5 Airtable Alternatives You Need To Know About

Looking for Airtable alternatives?

Airtable is a low-code platform that marries spreadsheets and databases to give companies the ability to connect teams and workflows seamlessly.

Airtable makes it extremely easy to store and share data in relational databases. That’s just a fancy way of saying a spreadsheet you can do more with. That allows teams to access all shared data quickly and easily with much less confusion.

It’s an extremely useful tool that works well for many organizations, but it isn’t for everyone.

So what are the alternatives?

That’s an excellent question I will answer in this post. Let’s go!

What is Airtable?

Airtable is a powerful and versatile project management tool that combines the functionalities of a spreadsheet and a database. It allows users to create and organize their projects, tasks, and data in a user-friendly interface.

With its intuitive and visually appealing interface, Airtable makes it easy for individuals, teams, and businesses to collaborate and track project progress.

One of the key features of Airtable is its extensive customization options. Users can create their own custom fields and tailor their tables to fit their specific project needs. This flexibility allows users to track and manage a wide range of project information, from budgets and timelines to contacts and deliverables.

Airtable also offers a wide variety of pre-built templates, designed for different industries and project types. These ready-made templates provide users with a head start in organizing their projects and allow for quick and easy project setup.

From project timelines and task lists to event planning and content calendars, the templates cover a wide range of project management needs.

Moreover, Airtable provides seamless integration with popular third-party apps and services, further enhancing its functionality. Users can connect Airtable with tools like Google Drive, Google Sheets, and Google Analytics, boosting collaboration and data syncing across platforms.

Additionally, Airtable supports the use of custom plugins and applications, enabling users to extend the platform’s capabilities and integrate it with their existing workflow.

What is Airtable lacking? 

Airtable’s capabilities are broad, which is both a good thing and a bad thing.

While Airtable can be used for project management, it’s not a dedicated project management software. Nor is it really process management software, either. That leaves a certain gap in its features and abilities which makes it more difficult for some organizations to get everything they need out of it.

For example, while Airtable includes a project planning template, it lacks features such as critical path analysis and expense management.

Another disadvantage is that it’s somewhat limited in its ability to allow collaborators to communicate. There are no chat functions, and users can really only communicate by leaving comments on each other’s tasks.

The best Airtable alternatives

So for those who want something other than Airtable to help them manage their projects, here are five of our favorite products:

Google Drive

Google Drive is a popular cloud storage and file synchronization service provided by Google. It offers a wide range of features and functionalities that make it a valuable tool for individuals as well as businesses.

Advantages of Google Drive

One of the key benefits of using Google Drive is its collaboration features. Users can easily share files and folders with others, allowing for seamless collaboration and teamwork. Whether it’s working on a group project, sharing documents with clients, or collaborating with colleagues, Google Drive provides a convenient platform for effective collaboration.

In addition to its collaboration features, Google Drive also offers robust file management capabilities. Users can organize their files into folders, create subfolders, and even share specific folders with others. This makes it easy to keep track of files and ensures that everyone has access to the relevant documents they need.

Furthermore, Google Drive’s search functionality is powerful and intuitive, allowing users to quickly find the files they’re looking for.

Another advantage of Google Drive is its accessibility. Users can access their files from any device with an internet connection, whether it’s a computer, smartphone, or tablet. It’s convenient for remote workers or teams on the go who need to access their files and collaborate with others at any time and from anywhere.

Gone are the days of being tied to a specific device or location to access important files! (And good riddance, honestly.)

Furthermore, Google Drive provides users with a generous amount of free storage space, making it an attractive option for individuals who need a basic cloud storage solution. For businesses and organizations that require more storage and additional features, Google offers affordable paid plans with increased storage capacity and advanced functionalities.

Disadvantages of Google Drive

While Google Drive offers many advantages, it also has its fair share of disadvantages that users should be aware of.

One downside is the limited customization options available.

Unlike some other project management tools, Google Drive does not offer a wide range of customization features or the ability to create custom fields. This can be frustrating for users who have specific needs or require a more personalized project management experience.

