Quick Overview
- 1#1: Claris FileMaker - A professional rapid application development tool for building custom database-driven apps across desktop, mobile, and web.
- 2#2: AI rtable - A collaborative platform combining spreadsheets and relational databases to create custom data apps without coding.
- 3#3: Caspio - A low-code platform for developing scalable online database applications and forms with unlimited users.
- 4#4: Knack - No-code solution for building online databases, applications, and workflows customized to business needs.
- 5#5: Zoho Creator - Low-code app development platform with built-in database for creating custom business applications and automations.
- 6#6: Bubble - Visual programming platform for building full-stack web apps with an integrated no-code database.
- 7#7: Microsoft Power Apps - Low-code service for creating custom business apps connected to Dataverse and other data sources.
- 8#8: Ninox - Cross-platform database software for designing and deploying custom database applications on any device.
- 9#9: Retool - Low-code platform for building internal tools and dashboards connected to existing databases and APIs.
- 10#10: Baserow - Open-source no-code database tool similar to AI rtable for creating relational databases and applications.
We curated and ranked these tools by evaluating key factors such as functionality, user-friendliness, scalability, and value, ensuring a robust assessment of their ability to meet diverse business and technical requirements.
Comparison Table
Explore a detailed comparison of custom database software with tools like Claris FileMaker, AI rtable, Caspio, and more, designed to help readers understand key features, use cases, and suitability for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Claris FileMaker A professional rapid application development tool for building custom database-driven apps across desktop, mobile, and web. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 2 | AI rtable A collaborative platform combining spreadsheets and relational databases to create custom data apps without coding. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | Caspio A low-code platform for developing scalable online database applications and forms with unlimited users. | enterprise | 8.9/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Knack No-code solution for building online databases, applications, and workflows customized to business needs. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Zoho Creator Low-code app development platform with built-in database for creating custom business applications and automations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 6 | Bubble Visual programming platform for building full-stack web apps with an integrated no-code database. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Microsoft Power Apps Low-code service for creating custom business apps connected to Dataverse and other data sources. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Ninox Cross-platform database software for designing and deploying custom database applications on any device. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Retool Low-code platform for building internal tools and dashboards connected to existing databases and APIs. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Baserow Open-source no-code database tool similar to AI rtable for creating relational databases and applications. | other | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 |
A professional rapid application development tool for building custom database-driven apps across desktop, mobile, and web.
A collaborative platform combining spreadsheets and relational databases to create custom data apps without coding.
A low-code platform for developing scalable online database applications and forms with unlimited users.
No-code solution for building online databases, applications, and workflows customized to business needs.
Low-code app development platform with built-in database for creating custom business applications and automations.
Visual programming platform for building full-stack web apps with an integrated no-code database.
Low-code service for creating custom business apps connected to Dataverse and other data sources.
Cross-platform database software for designing and deploying custom database applications on any device.
Low-code platform for building internal tools and dashboards connected to existing databases and APIs.
Open-source no-code database tool similar to AI rtable for creating relational databases and applications.
Claris FileMaker
enterpriseA professional rapid application development tool for building custom database-driven apps across desktop, mobile, and web.
Integrated visual development and Claris Engine for building fully native, responsive apps across all major platforms from a single file
Claris FileMaker is a leading low-code platform for building custom database applications, enabling users to design intuitive interfaces, manage data, and automate workflows without deep coding expertise. It supports rapid prototyping and deployment across Windows, macOS, iOS, web, and even offline mobile apps. With robust integrations via ODBC/JDBC, REST APIs, and a mature scripting engine, it's trusted by over a million users for tailored business solutions.
Pros
- Rapid low-code development with drag-and-drop layouts and visual scripting
- Seamless cross-platform deployment including native iOS apps and web publishing
- Extensive integrations, security features, and a vast template marketplace
Cons
- Scalability limitations for extremely large datasets compared to enterprise RDBMS
- Proprietary data format may require migration planning for heavy customization
- Subscription pricing can add up for large teams without volume discounts
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses and teams needing quick, custom database apps without hiring full-time developers.
Pricing
Starts at $19/user/month for FileMaker Cloud Essentials; Pro/Team plans from $24/user/month; enterprise custom pricing with perpetual options available.
AI rtable
specializedA collaborative platform combining spreadsheets and relational databases to create custom data apps without coding.
Multiple dynamic views (Kanban, Calendar, Gallery, etc.) that transform the same data into tailored visualizations without coding
AI rtable is a no-code platform that blends spreadsheet familiarity with relational database functionality, enabling users to build custom databases called 'bases' with linked tables, diverse field types, and formulas. It supports rich data visualization through multiple views like grid, Kanban, calendar, gallery, and list, alongside automations, scripting, and app integrations. Ideal for collaborative workflows, it allows sharing interfaces for non-technical users while handling complex data relationships without traditional coding.
