Airtable
What it is: Spreadsheet-database hybrid. Easy as a spreadsheet, powerful as a database. No-code relational data platform.
What It Does Best
Relational data made easy. Link records between tables like a database, but with spreadsheet simplicity. No SQL needed.
Multiple views. Same data, different perspectives: Grid, Kanban, Calendar, Gallery, Gantt. Switch instantly.
Flexible field types. Attachments, checkboxes, dropdowns, ratings, formulas, links, rollups. Rich data beyond text and numbers.
Key Features
Linked records: Connect related data across tables
Automations: Trigger actions based on conditions
Forms: Collect data from external users
API: Programmatic access to your data
Integrations: Zapier, Slack, Google, 1000+ apps
Pricing
Free: 1,000 records/base, basic features
Plus: $10/user/month (5,000 records, automations)
Pro: $20/user/month (50,000 records, advanced features)
Enterprise: Custom pricing (unlimited records)
When to Use It
✅ Need relational data without learning SQL
✅ Project management with connected data
✅ Content calendars or CRM systems
✅ Replacing spreadsheets that got too complex
✅ Teams need multiple views of same data
When NOT to Use It
❌ Large-scale data (millions of records)
❌ Need complex queries or analytics (real database better)
❌ Very simple lists (Google Sheets cheaper)
❌ Need full database control (Postgres better)
❌ Budget is tight (gets expensive)
Common Use Cases
Project management: Tasks linked to projects, clients, sprints
Content calendar: Articles linked to authors, topics, campaigns
CRM: Contacts linked to companies, deals, activities
Event planning: Attendees linked to events, venues, schedules
Inventory tracking: Products linked to orders, suppliers, locations
Airtable vs Alternatives
vs Google Sheets: Airtable better for relational data and views
vs Notion: Airtable better for structured data, Notion better for documents
vs Real database: Database better for scale and complex queries
Unique Strengths
No-code database: Relational power without SQL
Beautiful interfaces: Build custom apps on your data
Block system: Add charts, pivot tables, timelines to bases
Sync: Connect bases, share data across workspaces
Bottom line: Perfect middle ground between spreadsheets and databases. Use it when Google Sheets feels limiting but a full database feels like overkill. Expensive at scale but excellent for teams managing connected data.