Spreadsheets & databases tools
Sheets and no-code tables. 3 tools we track, checked .
Short answer page: What's the best spreadsheets & databases tool?
Ranked by fit for solo businesses: tools we profile in depth first, then those used in our research notes, then the rest. Affiliate status never changes the order.
- 1
Google Sheets
Pick this if you want free tracking, data and reports.
Free online spreadsheets with collaboration and Gemini features in paid Workspace.
Free · Free plan: Yes · Free · then $7/user/mo, billed monthly (optional, for business email) · Difficulty 1/5
- 2
Airtable
Pick this if you want organizing client and product data.
Spreadsheet-database hybrid with views, automations and interfaces.
Free plan + paid plans · Free plan: Yes · $0 · then $20/seat/mo billed annually ($24 monthly) · Difficulty 2/5
- 3
Microsoft Excel
Pick this if you want heavy models and client spreadsheets.
Microsoft's spreadsheet app, free on the web and part of Microsoft 365.
Free plan + paid plans · Free plan: Yes
Side-by-side
| Tool | Pricing model | Free plan | Starting price | Difficulty | Output rights | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Sheets | Free | Yes | Free · then $7/user/mo, billed monthly (optional, for business email) | 1/5 | Not a content generator | Free tracking, data and reports |
| Airtable | Free plan + paid plans | Yes | $0 · then $20/seat/mo billed annually ($24 monthly) | 2/5 | Not a content generator | Organizing client and product data |
| Microsoft Excel | Free plan + paid plans | Yes | See official site | – | – | Heavy models and client spreadsheets |
"Starting price" is shown only for tools we profile in depth, where we read the official pricing page on . For the others, check the official site.