Additionally, Google Drive’s collaboration features may not be as robust as those offered by dedicated project management software. While it does allow for real-time collaboration on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, it may lack some of the advanced features that project managers and teams rely on for complex projects.

For example, critical path analysis, task dependencies, and advanced project tracking may not be as easily achieved within Google Drive.

Another disadvantage of Google Drive is the reliance on third-party apps and integrations to enhance its functionality. While it does offer some native integrations with popular tools like Google Analytics, users may need to rely on external apps and plugins to access certain features or connect with specialized tools.

This can create additional complexity and require users to manage multiple platforms and logins.

Furthermore, Google Drive may not be the ideal solution for larger teams or organizations that require extensive team collaboration features.

While it does offer team plans and the ability to share files and folders, it may lack the comprehensive features needed for seamless team communication, project progress tracking, and project planning. This can make it challenging for larger teams to effectively collaborate and manage their projects using Google Drive alone.

Google Sheets

Google Sheets is a popular web-based spreadsheet program offered by Google as part of its suite of productivity tools. It serves as a powerful alternative to traditional spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel, offering users a variety of features and functionalities.

Advantages of Google Sheets

One of the main advantages of Google Sheets is its intuitive interface, which is easy to navigate and understand even for those who are not familiar with spreadsheet programs.

The simple user interface allows users to quickly create, edit, and organize spreadsheets, making it an ideal solution for individual users or small teams.

In addition to its user-friendly interface, Google Sheets also offers collaboration features that allow multiple users to work on the same spreadsheet simultaneously.

This real-time collaboration capability is a key feature for teams who need to collaborate on data analysis, financial planning, or project tracking. Users can leave comments, view revision history, and track changes, all in one centralized location.

Google Sheets is not limited to basic spreadsheet functions. It offers a wide range of formulas, functions, and data manipulation tools, allowing users to perform complex calculations and analysis. This makes it a versatile tool for project managers, financial analysts, and data scientists.

Moreover, Google Sheets provides a wide variety of pre-built templates that users can leverage to jumpstart their projects. These ready-made templates cover various use cases, such as:

• Budgeting
• Project planning
• Marketing campaign tracking

Users can customize these templates to suit their specific needs, saving time and effort in creating spreadsheets from scratch.

Disadvantages of Google Sheets

While Google Sheets offers a range of benefits, it is important to also consider its potential drawbacks. Here are some disadvantages of using Google Sheets:

1. Limited features: Compared to dedicated project management software, Google Sheets has a limited set of features. While it provides basic spreadsheet functions, it may not offer the advanced capabilities that some project managers require. For example, critical path analysis or Gantt chart generation may not be possible with Google Sheets alone.

2. Lack of project management-specific tools: Google Sheets is primarily designed as a spreadsheet tool and may not have specific features tailored specifically for project management. This means that users may need to manually set up and customize their project management workflows using formulas and functions, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.

3. Dependency on internet connection: While Google Sheets is cloud-based and allows for real-time collaboration, it does require an internet connection to access and edit spreadsheets. This can be a limitation in areas with poor or no internet connectivity, causing disruptions in work and productivity.

4. Data security concerns: Storing sensitive project data on a cloud platform like Google Drive may raise concerns about data security and privacy. While Google has robust security measures in place, organizations with strict data protection requirements may prefer to store data locally or on dedicated project management platforms.

5. Scalability limitations: Google Sheets may not be suitable for larger teams or projects that require complex project tracking and collaboration. As the number of users and data increases, the performance of Google Sheets may start to degrade, leading to slower load times and potential limitations on the amount of data that can be stored and processed.

Trello

Trello is a popular project management platform that offers a range of features to help teams stay organized and collaborate effectively. With its intuitive interface and user-friendly design, Trello is often seen as a great alternative to Airtable and other project management tools.

Advantages of Trello

One of Trello’s key features is its board-based system, which allows users to create visual task boards and move cards across different stages of a project. This intuitive interface makes it easy to track progress, assign tasks, and foster collaboration among team members.

