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Head-to-head · No-Code Database Software

Grist vs Saltcorn

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Grist #2 in No-Code Database Software 9.2/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Grist
Saltcorn #23 in No-Code Database Software 7.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Saltcorn

Grist leads on 0 checks, Saltcorn 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 trialonly Grist

Grist scores higher on our rubric for no-code database software: 9.2 against 7.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #23.

Grist is the better fit for open-source teams needing advanced database controls. Saltcorn is the better fit for developers wanting free, self-hosted no-code apps.

  • Grist fits best

    Open-source teams needing advanced database controls

  • Saltcorn fits best

    Developers wanting free, self-hosted no-code apps

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 Grist 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Saltcorn 7.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 7.0
Ranking #2 in No-Code Database Software #23 in No-Code Database Software
Best for Open-source teams needing advanced database controls Developers wanting free, self-hosted no-code apps
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price $8/user/mo Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Self-hosted Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Integrations 5 integrations 3 integrations
Features Grist 5/5 · Saltcorn 5/5
Relational data ✓ ✓
Permission controls ✓ ✓
App interface builder ✓ ✓
Workflow automation ✓ ✓
API access ✓ ✓
Specs
Deployment Both Both
Record limit 5000 records Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Relational tables, formulas, dashboards, forms, and custom layouts
  • Granular row-, column-, and cell-level access rules
  • Cloud, desktop, API, and self-hosted deployment options
  • Relational tables, foreign-key relationships, and role-based access controls
  • Visual builder for pages, forms, dashboards, portals, and data views
  • Free open-source deployment with APIs, workflows, and mobile app generation
Cons
  • Free documents are limited to 5,000 records each
  • Business requires a minimum of five users
  • Community edition includes community support
  • Self-hosting requires infrastructure and deployment decisions
  • The broad feature set may require more configuration than simpler tools
  • Hosted evaluation and third-party infrastructure can add hosting costs
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 →

Saltcorn is an open-source, no-code application builder for database-backed web and mobile apps. It is suited to developers and technical teams that want control over deployment, data structure, and application behavior without writing…

Read the review →
  1. GristNo-Code Database Software 9.2Free plan · 30-day trial
  2. SaltcornNo-Code Database Software 7.0Free plan

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

  • Saltcorn — where it wins

    • Relational tables, foreign-key relationships, and role-based access controls
    • Visual builder for pages, forms, dashboards, portals, and data views
    • Free open-source deployment with APIs, workflows, and mobile app generation

    Where it doesn't

    • Self-hosting requires infrastructure and deployment decisions
    • The broad feature set may require more configuration than simpler tools
    • Hosted evaluation and third-party infrastructure can add hosting costs
  • 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 →
  • Saltcorn7.0/10 · Free plan

    A free, self-hosted no-code builder with relational data, workflows, APIs, and mobile app generation.

    Visit SaltcornFull 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