NocoBase

Posted on Nov 28

The 8 Best Google Sheets Alternatives (Specs & Pricing)

#opensource #lowcode #nocode #googlesheets

Originally published at https://www.nocobase.com/en/blog/the-8-best-google-sheets-alternatives-with-full-cost-and-capability-analysis

Has your team used Google Sheets in the past or is it using it now?

It is lightweight, easy to get started with, and simple for teams to collaborate on, which is why many organizations choose it at the early stages of digitalization. For tasks like recording data, tracking work, managing content, or doing basic analysis, spreadsheets can be a quick solution.

As teams grow, involve more people, and deal with more complex business logic, the structural and collaborative limitations of spreadsheets start to show. When there is a growing need for cross departmental collaboration, granular permissions, or workflow driven operations, Google Sheets often becomes difficult to scale.

On Hacker News, many users are also searching for alternatives to Google Sheets. Some point out that in more complex scenarios it feels more like a temporary tool rather than something suited for serious data work. As data volume grows or models become more complex, it tends to fall short and cannot fully support end to end analysis.

At its core, Google Sheets is still a spreadsheet, not a business system.

This is why teams trying to use it for CRM, project management, asset tracking, or approval workflows often face issues such as fragile data relationships, limited permission control, and automation that is difficult to extend.

Based on these real world experiences, I have grouped several common types of alternatives to help you find options that may suit different stages and needs better than Google Sheets.

The following sections will look at three key aspects:

Cost by team size, with annual estimates for 10, 50, and 100 person teams
Ideal use cases and the types of teams each tool fits best
Core capabilities, including data modeling, collaboration and permissions, scalability, automation, and ease of use

Google Sheets alternatives

Before we go into the details, I grouped the 8 tools for today’s overview by common business needs so you can quickly scan through the categories.

① Tools for building business systems

NocoBase, Retool, Appsmith, Budibase

Designed for teams moving from chaotic spreadsheets to internal systems that require data models, permissions, automated workflows, or modular applications.

② Tools for structured data

Airtable, Smartsheet, Baserow, NocoDB

Designed for teams that have outgrown traditional spreadsheets but do not yet need a full business system. They provide structured data models, multiple views, basic permission settings, and in some cases self hosting options to support more organized data management

Price comparison table

Tool	Version or model	Annual cost for 10 users	Annual cost for 50 users	Annual cost for 100 users
Airtable	Team	\$2,400	\$12,000	\$24,000
Airtable	Business	🔴\$5,400	🔴\$27,000	🔴\$54,000
NocoBase	Standard (one time)	✅\$800	✅\$800	✅\$800
NocoBase	Professional (one time)	\$8,000	\$8,000	\$8,000
NocoDB	Team	✅\$228	✅\$1,140	✅\$2,280
NocoDB	Business	\$1,188	\$5,940	\$11,880
Baserow	Premium	\$1,200	\$6,000	\$12,000
Baserow	Advanced	\$2,160	\$9,000	\$18,000
Retool	Standard	\$1,200	\$6,000	\$12,000
Budibase	Premium	approx.\$2,700	approx.\$5,850	approx.\$8,700
Appsmith	Business	\$1,800	\$9,000	\$18,000
Teable	Professional	\$1,200	\$6,000	\$12,000

💡 The table highlights several key patterns.

Costs rise quickly for per user pricing models such as Baserow, Appsmith, Retool, and Teable. Small teams can manage the fees, but for 50 or 100 people, annual spending increases sharply.
NocoBase is the only tool whose pricing does not change with the number of users. The Standard plan remains 800 dollars a year, and the Professional plan stays at 8,000 dollars, which makes budgeting more predictable for larger or cross departmental teams.
Database focused tools like NocoDB and Baserow remain relatively steady in price but still charge by user, making them suitable as a transition from Google Sheets to more structured data management.
Budibase and Teable fall in the mid price range. Their spreadsheet like interfaces are friendly for teams upgrading from Google Sheets but not yet needing a full business system.
Overall, self hosted tools become more cost effective as team size increases and work well for teams preparing to move Google Sheets data into more structured, long term systems. SaaS based tools remain a better fit for small teams or short term use.

