Fe/male Switch: Your Startup Facilitator & Incubator for Women

Top 10 Open-Source Alternatives to Softr in 2025

Here are 10 open-source alternatives to Softr, each with detailed insights and relevant data points, current as of January 20, 2025.

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1. ToolJet

Description: ToolJet is a full-stack, open-source platform for building internal tools, dashboards, and applications. It is designed for teams that need extensive control over their data and deployment processes.
Key Features:
Open-Source & Self-Hosted: Offers full customization and control over data and security.
Drag-and-Drop UI Builder: Enables non-developers to participate in app creation.
Full-Stack Platform: Allows for both front-end and back-end development.
Extensive Integrations: Connects with various databases, APIs, and services.
Enterprise-Grade Security: Provides role-based access control and data encryption.
Data Points:
Flexibility: High, due to open-source nature and customization options.
Ease of Use: User-friendly drag-and-drop builder, but initial setup can be time-consuming for non-technical users.
Scalability: Suitable for scaling internal tools and applications.
Community: Backed by an active open-source community, with community support via forums and documentation.
Cost: Free, as an open-source platform, but self hosting might incur some expenses.
Website: Learn more about ToolJet

2. Budibase

Description: Budibase is an open-source, low-code platform designed to empower businesses to build custom internal tools rapidly. It is particularly useful for connecting different data sources.
Key Features:
Open Source & Self-Hostable: Offers control over data and deployment.
Database Agnostic: Connects to various databases, APIs, and spreadsheets.
Drag-and-Drop Interface: Simplifies the app building process.
Customizable UI: Allows extensive customization with themes and components.
Docker & Kubernetes Deployment: Ensures smooth deployment and scalability.
Data Points:
Flexibility: High, due to ability to use various data sources and customization.
Ease of Use: Relatively easy to use with a visual builder, suitable for non-technical users.
Scalability: Designed for scaling internal tools and data-centric applications.
Community: Actively developed and supported by a community of developers.
Cost: Free, as an open-source platform, but some features are paid when self-hosting.
Website: Learn more about Budibase

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3. NocoBase

Description: NocoBase is an open-source, flexible no-code platform focused on building systems as infrastructure. It uses a data model-driven design, offering robust development capabilities.
Key Features:
Open-Source and Lightweight: Designed for flexibility and easy extension.
Data Model-Driven Design: Offers more robust development compared to form-based platforms.
Plugin-Based Architecture: Allows users to add new functionality.
WYSIWYG UI Editor: Provides a user-friendly interface for page configuration.
Suitable for Developers: Ideal for building infrastructure, with plugins enhancing capabilities.
Data Points:
Flexibility: Very high flexibility due to data model design and plugin capabilities.
Ease of Use: User-friendly UI, but has a learning curve for non-technical users.
Scalability: Designed for building large systems and scalable infrastructure.
Community: Actively developed open-source platform with a growing community.
Cost: Free to use, being an open source project.
Website: Learn more about NocoBase

4. Appsmith

Description: Appsmith is an open-source, low-code platform that enables developers to build custom business applications using various data sources, widgets, and JavaScript.
Key Features:
Open Source & Self-Hosted: Provides complete control over application development.
Drag-and-Drop UI Builder: Offers a fast method for creating user interfaces.
Extensive Integrations: Connects to databases, APIs, and SaaS tools.
JavaScript Support: Allows for inline code customization.
Git-Based Version Control: Facilitates team collaboration and version management.
Data Points:
Flexibility: High flexibility through JavaScript and integrations.
Ease of Use: Designed for rapid application development, suitable for developers.
Scalability: Suitable for scaling enterprise applications.
Community: An active and growing open-source community that enhances the product.
Cost: Free, as it is open source.
Website: Learn more about Appsmith

5. Noodl

Description: Open Noodl is a free open-source option built on React, focusing on visual programming and rapid development of web applications.
Key Features:
Open Source: Allows complete freedom for developers to use, modify and redistribute.
React-Based: Built on React framework, it has great adaptability with the react ecosystem.
Visual Programming: Focus on drag and drop to speed up web app development.
Backend Agnostic: Can use any backend the user wishes to.
Free to Use: No-cost options are available for the platform.
Data Points:
Flexibility: Very high due to the React framework use and backend choice.
Ease of Use: Designed to be easy to use, even for non-programmers.
Scalability: Can scale based on the backend chosen.
Community: Supported by an active open source community.
Cost: Free and open source platform.
Website: No official website available. Primarily found on Github: Explore Noodl on GitHub

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6. Saltcorn

Description: Saltcorn is a fast, free, open-source low-code solution enabling users to create web and mobile applications with a drag-and-drop builder.
Key Features:
Open Source & Free: Provides a no-cost solution with full access to code.
Drag-and-Drop Builder: Simplifies UI design and app creation.
Versatile: Can be used to build a variety of web and mobile applications.
Customizable: Allows for modifications to fit different user needs.
Community: Backed by an open-source community for support and collaboration.
Data Points:
Flexibility: High degree of customization possible through code modification.
Ease of Use: Designed with user-friendly visual tools.
Scalability: Can scale to support different app sizes and complexities.
Community: Supported by an active development community.
Cost: Free to use, being an open-source platform.
Website: Learn more about Saltcorn