Trello also offers a wide variety of pre-built templates and ready-made workflows, which makes getting started on a new project incredibly quick and easy.

These templates provide a solid foundation for project planning, and users can customize them to suit their specific requirements, saving a considerable amount of time and effort in setting up project structures and allows teams to jump right into their work.

In addition to its user-friendly interface, Trello offers an extensive range of customization options. Users can create custom fields, add labels and tags, and set due dates, enabling them to tailor the platform to their unique workflows. This level of flexibility is particularly beneficial for teams with specific project management needs or those operating in niche industries.

Another advantage of Trello is its seamless integration with various third-party apps and services. This integration allows users to centralize their project management processes and streamline their workflow by connecting Trello with tools like:

• Google Drive
• Slack
• Jira
• Asana
• And more

Users can easily attach files, share information, and collaborate with team members without leaving the Trello platform.

Disadvantages of Trello

One of the main drawbacks is Trello’s limited features compared to other project management software. While Trello is great for keeping track of tasks and workflows, it may not have all the advanced features that some larger teams or complex projects require.

For example, Trello does not have critical path functionality, which is crucial for projects that have dependent tasks and require a clear understanding of the project timeline.

Additionally, Trello does not offer built-in time tracking, which can be a downside for teams that need to monitor their time spent on different tasks.

Furthermore, Trello’s customization options, though extensive, may still be limited for some users. While users can create custom fields and labels, there may be certain specific requirements that cannot be met within the platform. This can be frustrating for teams that need highly customized workflows or have unique demands.

Another drawback of Trello is its pricing structure. While the basic plan is free and suitable for individual users or small teams, the business plan, which offers advanced collaboration features and additional security options, comes with a user-per-month charge.

As teams grow, this can become quite costly, especially for larger organizations with a wide range of users.

Lastly, Trello’s user interface, while simple and intuitive for most, may not be everyone’s preference. Some users may find it too basic or lacking in visual aesthetics. While aesthetics may not be a critical aspect for project management, a visually appealing and user-friendly interface can contribute to a positive user experience.

Asana

When it comes to project management tools, Asana is one of the most popular choices among professionals. With its intuitive interface and user-friendly features, it has become a go-to platform for teams looking to streamline their project management processes.

Advantages of Asana

One of the key advantages of Asana is its collaboration features. With Asana, teams can easily communicate, assign tasks, and share files in real time. This fosters collaboration and ensures that everyone is working towards the same goal.

Team members can comment on tasks, have discussions, and provide updates, all within the Asana platform. This eliminates the need for constant email exchanges and allows for a more streamlined and efficient communication process.

Asana also offers a wide variety of project planning and tracking features. From creating project plans and setting deadlines to tracking progress and milestones, Asana has all the tools necessary to keep projects on track and ensure timely completion.

With features like project timelines and critical paths, project managers can easily visualize the entire project and identify any potential bottlenecks or delays. This enables proactive decision-making and allows for adjustments to be made to keep the project running smoothly.

Furthermore, Asana provides teams with customization options to adapt the platform to their specific needs. With custom fields, labels, and tags, teams can organize tasks and projects in a way that aligns with their unique workflows and processes.

This level of customization ensures that Asana can be tailored to fit the specific requirements of different teams and industries, making it a versatile solution for any type of project.

Disadvantage of Asana

While Asana is undoubtedly a powerful and feature-rich project management tool, it does come with a few drawbacks that users should consider before committing to the platform.

One of the main disadvantages of Asana is its pricing structure.

While it does offer a basic plan for individual users, which is free to use, some of the more advanced features and additional collaboration options are only available in the premium plans.

That means that if you require access to critical features like custom fields or team collaboration, you would need to upgrade to a higher-tier subscription, which can be costly for businesses on a tight budget.

Another disadvantage of Asana is its user interface. While it is generally praised for its simplicity and ease of use, some users may find the interface too simplistic or lacking in advanced functionality.