💡 Recommended reading: 7 Best Self-Hosted AI Tools for Building Business Apps

NocoBase

Official website: https://www.nocobase.com/

NocoBase is an open source no code and low code platform for building business applications. It can be used to create internal systems, admin dashboards, and data centric workflows. It supports self hosting and also offers an official hosted service, making it a good fit for teams moving from spreadsheets to more structured system based management. Applications are built through visual configuration, with additional capabilities available through plugins and APIs. In some cases, the platform’s AI features can further improve data entry and workflow efficiency.

Usage scenarios

NocoBase works well for teams that have outgrown spreadsheets and need more structured and controllable internal systems.

Common use cases include.

Data driven operations such as customer management, inventory management, and asset tracking
Workflow heavy scenarios like approvals, project collaboration, and task progression
Backend systems that involve multi user collaboration and role based access
Enterprise settings with requirements for data security, self hosting, or on premises deployment

Capabilities

Data modeling The platform lets you create tables, fields, and relationships through the interface, organize business data into clear structured models, and present them flexibly across views.
Collaboration and permissions It offers multi level permissions across roles, tables, fields, and pages, supporting team collaboration and permission separation.

Automation Event based workflows can trigger notifications, reviews, and cross system actions when data changes, reducing manual work.
Extensibility A plugin system and open interfaces allow teams to install or build plugins and integrate external systems so the platform grows with business needs.
Deployment It can run locally or on cloud servers, giving teams full control over data and the operating environment.
API and integrations The platform generates APIs directly from data models and supports integration with external systems through configuration or plugins, making it easy to connect with front end, mobile, or other services.
Learning curve Non technical users can build applications through the interface, while technical teams can extend the platform through plugins, APIs, and self hosted deployment.

Summary

For teams shifting from spreadsheets to more systematic management and seeking stronger capabilities in data modeling, permissions, workflows, and extensibility, NocoBase is a solid long term option. It combines visual ease of use with deep customization potential and can support teams from early stage groups to large enterprises.

Retool

Official website: https://retool.com/

Retool is a closed source SaaS platform designed for quickly building internal tools, with a self hosted option available for enterprise plans. It is built for engineering teams and allows developers to combine databases, APIs, and backend logic into working internal applications using drag and drop components along with small amounts of code. Typical examples include operations dashboards, data tools, review systems, and customer support interfaces.

Usage scenarios

Retool suits companies with engineering teams that need to build internal business tools quickly.

Common use cases include.

Internal operations tools such as order management, appeals processing, and content moderation
Data tools and interfaces used by data operations or support teams
Engineering teams building internal consoles, operations systems, or management interfaces
Lightweight workflow tools that connect to existing databases or APIs

Capabilities

Extensibility Retool is highly flexible. Developers can write JavaScript to process data, call APIs, and combine logic. The platform also integrates with databases, message queues, and third party services. For teams that need to bring multiple systems together into one interface, Retool helps reduce development time and is widely used as an internal tool framework.
Data connectivity Retool connects to a wide range of data sources including SQL, NoSQL, REST APIs, and GraphQL. Developers can write queries, handle logic, and bind data directly in the interface. Retool does not manage underlying data structures. It instead acts as the application layer that pulls data from different systems and displays it in one place.
Learning curve Despite offering drag and drop editing, Retool relies heavily on engineering knowledge. Users often need to write JavaScript, SQL, or configure APIs. Product and operations teams generally cannot build complex tools on their own. Developers can adopt it quickly, but non technical users face a steep learning curve.
Limitations Retool is ideal for quickly producing internal tools but not for building external products or full business systems. It does not cover data modeling, workflow design, or system level permission architecture, which must be handled by other systems. As Retool projects grow and accumulate more logic, maintenance becomes more demanding.

