Glide alternatives: 5 free & open-source picks
Compare recorded free and open-source options, their capabilities and operating requirements. Source dates are shown below; licenses, hosted limits and project activity can change.
Internal apps, forms, automations, and portals in one box; much closer to Knack than its developer branding suggests.
licenseGPL-3.0
runsyour server
installDocker image or Docker Compose; Kubernetes is also supported
enginesModel-agnostic; the agent builder supports bring-your-own AI provider credentials
dataBuilt-in app data and app definitions are stored in CouchDB, files in MinIO/S3-compatible object storage, and connected external data remains in its source system
the catch vs GlideBudibase is a responsive web internal-tool builder, not a mobile-first app platform, so Glide's polished phone experience is the main sacrifice.
setupRequires Docker and persistent storage; production use also means owning upgrades, TLS, backups, and database/network access
facts verified 2026-08-10
A database-backed app builder with pages, forms, roles, workflows, and enough plugins to become your next maintenance hobby.
licenseNocoBase Community
runsyour server
installNocoBase CLI or Docker deployment with MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL
enginesBuilt-in AI employees can connect to common LLMs; exact provider support depends on installed AI plugins
dataBusiness data lives in standard relational tables in the configured MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL database; files use configured local or object storage
the catch vs GlideNocoBase builds browser-based database apps but does not provide Glide's refined mobile navigation, components, and installable-app experience.
setupRequires a database, secrets, and deployment administration; the community license also preserves NocoBase branding and restricts some uses
facts verified 2026-08-10
A table workspace plus an app builder for portals and mobile-style screens; visual polish is lower, data ownership is better.
licenseMIT
runstheir cloud
installHosted signup
dataTables, application definitions, uploads, and workspace metadata live in Baserow Cloud; tables can be exported as CSV
setup✓ installs clean
the catch vs GlideIts app builder lacks Glide's mobile-first polish, touch-friendly components, action system, and near-native app feel.
facts verified 2026-08-10
The same builder works indefinitely for one simple Glide-table app and ten personal users; integrations wait behind payment.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted signup and browser-based builder
dataThe free plan uses Glide Tables or Big Tables stored in Glide's infrastructure; Glide Tables can be exported as CSV
setup✓ installs clean
the catch vs GlideIt is the same product under tight limits, with integrations, scale, branding control, and more capable production workflows reserved for paid plans.
facts verified 2026-08-10
A friendlier portal and dashboard builder with real users, forms, record actions, workflows, and a free published app.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted signup in Softr Studio
dataApp definitions and any Softr Database records live in Softr's cloud; connected-source records remain in the external source, with Softr proxying requests and caching data for up to 24 hours; table blocks can export CSV or XLSX
the catch vs GlideSoftr is stronger at portals and websites than mobile-style operational apps, so Glide's touch interactions and phone-first workflow are noticeably weaker.
setupNo software install; the first hurdle is choosing and authenticating a data source, then mapping its fields and permissions
facts verified 2026-08-10
latest recorded source check 2026-08-10 · check current terms at the source
| tool | license | running it | platforms | stars | active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budibase | GPL-3.0 | docker to self-host | web, self-hosted | 27,902 | 2026-07 |
| NocoBase | NocoBase Community | docker to self-host | web, self-hosted | 23,600 | 2026-08 |
| Baserow Free | MIT | they host it | web | — | — |
| Glide Free | proprietary, free | they host it | web, ios, android | — | — |
| Softr Free | proprietary, free | they host it | web | — | — |
They pay because building one app is easier than becoming the developer for every future app change. The recorded subscription totals $300 a year before any costs of an alternative.
Questions about these alternatives
Is there a free alternative to Glide?
Yes: Budibase, NocoBase, Baserow Free and 2 more. These are recorded free or open-source options. Compare their feature limits, licenses, hosting costs and current availability before choosing.
Should I just build my own Glide?
Our verdict is KINDA. You can build one specific Glide app; you are not rebuilding the no-code app builder, data editor, permissions, and deployment platform in one sitting. Review the scope, implementation prompt and trade-offs in the Glide build guide.
