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Head-to-head · No-Code Database Software

Airtable vs Grist

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 8 checks side by side
Higher score Airtable #1 in No-Code Database Software 9.4/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Airtable
Grist #2 in No-Code Database Software 9.2/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Grist

Airtable leads on 0 checks, Grist on 2, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 8 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAirtable · 9.4/10
  • Lowest starting priceGrist · $8/user/mo
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialboth

Airtable scores higher on our rubric for no-code database software: 9.4 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

Grist is cheaper to start at $8/user/mo against $20/user/mo. On deployment, Grist gives you Both where Airtable offers Cloud. Grist leads on record limit: 5000 records versus 1000 records.

Airtable is the better fit for teams wanting the broadest mature database platform. Grist is the better fit for open-source teams needing advanced database controls.

  • Airtable fits best

    Teams wanting the broadest mature database platform

  • Grist fits best

    Open-source teams needing advanced database controls

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Airtable 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Grist 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.2
Ranking #1 in No-Code Database Software #2 in No-Code Database Software
Best for Teams wanting the broadest mature database platform Open-source teams needing advanced database controls
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $20/user/mo $8/user/mo (best)
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 14 days 30 days
Free trial length 14 days 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Self-hosted
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Integrations 20 integrations 5 integrations
Features Airtable 5/5 · Grist 5/5
Relational data ✓ ✓
Permission controls ✓ ✓
App interface builder ✓ ✓
Workflow automation ✓ ✓
API access ✓ ✓
Specs
Deployment Cloud Both
Record limit 1000 records 5000 records (best)
Our review
Pros
  • Relational records, views, forms, interfaces, and automation in one platform
  • Web, desktop, mobile, and API access with extensive integrations
  • Free plan plus AI, synchronization, and enterprise governance options
  • Relational tables, formulas, dashboards, forms, and custom layouts
  • Granular row-, column-, and cell-level access rules
  • Cloud, desktop, API, and self-hosted deployment options
Cons
  • Team pricing starts at $20 per user per month with annual billing
  • Free plan limits each base to 1,000 records and 1 GB of attachments
  • Advanced governance and administration require the Enterprise Scale plan
  • Free documents are limited to 5,000 records each
  • Business requires a minimum of five users
  • Community edition includes community support
Our verdict

Airtable is a cloud-based, no-code database and app-building platform for teams that need more than a simple table. Its linked records connect data across tables, while customizable views, forms, interfaces, and automations help…

Read the review →

Grist combines spreadsheet-style editing with relational tables, linked records, forms, dashboards, charts, pivot tables, and custom layouts. It is designed for individuals and teams that need to turn structured data into no-code…

Read the review →
  1. AirtableNo-Code Database Software 9.4Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. GristNo-Code Database Software 9.2Free plan · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Airtable — where it wins

    • Relational records, views, forms, interfaces, and automation in one platform
    • Web, desktop, mobile, and API access with extensive integrations
    • Free plan plus AI, synchronization, and enterprise governance options

    Where it doesn't

    • Team pricing starts at $20 per user per month with annual billing
    • Free plan limits each base to 1,000 records and 1 GB of attachments
    • Advanced governance and administration require the Enterprise Scale plan

  • Grist — where it wins

    • Relational tables, formulas, dashboards, forms, and custom layouts
    • Granular row-, column-, and cell-level access rules
    • Cloud, desktop, API, and self-hosted deployment options

    Where it doesn't

    • Free documents are limited to 5,000 records each
    • Business requires a minimum of five users
    • Community edition includes community support
  • Airtable9.4/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    Airtable combines relational data, apps, automation, integrations, and APIs in one platform.

    Visit AirtableFull verdict →
  • Grist9.2/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    A flexible open-source database builder with strong controls and a generous free tier.

    Visit GristFull verdict →

More comparisons

All No-Code database software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update