Microsoft Access alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data
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.
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Show all 6 alternativesThe best Microsoft Access alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Microsoft Access alternative for most people
Claris FileMakerCross-platform desktop database that also runs on Mac, iPad and the web.
Best Microsoft Access alternative for a free option
LibreOfficeLibreOffice Base offers a free open-source desktop database on any OS.
Best Microsoft Access alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
NinoxHosted database aimed squarely at replacing Access in small businesses.
Best Microsoft Access alternative for open source
LibreOfficeLibreOffice Base offers a free open-source desktop database on any OS.
Best Microsoft Access alternative for Mac
AirtableBrowser-based collaboration without managing database files.
Best Microsoft Access alternative for Windows
Microsoft Power AppsMicrosoft's own route to web and mobile apps for departmental data.
Best Microsoft Access alternative for Linux
LibreOfficeLibreOffice Base offers a free open-source desktop database on any OS.
Best Microsoft Access alternative for iPhone and Android
Zoho CreatorLow-code web and mobile apps that can import Access databases.
Best Microsoft Access alternative for working in the browser
Claris FileMakerCross-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.