Baserow
Self-hosted no-code database and app builder. MIT-licensed with no row limits, real-time collaboration, built-in automations, and seven view types including Kanban and Calendar
Quick Start
docker compose up -d Overview
Baserow is a self-hosted no-code database platform that covers what Airtable does — structured data, multiple views, team collaboration — without the per-seat pricing or vendor lock-in. The self-hosted version is MIT-licensed and runs on Docker with no artificial row limits.
The view options are broad: Grid, Gallery, Kanban, Calendar, Timeline, Form, and Survey. Built-in automations handle triggers, conditions, and loops without needing a separate tool. An application builder lets you create internal portals and dashboards on top of your data. Real-time collaboration works properly — edits appear instantly rather than requiring a page refresh, which puts it ahead of NocoDB for teams editing the same data simultaneously.
One important constraint: Baserow creates and manages its own database. It cannot connect to an existing PostgreSQL or MySQL database the way NocoDB can. If you need a spreadsheet interface layered on top of a database you already own, NocoDB is the closer fit. If you are building a new structured data layer from scratch, Baserow has more to offer.
The infrastructure requirement is heavier than lighter alternatives. Two vCPU and 4GB RAM is the recommended minimum. On a shared $6 VPS you will feel it; on a $20 VPS or a dedicated home server it runs comfortably.
For a small team that needs structured databases, built-in automations, and real-time collaboration without Airtable’s subscription cost, Baserow covers that use case well.
Baserow: Pros & Cons
| Pros (The Wins) | Cons (The Friction) |
|---|---|
| MIT licensed: Truly open source; no row limits or paywalls when self-hosted. | No external DB connect: Cannot layer onto an existing PostgreSQL or MySQL database. |
| Real-time collab: Edits appear instantly for all users; no page refresh needed. | Heavier footprint: 2 vCPU/4GB RAM minimum; not suitable for a $6 VPS. |
| Built-in automations: Triggers, conditions, and loops without an external tool. | Cloud free tier: 3,000 row limit on cloud; self-host to remove the cap. |
| Seven view types: Grid, Kanban, Calendar, Gallery, Timeline, Form, and Survey. | Smaller community: Fewer integrations and tutorials than Airtable or NocoDB. |
Use Cases
Specific ways to use Baserow for your workflow.
Deployment Strategy
Recommended ways to host Baserow in your own environment.