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Microsoft Access alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Microsoft Access: windows only, with no Mac or web version, and multi-user sharing over networks is fragile. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Microsoft Access, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Claris FileMaker currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Airtable logoAirtableFree plan + paidNoWeb, Windows, macOS +24 of 457.2
2LibreOffice logoLibreOfficeOpen sourceYesWindows, macOS, Linux4 of 447.8
  1. Airtable logo

    1. AirtableTop pick

    Best for: Non-technical teams that want a flexible shared database with a large template and integration ecosystem

    Free plan + paidWeb, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

    57.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from Microsoft Access

    Browser-based collaboration without managing database files.

    Pros

    • Easy to learn for anyone comfortable with spreadsheets
    • Linked records, rollups and many views make real relational setups possible
    • Interfaces let you give colleagues tailored screens instead of raw tables
    • Large ecosystem of templates, integrations and community answers

    Cons

    • Per-seat pricing gets expensive as more people need edit access
    • Record and automation limits per base can force workarounds
    • No self-hosting option, so data lives only in Airtable's cloud
    Visit Airtable Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Airtable a good Microsoft Access alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Free plan
    Yes
    Checked Oct 25, 2026airtable.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Team plan
    $20 per user/month billed annually
    Checked Oct 25, 2026airtable.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Business plan
    $45 per user/month billed annually
    Checked Oct 25, 2026airtable.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Billing basis
    Per seat
    Checked Oct 25, 2026airtable.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. LibreOffice logo

    2. LibreOffice

    Best for: People and organisations who want a full free office suite on their own computers

    Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux

    47.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Microsoft Access

    LibreOffice Base offers a free open-source desktop database on any OS.

    Pros

    • Completely free with six apps, including a database and drawing tool
    • Runs offline on Windows, macOS and Linux with no account
    • Uses the open ODF standard while still reading and writing Office files

    Cons

    • Interface feels older than Microsoft 365 or Google Docs
    • Complex Office files can show layout differences
    • No built-in real-time co-editing
    Visit LibreOffice Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.338
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is LibreOffice a good Microsoft Access alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    License
    MPL 2.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026libreoffice.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Latest version
    26.8.1
    Checked Oct 25, 2026libreoffice.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Apps included
    6 (Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Base, Math)
    Checked Oct 25, 2026libreoffice.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Price
    Free
    Checked Oct 25, 2026libreoffice.org(opens source in a new tab)

The best Microsoft Access alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Claris FileMaker logo

Best Microsoft Access alternative for most people

Claris FileMaker

Cross-platform desktop database that also runs on Mac, iPad and the web.

LibreOffice logo

Best Microsoft Access alternative for a free option

LibreOffice

LibreOffice Base offers a free open-source desktop database on any OS.

Ninox logo

Best Microsoft Access alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Ninox

Hosted database aimed squarely at replacing Access in small businesses.

LibreOffice logo

Best Microsoft Access alternative for open source

LibreOffice

LibreOffice Base offers a free open-source desktop database on any OS.

Airtable logo

Best Microsoft Access alternative for Mac

Airtable

Browser-based collaboration without managing database files.

Microsoft Power Apps logo

Best Microsoft Access alternative for Windows

Microsoft Power Apps

Microsoft's own route to web and mobile apps for departmental data.

LibreOffice logo

Best Microsoft Access alternative for Linux

LibreOffice

LibreOffice Base offers a free open-source desktop database on any OS.

Zoho Creator logo

Best Microsoft Access alternative for iPhone and Android

Zoho Creator

Low-code web and mobile apps that can import Access databases.

Claris FileMaker logo

Best Microsoft Access alternative for working in the browser

Claris FileMaker

Cross-platform desktop database that also runs on Mac, iPad and the web.

Microsoft Access alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Microsoft Access?

Claris FileMaker ranks first right now. Cross-platform desktop database that also runs on Mac, iPad and the web. Ninox and Airtable follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Microsoft Access?

Yes. Ninox (free plan + paid), Airtable (free plan + paid), LibreOffice (open source) and Zoho Creator (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Microsoft Access?

Yes: LibreOffice.

Which Microsoft Access alternatives work on Linux?

LibreOffice runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from Microsoft Access?

The complaints we hear most: windows only, with no Mac or web version; multi-user sharing over networks is fragile; little new development compared with cloud tools.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Microsoft Access, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.