Summary

For teams with engineers that need to build internal tools or operations dashboards quickly, Retool is an efficient and capable option. If a team lacks developers or aims to build a complete system visually from data modeling to automation, it may not be the best fit.

Appsmith

Official website: https://appsmith.com/

Appsmith is an open source low code and no code platform built for creating internal tools, backend systems, and admin dashboards. Users can assemble interfaces by dragging components, connecting to databases or APIs, and adding small pieces of script. It also supports full self hosted deployment, giving teams more control over data security and privacy.

Usage scenarios

Appsmith works well in situations such as.

Building internal tools like admin systems, operations dashboards, review workflows, or customer service consoles
Teams that want to connect databases or APIs without writing full applications from scratch
Organizations with strict security or compliance needs that require self hosting or control over their data infrastructure

Capabilities

Data connectivity and multi source integration Appsmith connects to SQL and NoSQL databases, REST and GraphQL APIs, and many other data sources. It can bring existing data into the platform and display, edit, filter, or update it through UI components. This allows even complex or heterogeneous data systems to be unified in one interface so non engineers can work with them more easily.
Extensibility and customization As an open source tool, Appsmith allows full self hosting and lets teams customize UI components, scripting logic, permissions, and user roles. For enterprises requiring deep customization, system integration, or multi team collaboration, it can serve as a flexible foundation for internal systems that offers more control than typical tools.
Learning curve The interface is friendly for non technical teams, but making full use of its data integrations, logic customization, and self hosted setup requires some technical knowledge, at least familiarity with databases, APIs, or basic scripting. Compared with pure spreadsheet tools the learning curve is higher, but for teams with technical skills it is much faster than developing everything from scratch.
Limitations Appsmith combines UI, data integration, and self hosting, but it is not a fully code free solution. Highly customized workflows, high concurrency, or complex permission models may still require engineering work. For teams without technical background, its learning curve is significantly steeper than SaaS based spreadsheet tools.

Summary

If your team has some technical ability, prioritizes data security and control, and needs to build internal tools such as admin dashboards, operations tools, or review systems quickly, Appsmith is a flexible and cost effective platform that works well for long term use. If the team has no engineering resources and does not want to manage deployment or maintenance, the learning curve and long term overhead need careful consideration.

Budibase

Official website: https://budibase.com/

Budibase is an open source low code platform for building internal tools and admin interfaces. It supports both self hosted and cloud deployment, giving teams flexibility when they need stronger control over data security or prefer running systems in their own environment.

Usage scenarios

Budibase is suitable for teams that want to quickly build admin panels, data entry tools, or simple business applications. Typical scenarios include.

Managing and entering data such as customer information, inventory, or assets
Small internal CRM systems, approval flows, or operations dashboards
Small teams or startups that want the option to self host

Capabilities

Data management Budibase connects to external databases and also lets users create structured tables directly within the platform. Teams can define field types, relationships, and build forms or list views. Compared with spreadsheets, it provides clearer structure and more organized data handling for small or mid sized tasks.
Extensibility and self hosting Budibase includes role and permission management, as well as triggers and actions for simple automation. As an open source platform, it supports full self hosting, giving teams more control over data and infrastructure, which is often valuable for internal tool projects.
Learning curve Budibase is easier to use than traditional development, even for users without front end experience. But to work comfortably with database connections, custom views, or self hosted deployment, some technical background is still required. For teams with no technical skills at all, there is a noticeable learning curve.
Limitations While Budibase can handle data entry, basic permissions, and simple automation, it has limitations with complex multi table relationships, fine grained permission models, large or intricate workflows, and high concurrency. For building more complex applications or full business systems, it usually serves better as a starting framework than a complete solution.

Summary

Budibase is a flexible and cost efficient option if you need to build internal tools with structured data management, self hosting capabilities, and basic permission control. For more complex business needs, however, it works best as a lightweight foundation rather than a full system replacement.

