Airtable vs Google Sheets vs Knack (Comparison Guide)

Spreadsheets have been a staple of data organization and basic task management for decades. However, as our work becomes more complex and collaborative, traditional spreadsheets often fall short. Platforms like Airtable, Google Sheets, and Knack have emerged to address these limitations, each offering unique approaches to data management and collaboration.

Airtable, founded in 2012, has gained a reputation for its user-friendly database spreadsheet hybrid approach. A lightweight relational database that combines the familiarity of spreadsheets with flexible structures and visually appealing designs. Favored by non-technical users for project management, content tracking, and CRM tasks.

Google Sheets, a product of the tech giant Google, is a cloud-based spreadsheet that’s become ubiquitous in the digital world. A cloud-based spreadsheet with simple database capabilities, known for its real-time collaboration features and seamless integration with Google Workspace. Ideal for data analysis, budgeting, and straightforward project tracking.

Knack is an end-to-end automation platform with a robust online database at its core. Knack stands out by enabling teams to build custom solutions for complex workflows, making it an excellent choice for businesses needing advanced functionality beyond spreadsheets.

Key Takeaways

• Airtable boasts an average rating of 4.6 stars on G2 and Capterra, while Google Sheets gets a 4.7 stars rating average on G2 and Capterra, reflecting their popularity and user satisfaction.

Comparison Overview: Airtable vs. Google Sheets vs. Knack

Take a quick look at this comparison for a high-level highlight of their core strengths, differences, and ideal use cases, giving you a clearer picture of which platform might be the right fit for your needs.

Software	Ideal For	Key Features	Pros	Cons	Pricing	Average Review Rating
Google Sheets	Individuals and teams who need a simple, accessible, and collaborative spreadsheet for data management and basic tasks.	Familiar spreadsheet interface Advanced functions (formulas, pivot tables) Real-time collaboration Google Workspace integration Offline editing	Accessible & easy to use Powerful for data analysis Integrates with Google Workspace	Limited customization Less powerful for automation	Free for personal use Paid plans (part of Google Workspace) from $6/user/month	4.7 stars
Airtable	Teams and individuals who want a flexible and visually engaging tool for collaboration and project management.	Database-spreadsheet hybrid  Multiple views (Grid, Kanban, Calendar, Gallery)  Real-time collaboration Automations & integrations Rich template library	Visual & user-friendly Flexible for various workflows Great for collaboration	Limited free plan Pricey for large teams Not ideal for complex projects	Free plan, paid from $10/user/month	4.6 stars
Knack	Building custom applications with built-in automations and front-end web application portals.	Customizable forms & views Workflows & automations Visual Drag and Drop Form Builder No-code front-end app builder/designer AI-app creation for complex project needs Integrations with hundreds of application connectors out of the box to extend basic spreadsheet needs Robust databases Granular user permissions	Complete customization using no-code Scalable for complex project requirements Secure & reliable Affordable for smaller businesses to larger enterprises Build custom applications alongside other departmental needs (integrate multi-app solutions)	Learning curve with workflows and conditional logic  Lacks an offline mode for mobile apps	From $59/month (Unlimited Users)	4.6 stars

Quick Airtable vs. Google Sheets Comparison

Before we outline these platform details against Knack, let’s see how Airtable and Google Sheets measure up against each other. 

What is Airtable?

Airtable combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the power of a database, allowing you to organize and visualize your work in exciting new ways. What sets Airtable apart is its flexibility. You can customize it to fit your unique workflows, creating custom views like Kanban boards, calendars, and galleries to make your data come alive. Airtable’s user-friendly interface and no-code tools make it easy for anyone to create custom solutions.

What is Google Sheets?

Google Sheets is a cloud-based spreadsheet tool that’s become a staple for individuals, teams, and businesses of all sizes. Its familiar interface and seamless integration within the Google Workspace ecosystem make it incredibly accessible and easy to use.

Google Sheets excels at its core functionality: data entry, analysis, and sharing. Whether you’re crunching numbers, creating budgets, or collaborating on a project, Google Sheets provides a reliable and familiar platform for Users.

Airtable Features

Airtable isn’t your average spreadsheet. It’s a dynamic and visual platform that lets you organize, manage, and collaborate on your data in a way that’s both powerful and fun.

Airtable offers:

• Multiple Views: See your data from different perspectives with grid view (like a traditional spreadsheet), Kanban view for project management, calendar view for scheduling, and gallery view for showcasing images or products.
• Customization Menu: Tailor Airtable to your exact needs with customizable fields, relationships between tables, and advanced filtering options.
• Automation Power: Automate those repetitive tasks and free up your time for more important work with Airtable’s built-in automation tools.
• Integration Station: Connect Airtable with your favorite apps like Slack, Zapier, and Asana to streamline your workflows and boost productivity.
• Template Library: Jumpstart your projects with a rich library of pre-built templates for everything from project tracking and inventory management to CRM and event planning.

