Head-to-head · No-Code Database Software
Grist vs NocoBase
Grist leads on 0 checks, NocoBase on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreGrist · 9.2/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialboth
Grist scores higher on our rubric for no-code database software: 9.2 against 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #13.
On deployment, Grist gives you Both where NocoBase offers Self_hosted.
Grist is the better fit for open-source teams needing advanced database controls. NocoBase is the better fit for self-hosted teams needing extensible business apps.
- Grist fits best
Open-source teams needing advanced database controls
- NocoBase fits best
Self-hosted teams needing extensible business apps
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Side by side
| Feature | Grist 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | NocoBase 8.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.0 |
| Ranking | #2 in No-Code Database Software | #13 in No-Code Database Software |
| Best for | Open-source teams needing advanced database controls | Self-hosted teams needing extensible business apps |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $8/user/mo | $800 one-time |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 30 days | 2 days |
| Free trial length | 30 days | 2 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux | Web |
| Integrations | 5 integrations | 11 integrations |
| Features Grist 5/5 · NocoBase 5/5 | ||
| Relational data | ✓ | ✓ |
| Permission controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App interface builder | ✓ | ✓ |
| Workflow automation | ✓ | ✓ |
| API access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Deployment | Both | Self_hosted |
| Record limit | 5000 records | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | 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 → |
NocoBase is an open-source AI and no-code platform for building business systems and internal tools. It suits self-hosted teams that need more than a basic table interface, especially when relational data, custom application screens,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
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
NocoBase — where it wins
- Relational modeling covers one-to-one through many-to-many relationships
- Fine-grained permissions include data, menu, plugin, and field access
- Self-hosting, full source code, APIs, plugins, and workflow automation
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment requires teams to manage their own infrastructure
- Paid editions begin at a high one-time license price
- Advanced capabilities are reserved for higher paid editions
- 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 → - NocoBase8.0/10 · Free plan · 2-day trial
A self-hosted no-code builder with deep data modeling, workflows, permissions, and APIs.
Visit NocoBaseFull verdict →
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All No-Code database software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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