Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Airplane · 📝 forms
Airplane vs Refine
A React-based framework for rapid development of internal tools, admin panels, and dashboards with powerful data handling capabilities. Here is how Refine ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Airplane ($15/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Refine is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Airplane. Switching from Airplane ($15/mo) saves $180/yr per solo seat, or $900/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Local.
The catch: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Airplane vs Refine Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Airplane (Paid) | Refine (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $15 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $180 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $180) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $900 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $900) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $1,800 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,800) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local (on your machine) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopcross-platformone-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 36k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Airplane to Refine
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How to deploy Refine
Clone https://github.com/refinedev/refine or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
Where your data lives
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
Why fork Refine instead of vibe-coding a Airplane clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Airplane or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 12 battle-tested open-source alternatives like NocoDB.
Airplane vs Refine FAQ
Is Refine a good free alternative to Airplane?+
Yes. Refine is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Airplane. A React-based framework for rapid development of internal tools, admin panels, and dashboards with powerful data handling capabilities.
What is the catch when switching from Airplane to Refine?+
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How much do you save switching from Airplane to Refine?+
Airplane costs $15/mo ($180/yr) per seat, whereas Refine is $0/mo. Switching saves $180/yr for a solo user, $900/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,800/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Refine instead of Airplane?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/refinedev/refine or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
