Grist vs Teable
Both are free/open-source alternatives to Airtable. Here's how they stack up — verified facts, no spin.
Grist
Apache-2.0 relational spreadsheet with Python formulas and portable, self-contained documents.
Grist (grist-core) is an open-source relational spreadsheet that combines a familiar spreadsheet UI with database structure: typed columns, linked references, and full Python formulas alongside standard functions. It is the most permissively licensed and lightest option here — grist-core is Apache-2.0, stores each document as a portable self-contained file (SQLite under the hood), works offline, and even offers a desktop app. It runs comfortably on modest hardware via Docker. Grist Labs sells a full edition with extra enterprise features, but grist-core itself is fully open and free to self-host.
Teable
AGPL-3.0 no-code interface built directly on PostgreSQL, designed to scale to millions of rows.
Teable is a no-code database that puts a fast, spreadsheet-like Airtable-style interface directly on top of PostgreSQL. Because your data lives in a real Postgres database you control, it handles large tables well and stays queryable with standard SQL tools. The Community Edition is AGPL-3.0 and free to self-host via Docker. A separate Enterprise Edition adds features such as AI, an authority matrix, automation, and advanced admin under a commercial license, so confirm the CE covers what you need before deploying.
Side by side
| Grist | Teable | |
|---|---|---|
| Sovereignty Score | 96 | 91 |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hostable | Yes | Yes |
| Local-first | Yes | Yes |
| License | Apache-2.0 (grist-core) | AGPL-3.0 (Community Edition); Enterprise Edition under a separate commercial license |
| Pricing | Free / self-host (grist-core); optional managed cloud and paid full edition available | Free to self-host (Community Edition); paid cloud and Enterprise Edition tiers available |
Grist edges it on the Sovereignty Score, but the right pick depends on the trade-offs below.
Grist
Strengths
- +grist-core is Apache-2.0, an OSI-approved permissive license
- +Documents are portable, self-contained files (SQLite) that you fully own and can back up or move
- +Works offline and runs on modest hardware; there is even a desktop app
- +Python formulas plus spreadsheet functions give powerful automation without external services
- +Granular access control down to cell level, with a REST API for export and integration
Trade-offs
- −More of a relational-spreadsheet model than a polished app builder; fewer turnkey app-building features than Baserow
- −Some enterprise features (e.g. certain storage backends, SSO options) are only in the paid full edition
- −You manage availability, backups, and upgrades yourself when self-hosting
- −Community momentum is steady rather than fast-moving
Teable
Strengths
- +Community Edition is AGPL-3.0, a strong copyleft OSI-approved license
- +Data lives in standard PostgreSQL you control, so it stays accessible with normal SQL tooling
- +Built to handle large datasets (millions of rows) without hard row caps when self-hosted
- +Very active project with frequent releases and rapid feature development
Trade-offs
- −Several higher-end features (AI, automation, authority matrix, advanced admin) are Enterprise-only under a commercial license
- −Self-hosting requires running and maintaining PostgreSQL and the app stack
- −Younger project than Grist, so some areas are still maturing
- −AGPL-3.0 copyleft terms may need legal review for certain redistribution scenarios
More Airtable head-to-heads
Facts verified 2026-07-07. Licenses and pricing change — spotted something out of date? That's a correction we want.