Pros
- Intuitive spreadsheet-like interface for non-technical users
- Highly customizable views and layouts for data visualization
- Powerful automations, integrations, and collaboration tools
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for larger teams or heavy usage
- Performance can degrade with very large datasets
- Some advanced database features locked behind higher tiers
Best For
Non-technical teams and small to medium businesses needing flexible, visual custom databases for project management, CRM, or content planning.
Pricing
Free plan for basics; Plus at $10/user/month, Pro at $20/user/month (billed annually), Enterprise custom.
Caspio
enterpriseA low-code platform for developing scalable online database applications and forms with unlimited users.
Fully visual, point-and-click platform that builds production-ready SQL database apps from scratch in hours
Caspio is a low-code platform designed for building custom online database applications without programming expertise. It provides tools to create forms, reports, dashboards, workflows, and portals, all backed by a secure SQL database in the cloud. Users can deploy scalable web apps quickly, with strong emphasis on data security, compliance, and integrations with external systems.
Pros
- Rapid no-code development with visual builders
- Enterprise-grade security and compliance (HIPAA, SOC 2)
- Unlimited scalability for records and users on higher plans
Cons
- Limited pixel-perfect UI customization
- Pricing escalates quickly for high-volume usage
- Advanced logic requires workarounds despite low-code nature
Best For
Mid-sized businesses and departments seeking to build and deploy custom database apps without hiring developers.
Pricing
Free plan available; paid plans start at $36/user/month (billed annually), scaling to custom Enterprise pricing.
Knack
specializedNo-code solution for building online databases, applications, and workflows customized to business needs.
One-click conversion of spreadsheets into fully interactive web apps with custom logic and permissions
Knack is a no-code platform designed for building custom online databases and web applications, allowing users to create data models, forms, reports, and dashboards without programming. It excels in turning spreadsheets or ideas into functional apps for data management, workflows, and team collaboration. With strong emphasis on ease and customization, it's suited for businesses needing tailored database solutions beyond basic spreadsheets.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop builder for databases and apps
- Robust data relationships, views, and automation rules
- Seamless integrations with 500+ tools like Google Workspace and Zapier
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with records and users
- Limited advanced querying and reporting compared to enterprise tools
- Performance can lag with datasets over 100k records
Best For
Small to medium businesses and non-technical teams building custom database apps for operations, CRM, or inventory without developers.
Pricing
Free plan (limited records); Starter at $39/mo (20k records, 1 app), Pro $79/mo (50k records), Corporate custom (unlimited); billed annually.
Zoho Creator
enterpriseLow-code app development platform with built-in database for creating custom business applications and automations.
Deluge low-code scripting language for embedding custom logic and automations directly into apps
Zoho Creator is a low-code platform designed for building custom database applications, including forms, reports, dashboards, and automated workflows, without requiring deep programming expertise. It allows users to create tailored business apps that integrate seamlessly with the Zoho ecosystem and third-party services like Google Workspace and Salesforce. With mobile app publishing and role-based access, it's suited for digitizing processes in small to medium-sized businesses. Its visual builder and scripting options enable rapid development and deployment of database-driven solutions.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop app builder for quick development
- Robust automation with workflows, approvals, and Deluge scripting
- Strong integrations within Zoho suite and external tools
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced scripting and complex logic
- Limited UI theming and customization options
- Performance can lag with very large datasets or high concurrency
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and teams needing affordable, customizable database apps without a full development team.
Pricing
Free plan for 1 user (limited apps); paid plans start at $10/user/month (billed annually) for Standard, up to $35/user/month for Ultimate.
Bubble
specializedVisual programming platform for building full-stack web apps with an integrated no-code database.
Visual relational database editor integrated with no-code logic and UI for end-to-end app building
Bubble (bubble.io) is a no-code platform that enables users to build full-stack web applications with a built-in relational database, allowing custom data types, fields, relationships, and privacy rules all managed visually. It supports dynamic data storage, querying, and manipulation integrated directly with UI elements and workflows. Ideal for creating scalable custom database-driven apps without coding, though it's proprietary and app-centric rather than a standalone database tool.
Pros
- Visual database designer for easy creation of complex data structures and relationships
- Seamless integration with no-code UI and workflow builders for full app development
- Scalable backend with API support and good performance for most custom DB needs
Cons
- Proprietary system leads to vendor lock-in and data export limitations
- Performance can degrade at very high scales without optimization
- Steep learning curve for advanced privacy rules and complex queries
Best For
Startups and non-technical teams building database-driven web apps without developers.
Pricing
Free plan for development; paid plans start at $29/month (Starter) scaling to $529/month (Production) based on app capacity and workload.
