Softr Review (2026): Pricing, Features & Honest Verdict

Reviewed by MakerStack · Published · 4 min read

TLDR

Softr is a no-code platform that turns databases like Airtable, Google Sheets, and PostgreSQL into custom business applications without writing code. Best for: non-technical teams building client portals, internal tools, and CRMs. Price: free for 10 users, paid from $49/month. Rating: 7.7/10.

What is Softr?

We found Softr on Product Hunt where it won Product of the Day for making a simple but powerful promise: turn your existing spreadsheet or database into a real application.

If you have an Airtable base tracking client projects, Softr puts a professional portal in front of it. If you have a Google Sheet with inventory data, Softr builds a searchable dashboard. If you have a PostgreSQL database with customer records, Softr creates a CRM interface. The data stays where it is. Softr just provides the frontend.

The platform uses a drag-and-drop builder with 100+ pre-built blocks: lists, tables, forms, charts, kanban boards, calendars, and more. Add user authentication, role-based access, and custom domains to create applications that look and feel professional enough for client-facing use.

Key Features

Multi-source data connectivity supports 15+ databases and data sources. Airtable, Google Sheets, Notion, HubSpot, PostgreSQL, BigQuery, and REST APIs all work as backends. Softr also has its own built-in relational database for teams that want to start from scratch. This flexibility means you are not locked into any single data source.

User management and permissions are built in. Create authentication flows, define custom user groups, and set granular access rules so different users see different data. A client sees their projects. A team member sees everything. An admin has full control. This is the feature that makes client portals work.

The AI features include an AI co-builder that helps construct applications, AI agents for data enrichment, and an “Ask AI” feature that lets end-users query live app data in natural language. The AI additions are practical rather than gimmicky.

Workflows handle multi-step automation within applications. Trigger actions based on form submissions, data changes, or scheduled events. Build approval workflows, notification chains, and data sync pipelines without a separate automation tool.

Pricing

The free plan supports 10 app users, 5,000 database records, 500 workflow actions, and 5 AI credits per month. Includes 1 custom domain. Enough to build and test a simple application.

Basic at $49 per month increases to 20 users, 50,000 records, and 2,500 workflow actions. Adds custom CSS/JS and standard data source integrations. Good for small teams with a single application.

Professional at $139 per month scales to 100 users, 500,000 records, and 10,000 workflow actions. Adds 3 custom user groups, API calls, CSV/PDF export, and e-signature fields. User add-ons available at $10/month per 10 users.

Business at $269 per month covers 500 users, 1 million records, and 25,000 workflow actions. Adds unlimited user groups, webhooks, and all 15+ data sources including HubSpot, BigQuery, and PostgreSQL.

Enterprise pricing is custom and adds SSO, SOC 2 reporting, IP blocking, and audit logging. A 30% discount is available for nonprofits and education.

PlanPricePlan FeaturesBest For
Free$010 app users, 5,000 records, 500 workflow actions, 1 custom domainTesting with a simple application
Basic$49/month20 users, 50,000 records, 2,500 workflow actions, custom CSS/JSSmall teams with a single application
Professional$139/month100 users, 500,000 records, 3 custom user groups, API callsGrowing teams with client portals
Business$269/month500 users, 1M records, unlimited user groups, all data sourcesAgencies and larger operations

Who is Softr For?

Non-technical teams that need custom internal tools or client portals without hiring developers. Agencies building client portals for deliverables and project tracking. Operations managers replacing spreadsheet-based workflows with proper applications. Startups needing MVPs or internal tools quickly.

Where Softr Falls Short

Complex business logic hits a wall. Softr excels at data display and basic CRUD operations, but multi-step calculations, conditional workflows with many branches, and complex validation rules push beyond what the no-code builder handles well. At some point, you need custom code or a different tool.

Performance with large datasets can be slow. Applications backed by Airtable or Google Sheets with thousands of records show noticeable lag. PostgreSQL and BigQuery backends handle scale better, but those require more technical setup.

App user pricing adds up quickly. The free plan’s 10-user limit is tight, and scaling to 100+ users on Professional costs $139/month plus add-ons. For applications with many end users, the per-user economics need careful evaluation.

Customization has limits. The 100+ building blocks cover common patterns, but unique layouts, custom interactions, and branded experiences that deviate from the block templates require creative workarounds or are not possible.

Alternatives

Glide

Also turns spreadsheets into apps, with a stronger focus on mobile applications. Similar ease of use with a different UI approach. Better for teams that need mobile-first internal tools. Softr is better for web-based portals and dashboards. Pricing is comparable.

Bubble

More powerful and flexible no-code builder for complex web applications. Steeper learning curve but far more capable for custom logic, workflows, and unique interfaces. Better for ambitious applications that need custom behavior. Softr is better for quick, database-backed tools that need to ship fast.

Noloco

Direct competitor for client portals and internal tools from databases. Very similar use case with a focus on Airtable and PostgreSQL backends. Smaller but with a strong portal feature set. Choose between them based on specific feature needs and UI preferences, as both cover the same ground well.

FAQ

Softr Pros & Cons

What We Like

  • Connects to 15+ data sources including Airtable, PostgreSQL, and HubSpot
  • Built-in user management with roles, permissions, and authentication
  • AI co-builder and natural language data querying for end users
  • 30% discount for nonprofits and education organizations

What Could Be Better

  • Complex business logic hits a wall quickly with the no-code builder
  • Performance degrades with large Airtable or Google Sheets backends
  • App user pricing adds up at scale beyond 100 users

Softr FAQ

Can I use Softr with my existing Airtable base?

Yes. Softr connects directly to Airtable bases and syncs data in real time. Your Airtable base stays as the data source while Softr provides the frontend application, user authentication, and permissions layer on top.

What types of apps can I build with Softr?

Client portals, internal dashboards, CRMs, project trackers, directories, marketplaces, and membership sites are the most common use cases. Softr works best for data display and basic CRUD operations. Complex calculations and custom logic push beyond its no-code capabilities.

Does Softr work on mobile?

Yes. Softr apps are responsive and adapt to mobile screens. You can also deploy them as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) for a native-like experience on mobile devices.

What is Softr?

No-code platform that turns databases like Airtable, Google Sheets, and PostgreSQL into custom business applications. Free for 10 users, paid from $49/month.

How much does Softr cost?

Softr pricing starts at $49/month. A free plan is available.

Is Softr worth it?

Softr excels at turning existing databases into professional client portals and internal tools without code. The multi-source data connectivity and built-in user management are genuinely strong. Complex logic and performance at scale remain limitations of the no-code approach, but for straightforward database-backed applications, Softr delivers fast results. We rate it 7.7/10.

Disclosure: MakerStack is funded by featured placement fees, sponsor slots and a small number of affiliate links. Nobody paid for this review. Where any of those does apply to a review, we say so on the page. The scoring criteria are the same in every case. See our editorial policy.