Top 10 Open Source Alternatives to AppSheet in 2025

With the rapid advancement of open-source technology, 2025 brings an impressive array of AppSheet alternatives for developers and businesses alike. This article delves into the top 10 open-source platforms that provide low-code and no-code solutions, perfect for building custom applications, dashboards, and internal tools.

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1. Appsmith

Description: Open-source, low-code platform designed for building internal tools, dashboards, and admin panels.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes, permissive license.
Customization: Extensive customization with JavaScript and integrations.
UI Builder: Drag-and-drop builder.
Data Sources: Connects to databases, APIs, and cloud services.
Use Case: Ideal for creating flexible internal applications. Explore Appsmith

2. Budibase

Description: Low-code platform for building internal tools, focusing on connecting to existing data sources.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes, can be self-hosted.
Data Integration: Connects to databases, APIs, and spreadsheets.
Deployment: Self-hosted using Docker and Kubernetes.
Use Cases: Management apps, portals, forms, and approval workflows.
User Interface: Drag-and-drop interface. Discover Budibase

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3. NocoDB

Description: Transforms any database into a smart spreadsheet interface.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes, can be self-hosted.
Database as Spreadsheet: Uses spreadsheet-like interface for data manipulation.
Views: Offers Grid, Gallery, Kanban, and Form views.
Integration: Supports MySQL, Postgres, and SQL Server.
Use Case: Best for interacting with databases using a spreadsheet interface. Learn more about NocoDB

4. ToolJet

Description: Low-code platform for building custom internal tools and dashboards.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes.
Customization: Drag-and-drop UI building and custom code support.
Deployment: Self-hosted, enterprise-grade security.
Integrations: Connects with databases and APIs.
Use Case: Suitable for custom logic and secure application building. Explore ToolJet

5. Baserow

Description: No-code database and application builder.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes, can be self-hosted.
No-Code: Designed for non-technical users.
Database Building: Creates relational databases without coding.
Features: Forms, lists, and grids based on data.
Use Case: Ideal for creating custom databases and management apps. Discover Baserow

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6. Saltcorn

Description: No-code platform for building database web applications.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes, MIT License.
Ease of Use: Intuitive point-and-click interface.
Database Driven: Creates database-backed web applications.
Customization: Customizable layouts and views.
Use Case: Suitable for applications with a database back-end. Learn more about Saltcorn

7. UI Bakery

Description: Low-code platform with a focus on drag-and-drop interfaces for web apps.
Data Points:
Self-Hosted: Can be self-hosted for better data control.
UI Builder: Drag-and-drop for building interfaces.
Customization: Advanced options for customization.
Use Cases: Developing internal dashboards, forms, and custom tools.
Open Source: Available as an open-source version. Explore UI Bakery

8. nuBuilder Forte

Description: Web application for creating and managing databases and applications.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes, focused on custom database solutions.
Database Management: Manage databases without coding knowledge.
Customization: Supports custom workflows.
Ease of Use: Built for small businesses needing custom solutions.
Use Case: Managing information, tracking data, and automating workflows. Discover nuBuilder Forte

9. ILLA

Description: Internal tool building platform.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes.
Type: Internal tool building.
Use Case: Building internal tools for businesses.
Features: Drag-and-drop interface.
Customizability: Focused on customizable internal tools.

10. Node-RED

Description: Browser-based flow-editing tool for wiring together hardware devices, APIs, and online services.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes.
Flow-Based Programming: Node-based interface.
Flexibility: Complex logic through node wiring.
Integrations: Connects to APIs and Databases.
Use Cases: Data automation, system integration, IoT projects. Learn more about Node-RED

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FAQ

1. What is the best open-source alternative to AppSheet for building internal tools?

Appsmith is highly recommended for building internal tools, dashboards, and admin panels with extensive customization options. Explore Appsmith

2. Which open-source platform is easiest to use for database management?

Baserow is designed for non-technical users, allowing them to create custom databases and applications without coding. Discover Baserow

3. Is there an open-source tool for transforming databases into spreadsheet interfaces?

Yes, NocoDB converts any database into a smart spreadsheet interface, offering multiple view types such as Grid, Gallery, Kanban, and Form views. Learn more about NocoDB

4. What open-source tool is best for developing custom internal tools and dashboards?

ToolJet is an excellent option for creating custom internal tools and dashboards, allowing for both drag-and-drop UI building and custom code using JavaScript and Python. Explore ToolJet

5. Which platform is ideal for creating web applications with a database backend?

Saltcorn enables users to create database-backed web applications easily using an intuitive point-and-click, drag-and-drop interface. Discover Saltcorn

6. What is a good no-code alternative for creating databases and applications?

Baserow is perfect for non-technical users looking to create databases and applications without any coding. Check out Baserow

7. Which open-source tool focuses on drag-and-drop interfaces for web apps?

UI Bakery offers a self-hosted low-code platform with a focus on drag-and-drop interfaces for building web apps. Learn more about UI Bakery

8. Which platform is suitable for creating and managing custom database solutions for small businesses?

nuBuilder Forte is an open-source tool ideal for small businesses needing customizable database solutions and easy data management. Discover nuBuilder Forte

9. What open-source tool is recommended for custom internal business tools?

ILLA provides a platform focused on building customizable internal tools for businesses with a drag-and-drop interface.

10. Which tool is ideal for integrating various systems and automating data workflows?

Node-RED uses a visual, node-based interface for building applications that integrate systems and automate workflows. Learn more about Node-RED

References

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.