7. UI Bakery

Description: UI Bakery is a self-hosted, drag-and-drop low-code platform suitable for building internal applications and tools.
Key Features:
Self-Hosted: Offers full control over data and deployment.
Drag-and-Drop Interface: Easy to build interfaces using visual tools.
Low-Code Flexibility: Extensible with code customization when required.
Data Integrations: Allows connections to various data sources.
Security Focused: Designed to be secure for enterprise usage.
Data Points:
Flexibility: Offers a good balance between low-code ease and coding extensibility.
Ease of Use: Easy for non-programmers with a visual drag-and-drop builder.
Scalability: Suitable for scaling internal applications and tools.
Community: Growing support from a community of users.
Cost: Self-hosted is free, but the platform also provides paid plans.
Website: Learn more about UI Bakery

8. Directus

Description: Directus is an open-source headless CMS that instantly turns any SQL database into an API and a no-code data management platform.
Key Features:
Open Source & API First: Provides a free API-first approach.
Database Direct Interface: Connects directly to the database.
No-Code Data Management: Allows managing data without writing code.
Customizable UI: Adapts to different branding requirements.
Extensible: Ability to extend functionality with custom extensions.
Data Points:
Flexibility: High flexibility with its API-first approach.
Ease of Use: Very easy to use for non-developers due to its no code nature.
Scalability: Highly scalable due to API approach and database connections.
Community: A well-established community of developers.
Cost: Free, as it is open source.
Website: Learn more about Directus

9. NocoDB

Description: NocoDB is an open-source platform that transforms any database into a smart spreadsheet interface.
Key Features:
Open Source & Free: Provides a free spreadsheet interface to databases.
Database Support: Connects to various databases for data management.
Multiple View Types: Can view data in different formats (grid, gallery, kanban).
Collaboration: Supports team collaboration on data management tasks.
Customizable Views: Allows users to customize the layout of data display.
Data Points:
Flexibility: Good flexibility in interacting with databases.
Ease of Use: Very easy to use due to familiar spreadsheet-like interface.
Scalability: Can be scaled to different sizes of databases.
Community: Active open source community that provides support and feature enhancements.
Cost: Free, as it is open source.
Website: Learn more about NocoDB

10. Taipy

Description: Taipy is an open-source Python library for building AI and data-driven web applications.
Key Features:
Open Source & Python Based: Focused on Python users to rapidly create web apps.
Scenario and Data Management: Combines UI with data management features.
Simple Deployment: Can easily deploy web apps without much backend knowledge.
No Additional Languages: Does not require additional language knowledge for web app design.
Flexibility: Can use different data visualization libraries.
Data Points:
Flexibility: Very flexible due to Python capabilities.
Ease of Use: Easy to use for Python users.
Scalability: Can scale for complex and data-heavy web applications.
Community: Good community support for feature enhancements.
Cost: Free, as an open-source project.
Website: Learn more about Taipy

This list offers a mix of platforms suited for various needs, from building internal tools to creating full-fledged applications. Each option provides open-source benefits, allowing customization and cost savings. Remember to evaluate each tool based on your specific project requirements and team expertise.

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FAQ

1. What is a good open-source alternative to Softr for building internal tools?

ToolJet is an excellent choice for building internal tools, offering extensive customization and enterprise-grade security. Explore ToolJet

2. Which open-source platform is suitable for rapid development of custom internal tools?

Budibase provides a low-code platform that connects various data sources to build custom internal tools rapidly. Learn more about Budibase

3. What open-source solution focuses on building systems as infrastructure?

NocoBase is tailored for building systems as infrastructure using a data model-driven design. Discover NocoBase

4. Which platform allows developers to create custom business applications using JavaScript?

Appsmith enables developers to build custom business applications with extensive integration capabilities and JavaScript support. Explore Appsmith

5. Is there an open-source platform built on React?

Open Noodl provides a React-based open-source platform focusing on rapid web app development with visual programming. Learn more about Noodl

6. Which platform is useful for creating web and mobile applications with a drag-and-drop builder?

Saltcorn offers a fast and user-friendly solution for creating web and mobile applications with a drag-and-drop builder. Explore Saltcorn

7. What is an open-source platform for building internal applications and tools?

UI Bakery is a suitable platform for building a wide range of internal applications and tools with security considerations. Learn more about UI Bakery

8. Which headless CMS provides a no-code data management platform?

Directus is a headless CMS that offers a no-code platform for data management with extensive customization options. Discover Directus

9. How can I transform a database into a smart spreadsheet interface?

NocoDB transforms databases into smart spreadsheet interfaces for easy data management and collaboration. Explore NocoDB

10. Is there an open-source Python library for building AI and data-driven web applications?

Taipy is an open-source Python library designed for creating AI and data-driven web applications with ease of use for Python developers. Learn more about Taipy

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.

Violetta Bonenkamp

2025-08-21 07:54 Top Alternatives