Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Stackby · 📝 forms
Stackby vs Rowy
A low-code platform for creating robust backends, complete with a spreadsheet UI for easy data management and custom functions. Here is how Rowy ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Stackby ($15/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Rowy 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 Local.
The catch: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Stackby vs Rowy Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Stackby (Paid) | Rowy (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 | — | ★ 6.8k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Stackby to Rowy
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How to deploy Rowy
Clone https://github.com/buildship-ai/rowy 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 Rowy 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 Rowy FAQ
Is Rowy a good free alternative to Stackby?+
Yes. Rowy is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Stackby. A low-code platform for creating robust backends, complete with a spreadsheet UI for easy data management and custom functions.
What is the catch when switching from Stackby to Rowy?+
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How much do you save switching from Stackby to Rowy?+
Stackby costs $15/mo ($180/yr) per seat, whereas Rowy 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 Rowy instead of Stackby?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/buildship-ai/rowy or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
