analysis. It offers hundreds of functions, pivot tables, charts, Power Query for importing and cleaning data, VBA macros and Python in Excel, plus Copilot in eligible plans. It runs on Windows, Mac, mobile and the web, where a free version is available with a Microsoft account.

    8 Microsoft Excel alternatives

    Pros

    • Standard tool for financial models and business analysis
    • Power Query, pivot tables and macros handle complex data work
    • Huge range of functions, templates and learning resources

    Cons

    • Full desktop features require a Microsoft 365 subscription
    • The free web version lacks many advanced desktop features
    • Advanced features have a steep learning curve
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Spreadsheets & Databases
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMaciPhoneAndroid
    Features
    AI assistantFormulasPivot tablesPlugins & extensionsReal-time collaborationTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about Microsoft Excel

  7. Notion

    4.8(90.4K) · App Store

    Notion combines notes, documents, databases and project management in a flexible block-based workspace, with an integrated AI assistant.

    17 Notion alternatives

    Pros

    • Docs, wikis and databases combined in one flexible workspace
    • Large template gallery for roadmaps, trackers and wikis
    • Real-time collaboration with comments, mentions and an API

    Cons

    • Databases and relations take time to master
    • Offline access is limited compared with local-first apps
    • Large workspaces can feel slow to load
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Note-taking & Knowledge Bases
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMaciPhoneAndroid
    Features
    AI assistantAPI accessMarkdown supportReal-time collaborationTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about Notion

  8. LibreOffice

    4.5Kstars

    LibreOffice is a desktop office suite maintained by The Document Foundation, with Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Base and Math. It uses the OpenDocument format natively and opens and saves Microsoft Office files. It is free for any use, works fully offline and can be extended with community extensions and templates.

    12 LibreOffice alternatives

    Pros

    • Free for any use, with no account or subscription
    • Full suite with Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw and Base
    • Native OpenDocument support and fully offline use

    Cons

    • Interface feels dated next to Microsoft 365
    • Complex Office files can lose formatting
    • No real-time collaboration in the desktop apps
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Office SuitesWord ProcessorsSpreadsheets & Databases
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    Ad-freeMicrosoft Office file compatibilityOffline modePlugins & extensionsTemplatesTrack changes
    Visit websiteMore about LibreOffice

Grist vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Grist, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Grist vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsAPI accessFormulasReal-time collaborationRelational recordsTemplates
GristFreemiumOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux, Self-hosted
AirtableFreemiumWeb, Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android
NocoDBFreemiumSource availableWeb, Self-hosted
BaserowFreemiumOpen sourceWeb, Self-hosted
SeaTableFreemiumWeb, Self-hosted
Google SheetsFreemiumWeb, iPhone, Android

Grist alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Grist?

The most popular alternative to Grist is Airtable: Spreadsheet-database hybrid for building team apps and workflows. Other great alternatives are NocoDB, Baserow, SeaTable, and Google Sheets.

Is there a free alternative to Grist?

Yes, 8 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Airtable, NocoDB, Baserow, and SeaTable.

Is there an open source alternative to Grist?

Yes, 2 open source alternatives are listed, including Baserow and LibreOffice.

Is Grist free?

Grist has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features.

Compare Grist with its alternatives

Sponsored listings and products made by the publisher of this site are always labeled. How we rank · Know a good alternative? Submit it