Microsoft Power Apps
enterpriseLow-code service for creating custom business apps connected to Dataverse and other data sources.
Dataverse integration for low-code relational database modeling with built-in business logic, AI, and unlimited scalability
Microsoft Power Apps is a low-code platform for building custom business applications, including database-driven solutions using Dataverse as a scalable cloud database backend. It offers canvas apps for pixel-perfect UIs and model-driven apps for structured data experiences, with extensive connectors to external data sources like SQL Server, SharePoint, and Excel. The platform integrates deeply with the Microsoft Power Platform, enabling automation via Power Automate and analytics with Power BI, making it suitable for rapid custom database app development.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and Dataverse for enterprise-grade data handling
- Low-code/no-code tools accelerate custom app and database development
- Robust governance, security, and AI capabilities like Copilot for app building
Cons
- Pricing can become expensive at scale with per-app or per-user licenses
- Steep learning curve for complex model-driven apps and advanced formulas
- Heavy reliance on Microsoft ecosystem limits flexibility for non-Microsoft environments
Best For
Microsoft-centric enterprises and teams needing quick, scalable custom database apps without deep coding expertise.
Pricing
Per user ($20+/month), per app ($5+/app/user/month), or bundled in Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plans; premium connectors and Dataverse storage add costs.
Ninox
specializedCross-platform database software for designing and deploying custom database applications on any device.
Full offline synchronization and native apps on all major platforms
Ninox is a low-code platform for building custom relational databases and business applications, featuring drag-and-drop interfaces for tables, forms, charts, and dashboards. It supports advanced scripting with its own programming language for automation, workflows, and custom logic. Cross-platform availability on web, desktop (Mac/Windows), and mobile (iOS/Android) with full offline sync makes it versatile for data management.
Pros
- Powerful relational database capabilities with scripting for complex automations
- Native apps across all platforms with robust offline synchronization
- Flexible customization for forms, reports, and workflows
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for scripting and advanced features
- Limited native integrations compared to some competitors
- Pricing scales per user, which can be costly for large teams
Best For
Small to medium businesses and power users needing customizable relational databases with mobile offline access.
Pricing
Free Private plan (1 user); Public €12/user/mo; Team €24/user/mo (billed annually); Enterprise custom.
Retool
specializedLow-code platform for building internal tools and dashboards connected to existing databases and APIs.
Seamless drag-and-drop components with live database query previews
Retool is a low-code platform designed for building custom internal tools, dashboards, and applications that connect directly to databases, APIs, and other data sources. It allows users to create drag-and-drop UIs with pre-built components, execute SQL/JavaScript queries, and handle workflows for CRUD operations and data management. Ideal for rapid prototyping of database-driven apps like admin panels and reporting tools without full-stack development.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with 50+ databases and APIs
- Rapid drag-and-drop UI builder accelerates development
- Powerful query editor with SQL/JS support for complex logic
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-developers due to JavaScript needs
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams and high usage
- Limited advanced UI customization without custom code
Best For
Development teams and ops engineers needing quick custom database interfaces for internal tools.
Pricing
Free plan for individuals; Team at $10/user/month (billed annually), Business at $50/user/month, Enterprise custom.
Baserow
otherOpen-source no-code database tool similar to AI rtable for creating relational databases and applications.
Complete open-source codebase with easy self-hosting for unlimited data and privacy control
Baserow is an open-source, no-code database platform that provides a spreadsheet-like interface for building custom databases, similar to AI rtable. It supports multiple views including grid, kanban, form, gallery, and calendar, along with real-time collaboration and API access for integrations. Users can self-host it for free or use the cloud version, making it flexible for data management without coding.
Pros
- Fully open-source and self-hostable with no vendor lock-in
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with multiple data views
- Strong real-time collaboration and API/webhook integrations
Cons
- Limited built-in automation compared to AI rtable or Noloco
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and maintenance
- Advanced features like row-level permissions are paywalled in cloud plans
Best For
Small teams and developers seeking a free, customizable open-source alternative to AI rtable for collaborative databases.
Pricing
Free self-hosted; Cloud: Free tier (limited rows), Pro $10/user/mo, Business $20/user/mo (billed annually).
Conclusion
Navigating the landscape of custom database software reveals a range of tools, from professional rapid development to no-code collaboration, each with distinct strengths. Claris FileMaker stands out as the top choice, offering versatile cross-platform app building with robust capabilities. AI rtable and Caspio follow closely, proving invaluable for collaborative needs and scalable design respectively, making them outstanding alternatives. The best tool depends on specific priorities, but the top three deliver exceptional value.
Begin your journey with Claris FileMaker to harness its professional tools and adaptability across devices—your ideal custom database solution is within reach.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison