Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Stackby · 📝 forms
Stackby vs Mathesar
A self-hosted tool that provides an intuitive, spreadsheet-style interface for viewing, editing, and querying PostgreSQL databases without technical expertise. Here is how Mathesar ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Stackby ($15/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Mathesar is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Stackby. Switching from Stackby ($15/mo) saves $180/yr per solo seat, or $900/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Stackby.
Mathesar
$0.00/mo · Open Source
Stackby vs Mathesar Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Stackby (Paid) | Mathesar (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 | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 5.2k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Stackby to Mathesar
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Stackby.
How to deploy Mathesar
Clone https://github.com/mathesar-foundation/mathesar or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
Where your data lives
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
Why fork Mathesar instead of vibe-coding a Stackby clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Stackby or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 10 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Baserow.
Stackby vs Mathesar FAQ
Is Mathesar a good free alternative to Stackby?+
Yes. Mathesar is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Stackby. A self-hosted tool that provides an intuitive, spreadsheet-style interface for viewing, editing, and querying PostgreSQL databases without technical expertise.
What is the catch when switching from Stackby to Mathesar?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Stackby.
How much do you save switching from Stackby to Mathesar?+
Stackby costs $15/mo ($180/yr) per seat, whereas Mathesar 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 Mathesar instead of Stackby?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/mathesar-foundation/mathesar or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
