Ranking
Best Low-Code Database Tools in 2026
Low-code database tools combine a table editor with forms, views and simple apps. They differ most in whether they can be self-hosted, how far the app builder goes and how the plans are priced. This ranking weighs those first.
The ranking
- 1
Airtable
The most complete of these for business apps, with interfaces, portals and automations. Plans are charged per seat, and the Team plan is listed at $20 per user a month billed annually.
Best for Business apps with linked tables and interfaces
WebiOSFree plan, paid upgrades
- 2
Baserow
Open source core under MIT, a free forever plan and a Docker install for self-hosting. Unlike Airtable and Knack, it can run on your own server, and premium features sit outside the MIT core.
Best for Self-hosted no-code databases with a hosted option
WebSelf-hostedFree plan, paid upgradesOpen source
- 3
NocoDB
A spreadsheet-style database that can be self-hosted, with a free plan for up to three users. Its Sustainable Use License is not an OSI open source license, and paid seats start at $12 a month.
Best for Airtable-style databases on your own server
WebSelf-hostedFree plan, paid upgrades
- 4
Notion
Pages and databases in one workspace, which is easier to start with than a database builder. Its app building is shallower than Airtable's, and paid plans charge per member.
Best for Notes and lightweight tracking in one workspace
WebmacOSWindowsiOSAndroidFree plan, paid upgrades
- 5
SeaTable
A no-code database and app builder that starts free for basic functions and can run as SeaTable Server on your own infrastructure. Advanced functions need an upgrade, and public pricing is described in general terms.
Best for Small teams that want a self-hostable database builder
WebSelf-hostedFree plan, paid upgrades
- 6
Knack
A no-code app builder with an online database, automations and AI credits, sold on plans tiered by record count. It has a free trial rather than a free plan, and it is a cloud service.
Best for Single hosted apps built by non-developers
WebSubscription
At a glance
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | Interface builder | Self-hosting option | Billing basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Airtable | 91.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WebiOS | Interfaces and portals | No | Per seat |
 Baserow | 89.0 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WebSelf-hosted | Application Builder | Yes | Free forever, paid tiers |
 NocoDB | 87.0 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WebSelf-hosted | Interfaces, up to 3 pages free | Yes | Per seat |
 Notion | 85.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WebmacOSWindowsiOSAndroid | Databases and pages | No | Per member |
 SeaTable | 79.0 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WebSelf-hosted | App builder | Yes | Free start, scales with team size |
 Knack | 77.5 | Subscription | Web | App Builder | No | Plans by record count |
How to choose low-code database tools
- Self-hosting
- Baserow, NocoDB and SeaTable can run on your own infrastructure, while Airtable, Knack and Notion are cloud services.
- App depth
- Airtable, Baserow and Knack offer app builders with interfaces, while Notion keeps databases inside pages.
- Team size
- Per-seat pricing from Airtable and Notion grows with the team, while Knack's plans scale with record counts.
- License
- Baserow's core is MIT-licensed, while NocoDB uses the Sustainable Use License and is not counted as open source here.
What the scores weigh
- Database and table features
- App and interface building
- Self-hosting and data control
- Price and free-plan limits
- Collaboration and permissions
Scores are editorial, from 0 to 100, and use these criteria. Full method · Disclosure
About low-code database tools
Low-code database tools fall into three groups. Hosted builders such as Airtable and Knack store records in the cloud and add interfaces and automations on top. Open-source or self-hostable tools such as Baserow and NocoDB can run on a server the team controls, with a hosted option as well. Document workspaces such as Notion offer databases inside pages, which is simpler but shallower for custom apps.
Airtable has the broadest set of interface and automation features, and its plans are charged per seat. Baserow is the strongest open-source choice, with an MIT-licensed core, a free forever plan and a Docker install. NocoDB is also self-hostable and free for up to three users, but its license is source-available rather than open source.
SeaTable starts free for basic functions and scales with team size, and Knack is a cloud app builder that offers a free trial rather than a free plan. The scores below are editorial judgments against the criteria, not measurements.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best free no-code database tool?
- Baserow is free forever on its hosted plan and can be self-hosted with Docker. NocoDB is free for up to three users, and SeaTable's basic functions are free of charge.
- Which no-code database can I host myself?
- Baserow, NocoDB and SeaTable offer self-hosted options. Airtable, Knack and Notion are cloud services in this list.
- Is Baserow open source?
- Its core is MIT-licensed, and the premium and enterprise directories use their own licenses. Baserow is counted as open source in this list on that basis.
- Is Notion a database tool?
- Notion includes databases inside its pages and workspace. It is useful for notes and tracking, but its app building is shallower than Airtable's interfaces.