Glide costs $25/mo.
These cost $0.
5 free alternatives to Glide, checked for license, recent activity and real adoption. Each one tells you the catch, so you can switch with your eyes open.
Glide vs Free Alternatives Matrix
Quick side-by-side comparison · $0/mo vs $25/mo
| Alternative | Type | License | Where It Runs | Stars | Head-to-Head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budibase | open source | GPL-3.0 | Self-host | ★ 28k | Glide vs Budibase → |
| NocoBase | open source | NocoBase Community | Self-host | ★ 24k | Glide vs NocoBase → |
| Baserow Free | free | MIT | Hosted | ★ $0 forever | Glide vs Baserow Free → |
| Glide Free | free | proprietary, free | Hosted | ★ $0 forever | Glide vs Glide Free → |
| Softr Free | free | proprietary, free | Hosted | ★ $0 forever | Glide vs Softr Free → |
The picks
2 open source · 3 free to use · ranked by fit
- 01
Budibase
open sourceGPL-3.0Self-host28kjul 2026Internal apps, forms, automations, and portals in one box; much closer to Knack than its developer branding suggests.
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.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Docker image or Docker Compose; Kubernetes is also supported
- setup
- Requires Docker and persistent storage; production use also means owning upgrades, TLS, backups, and database/network access
- engines
- Model-agnostic; the agent builder supports bring-your-own AI provider credentials
- your data
- Built-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
- checked
- 2026-08-10
- 02
NocoBase
open sourceNocoBase CommunitySelf-host24kaug 2026A database-backed app builder with pages, forms, roles, workflows, and enough plugins to become your next maintenance hobby.
The catch vs GlideNocoBase builds browser-based database apps but does not provide Glide's refined mobile navigation, components, and installable-app experience.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- NocoBase CLI or Docker deployment with MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL
- setup
- Requires a database, secrets, and deployment administration; the community license also preserves NocoBase branding and restricts some uses
- engines
- Built-in AI employees can connect to common LLMs; exact provider support depends on installed AI plugins
- your data
- Business data lives in standard relational tables in the configured MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL database; files use configured local or object storage
- checked
- 2026-08-10
- 03
Baserow Free
freeMITHostedA table workspace plus an app builder for portals and mobile-style screens; visual polish is lower, data ownership is better.
The catch vs GlideIts app builder lacks Glide's mobile-first polish, touch-friendly components, action system, and near-native app feel.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webthey host it
- install
- Hosted signup
- your data
- Tables, application definitions, uploads, and workspace metadata live in Baserow Cloud; tables can be exported as CSV
- checked
- 2026-08-10
- 04
Glide Free
freeproprietary, freeHostedThe same builder works indefinitely for one simple Glide-table app and ten personal users; integrations wait behind payment.
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.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- mobilewebthey host it
- install
- Hosted signup and browser-based builder
- your data
- The free plan uses Glide Tables or Big Tables stored in Glide's infrastructure; Glide Tables can be exported as CSV
- checked
- 2026-08-10
- 05
Softr Free
freeproprietary, freeHostedA friendlier portal and dashboard builder with real users, forms, record actions, workflows, and a free published app.
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.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webthey host it
- install
- Hosted signup in Softr Studio
- setup
- No software install; the first hurdle is choosing and authenticating a data source, then mapping its fields and permissions
- your data
- App 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
- checked
- 2026-08-10
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers · Glide open-source replacements
What is the best free alternative to Glide?+
The top free alternative to Glide is Budibase (open source, GPL-3.0). Internal apps, forms, automations, and portals in one box; much closer to Knack than its developer branding suggests. Other popular Glide replacements include NocoBase, Baserow Free, Glide Free.
Can I self-host a free replacement for Glide?+
Yes. Of the 5 free alternatives to Glide, 2 can be self-hosted on your own server or local machine: Budibase (GPL-3.0), NocoBase (NocoBase Community).
How much does switching from Glide to a free alternative save?+
Glide starts at $25/month per seat ($300/year). Switching a 5-person team to a free alternative like Budibase saves $1,500 per year in software subscription fees.
Should I vibe-code or build my own Glide clone from scratch?+
Our build verdict for Glide is KINDA (the core, yes. the polish, no). 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.
What is the catch when switching from Glide to Budibase?+
Budibase is a responsive web internal-tool builder, not a mobile-first app platform, so Glide's polished phone experience is the main sacrifice.
