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Rows alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Rows: future uncertain after joining Superhuman, and not a relational database; records and permissions are basic. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Rows, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Quadratic currently ranks first.

Rows has been acquired. Rows has joined Superhuman, and its site now directs users to Superhuman Docs.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Grist logoGristOpen sourceYesWeb, Self-hosted5 of 557.2
  1. Grist logo

    1. GristTop pick

    Best for: Analysts and organisations that want an open-source spreadsheet-database with strict sharing controls

    Open sourceSelf-hostableWeb, Self-hosted

    57.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from Rows

    Open-source spreadsheet-database if you want structure and longevity.

    Pros

    • Python formulas alongside spreadsheet functions
    • Row- and column-level access rules for safe sharing
    • Apache-licensed core that is easy to self-host

    Cons

    • Interface feels utilitarian next to Airtable or SmartSuite
    • Fewer native integrations; many connections go through the API or webhooks
    • Documents slow down with very large datasets
    Visit Grist 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 Grist a good Rows alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free plan
    Yes
    Checked Oct 25, 2026getgrist.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Pro plan
    $10/user/month ($8 billed annually)
    Checked Oct 25, 2026getgrist.com(opens source in a new tab)
    License
    Apache-2.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Formulas
    Excel functions and Python
    Checked Oct 25, 2026getgrist.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free trial
    30 days of Pro
    Checked Oct 25, 2026getgrist.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Rows alternative for…

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

Quadratic logo

Best Rows alternative for most people

Quadratic

Modern spreadsheet with Python, SQL and AI built in, under active development.

Grist logo

Best Rows alternative for a free option

Grist

Open-source spreadsheet-database if you want structure and longevity.

Sourcetable logo

Best Rows alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Sourcetable

AI spreadsheet with data connectors, aimed at analysis and reporting.

Grist logo

Best Rows alternative for open source

Grist

Open-source spreadsheet-database if you want structure and longevity.

Grist logo

Best Rows alternative for self-hosting

Grist

Open-source spreadsheet-database if you want structure and longevity.

Airtable logo

Best Rows alternative for Mac

Airtable

Better if your data is really records with relationships rather than calculations.

Airtable logo

Best Rows alternative for Windows

Airtable

Better if your data is really records with relationships rather than calculations.

Google Sheets logo

Best Rows alternative for iPhone and Android

Google Sheets

Free, stable and ubiquitous, with add-ons for most data connections.

Quadratic logo

Best Rows alternative for working in the browser

Quadratic

Modern spreadsheet with Python, SQL and AI built in, under active development.

Rows alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Rows?

Quadratic ranks first right now. Modern spreadsheet with Python, SQL and AI built in, under active development. Sourcetable and Grist follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Rows?

Yes. Quadratic (free plan + paid), Sourcetable (free plan + paid), Grist (open source) and Airtable (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Rows?

Yes: Grist. Grist can also be self-hosted.

Why do people switch from Rows?

The complaints we hear most: future uncertain after joining Superhuman; not a relational database; records and permissions are basic; AI task limits are tight on the free plan.

How is this list ranked?

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