Google Sheets Features

Google Sheets is a cloud-based spreadsheet that’s familiar, accessible, and packed with features to help you manage your data and collaborate with your team.

Here’s what makes Google Sheets great:

• Spreadsheet Extras: Harness the power of advanced spreadsheet functions like formulas, pivot tables, and charts to analyze your data and gain valuable insights.
• Collaboration Made Easy: Work together in real-time with colleagues, clients, or anyone with an internet connection. Google Sheets’ built-in collaboration features make it easy to share, comment, and track changes.
• Google Workspace Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other Google Workspace tools like Docs, Drive, and Forms to create a streamlined workflow.
• Add-ons for Every Need: Extend Google Sheets’ functionality with a wide range of add-ons for tasks like data analysis, automation, and project management.
• Work Offline, Anytime: Edit your spreadsheets even when you’re offline, thanks to Google Drive sync. Your changes will automatically sync when you’re back online.

Who Should Use Airtable?

Airtable can be used for planned projects or a spontaneous brainstorming session. Its versatility and user-friendly design make it a companion for teams and individuals who value flexibility and visual organization. Its strength is in project management and workflows with small internal teams.

Airtable is Great For:

• Startups and small businesses on a budget: Airtable’s affordability and ease of use make it a perfect fit for those who need a lightweight and visual tool to manage their work without breaking the bank.
• Creative teams with a flair for visuals: Marketing teams, content creators, and design teams will love Airtable’s visual appeal and flexibility for managing projects like content calendars, social media campaigns, and product launches.
• Anyone who wants to build custom solutions without code: Even if you’re not a tech expert, Airtable’s intuitive interface and no-code features empower you to create custom applications and workflows that fit your unique needs.

Who Should Use Google Sheets?

Whether you’re managing your personal budget or collaborating on a team project, Google Sheets shows its worth for everyday tasks.

Google Sheets is Great For:

• Spreadsheet enthusiasts: If you’re already comfortable with traditional spreadsheets, you’ll feel right at home with Google Sheets. It offers all the familiar features you love, plus the added benefits of cloud collaboration and seamless integration with other Google tools.
• Budget-conscious individuals and teams: Google Sheets is a cost-effective solution for managing data, especially for those who need a simple and accessible tool without the bells and whistles of more complex platforms.
• Data experts: If you love creating new formulas and creating insightful visualizations, Google Sheets offers powerful tools for data analysis, including advanced formulas, pivot tables, and a variety of chart options.

Airtable Use Cases

Here are the top use cases that customers use Airtable for:

• Project Management: Users leverage Airtable to organize team projects, track deadlines, manage tasks, and streamline workflows using customizable templates and views.
• CRM and Lead Tracking: Airtable serves as a flexible CRM, helping users track leads, manage customer relationships, automate follow-ups, and gain sales insights.
• Marketing Campaigns: Airtable is used for planning, organizing, and tracking marketing campaigns, content calendars, and team collaborations, providing a centralized platform.
• Data Organization and Collaboration: Airtable allows teams to sort, share, and manage data collaboratively with features like relational databases and real-time updates.
• Content Management: Airtable simplifies content workflows, enabling agencies and teams to collaborate on content creation, revision tracking, and campaign execution.
• Product Development: Teams utilize Airtable for visual roadmaps, feature tracking, and gathering collaborative feedback to ensure smooth product launches.
• Inventory Management: Airtable helps businesses track inventory, manage stock levels, and maintain detailed records of resources in a scalable manner.
• Process Automation: Automation tools within Airtable streamline repetitive tasks, improving efficiency and freeing up team resources for higher-value activities.

Airtable can be versatile, adapting to a wide range of needs and workflows. You can streamline your work and boost productivity with Airtable for more than just project management. Frustrated by scattered spreadsheets and endless email chains? Airtable provides a centralized platform to plan, organize, and track your marketing campaigns, manage content calendars, and collaborate with your team seamlessly.

Bring clarity to your product development process with Airtable’s visual roadmaps, feature tracking, and collaborative feedback tools. Keep everyone on the same page and ensure a smooth product launch. Whether you’re organizing a conference, a product launch, or a team offsite, Airtable can help you manage every detail with ease. From guest lists and venue bookings to budgets and logistics, Airtable keeps you organized and on track.

Track leads, manage customer relationships, and close deals more efficiently with Airtable’s customizable CRM tools. Build a sales pipeline that works for you, automate follow-ups, and gain valuable insights into your sales performance. Plus, all the everyday tasks that can add up, like tracking inventory, managing projects, and automating tasks to improve efficiency and free up your team’s time.

Google Sheets Use Cases

Here are the top ways that Users and customers use Google Sheets:

• Collaboration and Sharing: Google Sheets excels in collaborative work, allowing multiple users to edit and view documents simultaneously with customizable access controls.
• Small Data Set Data Management and Analysis: Best for datasets less than 25,000 records, beyond which there is performance degradation. Frequently used for organizing and analyzing data with formulas, tables, and visualizations, making it ideal for budgeting, planning, and financial tracking.
• Cloud-Based Accessibility: Provides easy access to documents from any device with internet connectivity, ensuring users can work on their sheets from anywhere.
• Task and Project Management: Commonly used for managing tasks, creating schedules, and tracking progress for personal and professional projects.
• Polling and Surveys: Used to manage simple polls or survey data, leveraging its ease of sharing and real-time updates.
• Version Control: The ability to track changes and restore previous versions ensures data integrity and allows for error correction.
• Lightweight and Free Option: Valued for its simplicity, cost-free access, and reduced reliance on complex or heavy software like Excel.
• Team Collaboration on Data: Teams across various industries use Google Sheets to maintain and share centralized databases for real-time data updates.
• Personal Organization: Utilized for creating calendars, to-do lists, and other personal organization tools due to its flexibility and intuitive design.

Google Sheets is a reliable tool, whether you’re crunching numbers for your personal budget or collaborating with your team on a complex project.

It excels at those everyday tasks that keep your business running smoothly. Need to create a budget, forecast your finances, or analyze sales data? Google Sheets is a great option with its powerful spreadsheet functions, including formulas, pivot tables, and charts. You can even build simple databases to track inventory, manage customer information, or organize projects.

And because it’s part of the Google Workspace ecosystem, Google Sheets seamlessly integrates with other essential tools like Google Docs, Drive, and Forms. This makes it easy to collaborate with your team, share data, and create a streamlined workflow. Plus, with its real-time collaboration features, you can work together on spreadsheets simultaneously, no matter where you are.

Airtable’s Learning Curve

Airtable’s intuitive design makes it easy to jump in and start organizing your work, even if you’re new to no-code platforms. But to truly unlock Airtable’s full potential and master its advanced features, like relational databases and complex automations.

Here’s a closer look at the Airtable learning curve:

• Ease of Use for Beginners: Airtable’s drag-and-drop interface and spreadsheet-like functionality make it approachable for non-technical users. Basic features can be learned without formal training.
• Challenges with Advanced Features: Setting up complex workflows, integrations, or automations (e.g., using scripting, AI, or custom webhooks) can require significant trial and error, particularly for users without technical expertise.
• Resource Availability: Airtable provides various resources, including online tutorials and community-shared templates, to help users get started. However, finding guidance tailored to niche or non-standard use cases can be difficult.
• Community Support: The active user community and pre-built templates serve as helpful starting points for inspiration and guidance, especially when users feel unsure of how to begin with custom setups.
• Advanced Functionality Requires Effort: While Airtable is powerful and versatile, some users find its advanced features less intuitive and wish for more live support or streamlined guides to make full use of its potential.

Google Sheets’ Learning Curve

Google Sheets’ spreadsheet interface will feel instantly comfortable to most users, allowing you to dive right in and start working with your data. But don’t be fooled by its simplicity – to master its advanced functions, like complex formulas, pivot tables, and scripting; you might need to brush up on your spreadsheet skills or explore some online tutorials.  

Here’s a closer look at the Google Sheets learning curve:

• Familiar Territory: If you’ve used a spreadsheet before (like Excel), you’ll feel instantly comfortable in Google Sheets. The interface is designed for intuitive use, especially for basic tasks like creating lists, organizing data, and performing simple calculations.
• Advanced Functionality: While the basics are easy to grasp, Google Sheets offers powerful features like advanced formulas, pivot tables, and scripting capabilities. Mastering these may require additional exploration and learning.
• Abundant Learning Resources: Google provides a wealth of resources to support your learning journey, including online tutorials, help articles, community forums, and templates.
• Gradual Mastery: Google Sheets allows for a gradual learning curve. Start with the basics and progressively explore more advanced features as your needs evolve. It’s a versatile tool that can grow with your skills and ambitions.

Airtable’s Integration Strengths

Airtable understands that you probably use a variety of tools to get your work done. That’s why they’ve made it easy to connect Airtable with your favorite apps and services, creating a seamless and efficient workflow.

