Grist
Grist: A flexible open-source database builder with strong controls and a generous free tier. Ranked #2 of 40 in No-Code Database Software by our editors (9.2/10); pricing: Free plan · 30-day trial; best for open-source teams needing advanced database controls.
At a glance
- Editor score9.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan · 30-day trial
- Best forOpen-source teams needing advanced database controls
- Free planYes
- Paid from$8/user/mo
- App interface builderYes
- Founded2014 · New York City, United States
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on Grist
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 applications while retaining database controls. General-purpose business, personal, and community workflows can use its formulas, automations, APIs, webhooks, custom widgets, and optional AI assistance. Grist is available through managed cloud hosting, desktop applications, and a self-hosted open-source Community edition.
Pricing scales by plan and deployment model. The Free plan costs $0 per month and includes unlimited documents, up to 5,000 records per document, and 30-day snapshot history. Pro costs $8 per user per month when billed annually, increasing the limit to 100,000 records per document, extending snapshot history to three years, and providing higher API limits. Business costs $24 per user per month when billed annually, requires a minimum of five users, and adds up to 150,000 records per document, automations, and priority email support. Enterprise uses custom pricing and includes dedicated servers plus advanced security and governance. The Community edition is free, open source, self-hosted, and supported by the community. A 30-day free trial is also available.
Its strongest fit is for teams that want spreadsheet familiarity alongside relational data modeling and granular permissions. Workflow automations can use email and webhook actions, while the REST API, webhooks, Zapier, n8n, and Make support connections to other systems. Python formulas and the AI Assistant extend data analysis and record or formula changes. The main trade-offs are the Free plan’s record limit, the Business plan’s five-user minimum, and the Community edition’s community-support model. Choose Grist when deployment flexibility, open-source access, and detailed controls matter; consider another option if your priority is avoiding record limits on the free plan or minimizing self-hosting responsibility.
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Grist pricing
All 5 Grist plans and prices →
Grist fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $8/user/mo |
| Relational data | Yes |
| Permission controls | Yes |
| App interface builder | Yes |
| Workflow automation | Yes |
| Deployment | Both |
| Record limit | 5000 records |
| API access | Yes |
| Free trial | 30 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Integrations | 5 integrations: REST API, webhooks, Zapier, n8n, Make |
| Pricing | Free plan · 30-day trial (source) |
| Website | getgrist.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Grist integrations
Grist lists 5 integrations on its own site.
- REST API
- webhooks
- Zapier
- n8n
- Make
Alternatives to Grist
- AirtableAirtable combines relational data, apps, automation, integrations, and APIs in one platform.9.4
- SeaTableA flexible no-code database for teams that need relational data and deployment choice.9.0
- BaserowA flexible relational database builder for teams creating internal tools and portals.8.9
Grist vs the competition
Compare Grist with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Grist is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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