Top 10 Open-Source Alternatives to Quickbase in 2025
Quickbase has been a popular choice for creating custom applications without a lot of coding effort. However, there are various open-source alternatives available in 2025 that developers and businesses might find attractive for their own needs. Here, we explore the top 10 open-source alternatives to Quickbase, highlighting their most compelling features and use cases.
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1. Budibase
- Description: Budibase is an open-source, low-code platform designed for rapid development of internal tools, applications, and forms. It combines ease of use with powerful features.
- Key Data Points:
- Development Approach: Low-code, drag-and-drop interface.
- Data Sources: Connects to various databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, etc.), APIs, and spreadsheets.
- Deployment: Self-hosted via Docker and Kubernetes.
- Use Cases: Building internal admin panels, dashboards, client portals, and custom business applications.
- Customization: Offers a range of customizable templates and components, with the possibility to add custom code for advanced functionality.
2. Appsmith
- Description: Appsmith is an open-source, low-code platform for building internal tools and web applications quickly with a drag-and-drop interface and robust customization options.
- Key Data Points:
- Development Approach: Low-code, drag-and-drop interface with inline JavaScript.
- Data Sources: Connects to databases (PostgreSQL, MongoDB, etc.), REST APIs, and GraphQL.
- Customization: Offers extensive JavaScript customization and reactive bindings for dynamic functionality.
- Version Control: Git-based version control.
- Use Cases: Building CRUD apps, admin panels, dashboards, and other internal tools.
3. Baserow
- Description: Baserow is a no-code platform that allows users to create and manage databases and build applications using a spreadsheet-like interface, all without coding.
- Key Data Points:
- Development Approach: No-code, spreadsheet-like interface.
- Data Storage: Utilizes a PostgreSQL database.
- Collaboration: Supports real-time collaboration.
- Use Cases: Building custom databases, CRM systems, project trackers, and other information management applications.
- Extensibility: Offers an API for integration with other tools.
4. NocoBase
- Description: NocoBase is a lightweight, open-source, no-code/low-code platform that is highly customizable and designed for developers to build complex business applications.
- Key Data Points:
- Development Approach: Data model-driven, plugin-based with a WYSIWYG interface.
- Customization: Designed with developers in mind, making it highly extensible and customizable.
- Deployment: Self-hosted with options for different environments.
- Use Cases: Creating complex, adaptable business applications.
- Data Management: Combines data model-driven design with an intuitive interface to help with data management and automation.
5. Saltcorn
- Description: Saltcorn is a free, no-code platform that uses an intuitive drag-and-drop interface to help users build database web applications.
- Key Data Points:
- Development Approach: No-code, drag-and-drop interface.
- Database: Utilizes PostgreSQL.
- Customization: Features customizable plugins.
- License: MIT license, allowing for code modification and distribution.
- Use Cases: Building to-do lists, project management tools, and CRM apps.
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6. ToolJet
- Description: ToolJet is an open-source, low-code platform built for creating and deploying custom internal tools with a drag-and-drop interface.
- Key Data Points:
- Development Approach: Drag-and-drop interface with JavaScript and Python support.
- Data Sources: Connects to databases, APIs, and other data sources.
- Customization: Supports JavaScript and Python for advanced customization.
- Use Cases: Building internal dashboards, admin panels, and business applications.
- License: Open Source.
7. Joget
- Description: Joget is an open-source, low-code platform combining no-code/low-code development with workflow management, suitable for rapid development and migration of applications.
- Key Data Points:
- Development Approach: Low-code platform with a focus on workflow management.
- Cloud-Based: Designed to work well in cloud environments.
- Rapid Development: Focus on fast and easy app creation.
- Composability: Enables use of composable technology for quick app creation.
- Use Cases: Building a variety of applications and migrating existing ones to the cloud.
8. Node-RED
- Description: Node-RED is a flow-based, browser-based tool for wiring together hardware devices, APIs, and online services, providing a visual approach to creating complex integrations and workflows.
- Key Data Points:
- Development Approach: Flow-based, visual programming.
- Connectivity: Connects various APIs, devices, and online services.
- Customization: Highly extensible with custom nodes and functions.
- Deployment: Runs on Node.js and can be self-hosted.
- Use Cases: IoT applications, API integrations, workflow automation, and data processing pipelines.
9. nuBuilder Forte
- Description: nuBuilder Forte is an open-source web application that allows users to create and manage databases and applications without extensive coding knowledge.
- Key Data Points:
- Development Approach: Database and application creation without extensive coding.
- User Base: Designed for individuals and small businesses.
- Use Cases: Managing information, tracking data, and automating workflows.
- Open-source: Free to use and modify.
- Database Solutions: Custom database solutions.
10. H2 Database with Vaadin
- Description: H2 is an open-source Java SQL database that can be leveraged with Vaadin, a Java framework for building web UIs, to create database-backed web applications.
- Key Data Points:
- Development Approach: Java based, server-side UI development with SQL.
- Database: H2 is an embedded, free open source database.
- UI Framework: Vaadin is a Java UI framework rendering in web browsers.
- Customization: Full access to the UI framework and SQL capabilities.
- Use Cases: Java based web applications with SQL backend.
These platforms each offer unique features and benefits, making them compelling alternatives to Quickbase. Whether your priority is no-code ease of use, low-code flexibility, or highly customizable developer-centric solutions, there's an open-source tool here that can meet your needs.
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FAQ
1. What is Budibase used for?
Budibase is designed for building internal admin panels, dashboards, client portals, and custom business applications. Learn more about Budibase
2. What makes Appsmith different from other low-code platforms?
Appsmith features extensive JavaScript customization, reactive bindings for dynamic functionality, and Git-based version control. Explore Appsmith
3. Can Baserow be used for real-time collaboration?
Yes, Baserow supports real-time collaboration, making it ideal for team projects. Check out Baserow
4. What development approach does NocoBase use?
NocoBase uses a data model-driven, plugin-based approach with a WYSIWYG interface designed for developers. Discover NocoBase
5. Is Saltcorn customizable with plugins?
Yes, Saltcorn features customizable plugins and supports no-code development through a drag-and-drop interface. Learn more about Saltcorn
6. Can ToolJet handle custom code for more complex tools?
ToolJet supports JavaScript and Python for added customization, making it suitable for more complex internal tools. Explore ToolJet
7. Does Joget support cloud-based environments?
Yes, Joget is designed to work well in cloud environments and focuses on rapid application development with workflow management. Check out Joget
8. What is Node-RED best used for?
Node-RED is ideal for creating IoT applications, API integrations, workflow automation, and data processing pipelines through visual programming. Discover Node-RED
9. Who should use nuBuilder Forte?
nuBuilder Forte is suitable for individuals and small businesses needing custom database solutions for managing information and automating workflows. Learn more about nuBuilder Forte
10. How can H2 Database and Vaadin be used together?
Using H2 Database with Vaadin allows for Java-based web application development with a SQL backend, providing a robust solution for building database-backed web applications. Learn more about H2 Database | Explore Vaadin
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.
