Stackby vs. Airtable

When people talk about no-code databases, Airtable usually comes to mind first. But Stackby has definitely stepped up as a strong competitor, especially if you’re looking for an alternative that offers similar power without the potentially higher price tag as your team grows.

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Here’s a breakdown of how they stack up against each other:

User Interface & Ease of Use

• Airtable: Generally recognized for its very intuitive user interface and a slightly smoother, less steep learning curve, making it highly appealing to a broad range of users. It presents complex features in a straightforward manner.
• Stackby: Also boasts an intuitive interface, especially if you’re used to spreadsheets. Many users find it easy to understand and use, though some might experience a bit more of a learning curve for its advanced features compared to Airtable. However, Stackby is often noted as being easier to implement for new users.

Core Functionality: Spreadsheet meets Database

Both platforms essentially do the same thing: they combine the simplicity of spreadsheets with the power of relational databases. You can build customizable tables, use various field types, and create relationships between data.

API Integrations & Automation

• Airtable: Offers robust API access for developers to integrate and extend functionalities. It often relies on third-party automation tools like Zapier or Make to fetch data from other platforms.
• Stackby: This is where Stackby truly shines. It has dedicated, native API connectors for over 50 popular services (like YouTube, Google Analytics, Mailchimp, Facebook Ads, Shopify). This means you can pull live data directly into your tables and set up automatic refreshes without needing external integration platforms as much. It’s built with real-time data integration at its forefront. This direct connectivity can be a huge time-saver and provide more immediate insights.

Project Management Capabilities

• Airtable: Flexible for project management, suitable for content pipelines, product management, event planning, and more.
• Stackby: Offers distinct advantages in real-time task management, with dedicated features for organizing, prioritizing, and tracking progress. Users praise its strong support for project budgeting and Gantt charts. It also excels in managing recurring tasks and task dependencies.

Customization & Flexibility

• Airtable: Highly customizable with field types and allows for creating custom dashboards and app-like views with its Interface Designer.
• Stackby: Offers a wide range of column types and views, allowing for deep customization. Some users have found it rigid in certain initial setup aspects, but overall, it’s very flexible for building tailored solutions.

Pricing

• Airtable: Freemium model. Its pricing can sometimes scale up quickly as your team or data grows, particularly for higher-tier features.
• Stackby: Often positioned as a more cost-effective alternative. Its pricing plans, including freemium options, are generally seen as more generous, especially for a large number of read-only guests, and it’s stated to be significantly more affordable than Airtable for teams of any size.

Overall Verdict

If your priority is a super polished, user-friendly interface with extensive third-party integrations, Airtable might feel a bit more mature. However, if you need powerful native API integrations to pull live data, want a more cost-effective solution, and value strong project management features like robust task dependency tracking and Gantt charts, Stackby is a very compelling alternative that definitely deserves a closer look. Many users who switch from Airtable to Stackby find it meets or exceeds their needs, often at a better price point.

Read more about Stackby Review:
Stackby Review & First Look
How Does Stackby Work?
Stackby Features
Stackby Pricing
Stackby Pros & Cons
Does Stackby Work?