Compared to other popular project management software like Trello or Jira, Asana’s user interface may feel limited in terms of customization options and visual appeal. If you are someone who values a visually appealing and intuitive interface, Asana may not be the best choice for you.

Lastly, it’s worth noting that while Asana does offer pre-built templates and ready-made workflows for different industries and project types, the variety and depth of these templates may not be as extensive as some of its competitors.

So some teams may need to spend additional time customizing the templates or creating their own workflows from scratch, which can be time-consuming and may require a steep learning curve for new users.

Wrike

Wrike is an excellent alternative to Airtable for those seeking a feature-rich project management tool. While both tools offer project planning, tracking, and collaboration features, Wrike goes a step further by providing advanced capabilities that can greatly benefit businesses and individuals alike.

Advantages of Wrike

In terms of project management capabilities, Wrike stands out by providing a wide range of options.

The platform offers robust functionality for detailed time tracking and resource management, allowing users to monitor and optimize every aspect of their projects.

Additionally, Wrike’s comprehensive analytics and reporting features enable users to track project progress, identify bottlenecks, and make data-driven decisions. This level of transparency and insight empowers teams to stay on top of their projects and meet their goals effectively.

Another compelling advantage of Wrike is its extensive customization options. Users can tailor the platform to their specific project needs by creating custom fields, setting up critical paths, and integrating with third-party apps.

This flexibility allows teams to streamline their workflows and work in a way that aligns with their unique processes. By providing customization options, Wrike ensures that each team can have a personalized project management experience that suits their requirements.

Lastly, Wrike’s pricing structure is designed to cater to different needs and budgets. From individual users to larger teams, Wrike offers a range of plans that ensure everyone can find a suitable option.

Additionally, the platform’s competitive pricing includes a generous number of users per month, making it an affordable choice for companies of all sizes. This affordability combined with Wrike’s advanced features and robust project management capabilities makes it a popular choice among businesses.

Disadvantages of Wrike

While Wrike offers numerous advantages in terms of project management capabilities and customization options, it’s important to also consider its potential drawbacks.

One potential disadvantage of Wrike is its user interface. While the platform offers a range of features and functionality, some users may find the interface to be complex and overwhelming, especially for those who are not familiar with project management software.

The learning curve for using Wrike effectively may take some time, and it can be challenging for team members to navigate the platform and find the information they need quickly.

Another potential drawback of Wrike is its limited features in the basic plan. While the basic plan may be suitable for individual users or small teams, those looking for more advanced features may need to upgrade to a higher-priced plan. This can increase the cost of using Wrike, especially for businesses that require additional collaboration features or customization options.

Additionally, while Wrike does offer integrations with third-party apps, the number of available integrations may be limited compared to other project management software options. This can be a disadvantage for teams that heavily rely on specific tools or require a wide range of integrations to streamline their workflows.

Project vs process: Which is right for you?

All of the tools we just covered, including Airtable, are great project management software. However, that means they are all inherently lacking when it comes to process management.

But what is the difference between project and process management, and which one do you need?

Well, the answer is surprisingly simple. Projects are short-term and measurable. There is a clear beginning and end to a project. There may be a budget and specific deadlines that must be met, and you may only ever work on a specific project one time.

Processes are recurring tasks that keep day-to-day operations running smoothly. Processes are things like:

• Employee and client onboarding
• Customer lifecycle management
• Sales
• Product development
• Accounting and invoicing

You get the idea. It’s literally impossible to run a business without some kind of process management.

If you’re looking for a management tool for one of the listed processes above, you’re better off with one like Process Street.

Process Street specializes in making recurring processes seamless and easy for teams. With it, you can make checklists that can be automated to make everyone’s lives easier and take boring, repetitive work off of employees’ plates.

It differs from project management software because it keeps all the long-term information about company processes in one place. It keeps things organized and standardizes everyday business practices.

If you want to see what a process management tool can offer and have your questions answered in real time, book a demo with Process Street! Our sales representatives can walk you through the whole process of building a workflow and how the platform can work for entire companies.