Here are some of Airtable’s integration strengths:

• Direct integrations with popular apps: Connect Airtable with popular tools like Slack, Zapier, Asana, and many more. This allows you to automate tasks, share data, and streamline your processes.
• Collaboration features: Airtable’s built-in collaboration features make it easy to work with your team in real-time. Share your work, assign tasks, and control access with role-specific permissions.

Google Sheets’ Integration Strengths

Google Sheets is like the central hub of your Google Workspace universe. It seamlessly connects with other Google tools, making it easy to collaborate, share data, and streamline your workflows.

Here are some of Google Sheets’ integration strengths:

• Google Workspace integration: Google Sheets works seamlessly with other Google Workspace apps like Docs, Drive, and Forms. This allows you to easily share data, create reports, and build integrated workflows.
• Add-ons for extended functionality: Expand Google Sheets’ capabilities with a wide range of add-ons. Connect to external APIs, access advanced data analysis tools, and automate tasks to make Google Sheets even more powerful.

Airtable Pros and Cons

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of Airtable:

Pros

• Impactful visuals: Airtable’s colorful interface and diverse views (like Kanban boards and gallery layouts) make it a joy to use and help you see your work in a whole new light.
• Flexibility for every task: Whether you’re managing marketing campaigns, organizing events, or tracking customer relationships, Airtable adapts to your unique workflows with ease.
• Easy to use: Even if you’re a tech novice, Airtable’s intuitive interface and drag-and-drop functionality make it a breeze to learn and use.

Cons: 

• Limited scalability for enterprise needs: While Airtable is great for smaller teams and projects, its scalability can be limited for enterprise-level needs.

Google Sheets Pros and Cons

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of Google Sheets:

Pros

• Easy on the wallet: Google Sheets is free for personal use and very affordable for businesses, making it a budget-friendly option for managing your data.
• Feels like home: If you’ve ever used a spreadsheet, you’ll feel instantly comfortable in Google Sheets. Its familiar interface makes it easy to get started.
• Number crunching made easy: Google Sheets offers powerful calculation tools, including advanced formulas and functions, to help you analyze your data and gain valuable insights.

Cons:

• Not as flexible as some alternatives: While Google Sheets offers some customization options, it’s not as flexible as platforms like Airtable or Knack when it comes to building custom applications or automating complex workflows.

Why Knack is a Better Choice Over Airtable and Google Sheets

Airtable and Google Sheets are great for getting started, but if you truly want to unleash the power of your data, Knack is the platform for you. It’s like having a master database builder at your fingertips, empowering you to create custom solutions that perfectly fit your needs without the complexities of traditional coding.

Intuitive, User-Friendly Interface for Building Custom Databases

• Visual no-code app builder: Forget about wrestling with SQL queries or complex programming languages. Knack’s intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) lets you visually build and manage your databases with drag-and-drop simplicity. It’s like building with digital Lego blocks – you can easily create tables, define relationships, and add fields without writing a single line of code.
• Streamlined table management: Knack takes the hassle out of database design. Compared to Google Sheets’ manual formatting and Airtable’s limited relational setup, Knack offers a smoother and more intuitive experience. You can effortlessly connect tables, define relationships, and manage your data with ease.

Key Distinctions that Deserve a Closer Look:

• Unmatched flexibility and customization: Knack allows you to build truly bespoke solutions tailored to your exact needs, going beyond the limitations of pre-built templates and features.
• Powerful integrations and automation: Connect Knack with hundreds of other applications like Basecamp, Salesforce, Mailchimp, and more to completely automate your workflows to streamline your processes and improve efficiency.
• Advanced features for complex applications: Knack offers features like user roles and permissions, data validation, and custom scripting to handle more complex applications and data management needs.
• Scalability for growing businesses: Knack’s flexible pricing and unlimited user access make it an ideal solution for businesses that need a platform that can grow with them.
• Security and reliability you can trust: Knack’s platform is secure, reliable, and HIPAA compliant, ensuring that your data is protected and always available.

Enhanced Database Creation and Structuring

• Tailored data organization: Knack gives you the freedom to structure your data exactly how you need it. Need to create a customer relationship management (CRM) system with custom fields for contact information, purchase history, and communication preferences? No problem! Knack supports a wide range of data types (text, numbers, dates, even images and files) and allows you to define relationships between different data sets so you can build a database that perfectly reflects your business needs.
• Robust relational capabilities: Go beyond simple spreadsheets with Knack’s powerful relational database capabilities. Connect your customer data to their orders, link products to inventory levels, and create a web of interconnected information that gives you a complete picture of your business. This is something that Google Sheets simply can’t do (and Airtable only offers at a very basic level).

Built-In Tools for Data Manipulation

• