NOCODB
Database & BackendOpen-source Airtable alternative for any SQL database
ABOUT NOCODB
NocoDB turns any SQL database into a smart spreadsheet. Connect to MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or SQLite and manage data with a familiar interface.
NO-CODE DATABASE DECISION FRAMEWORK
Database tools look similar in a screenshot, but they diverge fast once relationships, permissions, automations, and external apps depend on the data.
What to check before choosing NocoDB
- ✦Record limits
- ✦Relations and rollups
- ✦API access
- ✦Permission model
- ✦Self-hosting or export needs
Strong fit signal
The database can support your reporting, app builder, and automation flows without duplicating data across tools.
Watch out
Spreadsheet-style flexibility becomes a liability when permissions, history, or high-volume operations matter.
For NocoDB, start by testing one real workflow from your backlog instead of comparing screenshots. Build the smallest version that includes data entry, permissions, publishing or deployment, and the handoff to whoever maintains it next month.
Our Take on NocoDB
Verdict: NocoDB puts an Airtable-like interface on top of a real SQL database. Point it at Postgres or MySQL, or let it host the data, and your team gets grid, kanban and form views. The self-hosted Community edition is free with unlimited records and seats. It's ideal for teams who want spreadsheet usability over data they already own.
Pricing
Cloud (annual billing):
| Plan | Price | Records | Storage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 1,000 | 1GB | 3 editors, 1,000 API calls/month |
| Plus | $12/seat/mo (or $108/mo for unlimited seats) | 50,000 | 20GB | Unlimited extensions |
| Business | $24/seat/mo (or $216/mo unlimited seats) | 300,000 | 100GB | SAML SSO, 10 external database connections |
| Scale | $45/seat/mo (3-seat minimum) | 1,000,000 | 150GB | Row-level security, audit logs |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom | Custom | SCIM, air-gapped installs |
Self-hosted Community: free forever under a fair-code licence, with unlimited records, seats and storage.
The unlimited-seat option: a 15-person team on Plus pays $180/month at per-seat pricing (15 × $12), or $108/month flat for unlimited seats. Larger teams should always compare the flat price.
Where NocoDB shines
- Works on your existing SQL database. No data migration into a proprietary store.
- Free self-hosting with no record caps.
- Flat unlimited-seat pricing on cloud plans.
Where it falls short
- Free cloud tier is small (1,000 records).
- Self-hosting means maintaining it yourself.
- Fewer native integrations than Airtable.
Choose NocoDB if
- You already have data in Postgres or MySQL and want a friendly interface
- You want free self-hosting with no seat limits
Avoid NocoDB if
Sources (checked 2026-10-09)
KEY FEATURES
- ✦Connects to any SQL DB
- ✦Spreadsheet interface
- ✦API auto-generated
- ✦Form views
- ✦Kanban
- ✦Gallery view
PROS & CONS
Pros
- ✓Completely free self-hosted
- ✓Works with existing DBs
- ✓Open source
- ✓No vendor lock-in
Cons
- ✗Requires technical setup
- ✗Less polish
- ✗Smaller community
- ✗Self-hosting maintenance
Quick Info
- Price
- $12/seat/mo
- Free plan
- Yes
- Rating
- ★4.6
- Category
- Database & Backend
Plus $12/seat/mo or $108/mo unlimited seats; self-hosted free