Baserow

Official website: https://baserow.io/

Baserow is an open source data management tool built around a database core. It offers a spreadsheet style interface, but underneath it is a structured data management platform. It supports full self hosting and also provides a cloud service. Compared with traditional spreadsheets, it focuses more on clarity of data models and long term scalability, making it a strong fit for teams that want data ownership or require on premises deployment.

Usage scenarios

Baserow is a good choice for teams that want to move from spreadsheets to a structured database without jumping straight into developer oriented database tools. Typical use cases include.

Lightweight internal data management, organizing tables, and entering data
Small or mid sized companies that need self hosting for data organization or dashboards
Acting as a backend data source for front end systems or applications through REST API

Capabilities

Data modeling Baserow provides clearer field types, relationships between tables, record references, and other database characteristics that traditional spreadsheets lack. It preserves the familiar table based user experience while making data structures more maintainable, which is useful for mid sized data modeling tasks.
Extensibility Being open source, Baserow supports custom plugins, custom field types, webhooks, and APIs. For teams with some technical skills, it can function as a lightweight database or serve as the underlying data layer for internal applications.
Learning curve Non-technical users will find it easier to start with than traditional databases, although it still requires thinking in structured models and handling table relationships, which brings a higher learning cost than ordinary spreadsheets. For technical teams, it offers more flexibility than SaaS tools like Airtable, but they must also manage deployment and maintenance.
Limitations Baserow focuses on data management and does not provide application interfaces, complex automation, or workflow orchestration. Teams that want to build full business systems will need additional tools because Baserow functions mainly as the backend data layer.

Summary

Baserow is well suited for teams wanting to transition from spreadsheets to more maintainable structured data management, with the benefits of data ownership, self hosting, and extensibility. For teams needing workflow automation, UI building, or full business system capabilities, it works best as a data layer rather than an end to end application platform.

NocoDB

Official website: https://nocodb.com/

NocoDB is an open source database management tool with a spreadsheet style interface. It offers an Airtable like user experience while running on top of real relational databases and supports full self hosted deployment. Teams can connect existing MySQL, PostgreSQL, and other databases directly to NocoDB, turning systems that normally require engineering expertise into a more visual and accessible interface.

Usage scenarios

NocoDB is ideal for teams moving from spreadsheets to databases but wanting to keep a familiar table like interface.

Common use cases include.

Managing business data with larger volume that requires relational database support
Small or mid sized teams that want to manage databases visually without writing SQL
Using NocoDB as an API data source for internal tools or front end applications

Capabilities

Data modeling Because NocoDB runs on real relational databases, it supports richer field types, foreign keys, and structured operations. It offers stronger data consistency, better handling of multi table relationships, and greater scalability compared with spreadsheets or spreadsheet like tools. A major advantage is its visual interface for managing existing databases.
Extensibility NocoDB offers automatic API generation, webhooks, multiple database connectors, and custom views, making it a practical backend data layer. Developers can quickly integrate it into internal projects using its autogenerated REST APIs, which gives it strong flexibility in multi system setups.
Learning curve The interface is similar to spreadsheets and easy for non technical users to understand. But scenarios like database migration, complex schema design, or advanced configuration still require some technical background. For engineering teams, it is much easier to use than managing raw databases, but they are still responsible for deployment and maintenance.
Limitations NocoDB focuses on data management and database visualization. It does not provide business system building, workflow design, or advanced automation. Teams looking to build complete applications such as CRM systems, approval workflows, or inventory systems will need other tools, with NocoDB serving mainly as the backend data layer.

Summary

For teams managing structured data that want a visual database interface, need self hosting, or rely on API output, NocoDB is a stronger option than spreadsheet based tools. For needs related to workflow orchestration, multi module business systems, or full application development, NocoDB works best when combined with other platforms.

Airtable

Official website: https://airtable.com/

Airtable is a closed source SaaS platform that combines spreadsheets, database features, and collaborative workflows. It offers flexible data structures, a clean and intuitive interface, and real time multi user collaboration. It does not support self hosting, so all data is stored on Airtable’s cloud.

Usage scenarios

Airtable works well for teams that want more structure than traditional spreadsheets but do not want to build or maintain a backend system. Common use cases include.

Content or operations teams managing content calendars, task assignments, and status tracking
Small project or event management where teams coordinate people, progress, and deliverables
Startups using it for contact lists, lightweight CRM, or member management

Capabilities

Data modeling Airtable supports linking records across tables and provides a clearer structure than regular spreadsheets, making it suitable for light to moderately complex data models.

💡 Recommended reading: Airtable Data Limit Reached: 3 Common Solutions

Collaboration and permissions It includes essential collaboration features such as viewing, editing, commenting, and permission settings. Compared with local spreadsheets, it offers smoother teamwork and helps keep data consistent.
Learning curve Airtable is very beginner friendly. Users can build basic structures and views without writing code. The interface is simple and easy to grasp.
Limitations As data grows or business needs expand to include more tables, finer permissions, or more advanced automation, Airtable’s capabilities can become restrictive.

Summary

Airtable is a solid choice for teams that need a more structured and collaborative solution than Google Sheets without complex workflows or automation. As business requirements grow, however, its limitations in permissions, relationships, and automation may make it difficult to scale.

Smartsheet

Official website: https://www.smartsheet.com/

Smartsheet is a closed source SaaS platform built for enterprise project management and collaboration. It keeps a spreadsheet style interface but adds stronger task management, Gantt charts, automation, and enterprise grade permissions. Like other SaaS tools, it does not support self hosting and stores all data in its cloud.

Usage scenarios

Smartsheet is suitable for teams that need more structured task management, workflow collaboration, and cross departmental project coordination built on a familiar spreadsheet interface.

Common use cases include.

Project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation for mid to large teams
Operations teams managing events, approvals, and task assignments
PMO or operations departments coordinating multiple projects and visualizing timelines

Capabilities

Collaboration and permissions Smartsheet offers a well developed permission model with row level sharing, view and edit controls, approval workflows, and role based access. It works well in environments where many people need to collaborate simultaneously and offers finer control than most spreadsheet like tools.
Automation and workflows Smartsheet includes automation triggered by conditions such as reminders, status updates, approvals, and cross sheet updates. This reduces manual updates and helps teams connect tasks, approvals, and project milestones into a more stable workflow.
Learning curve The interface remains spreadsheet like and easy to start with, but unlocking its full project management and automation capabilities requires some learning. Teams unfamiliar with structured project workflows may find it relatively heavy at first.
Limitations Smartsheet is less flexible than database driven or application building platforms when expressing relationships between data. Its customization is also limited by the tool’s framework. Because it targets enterprise use cases, its overall experience and pricing may feel heavier for small teams.

Summary

For teams wanting to manage projects, schedules, and collaboration with a spreadsheet style interface, Smartsheet is more stable and capable than Google Sheets. But for needs involving flexible modeling, deeper data structures, or custom applications, Smartsheet’s framework may feel restrictive.

Closing

Google Sheets is an excellent spreadsheet tool but not a business system. As data grows, collaboration becomes more complex, and workflows rely on structure, teams need clearer data models, finer permissions, automated processes, a controlled data environment, and systems that scale with their business.

This guide aims to give a clearer view when comparing alternatives—from scenarios and capabilities to pricing—to help you identify the right tool for your needs earlier.

If you found it helpful, feel free to share it with other teams looking for similar tools.

Related reading:

DEV Community

The 8 Best Google Sheets Alternatives (Specs & Pricing)

Google Sheets alternatives

Price comparison table

NocoBase

Retool

Appsmith

Budibase

Baserow

NocoDB

Airtable

Smartsheet

Closing

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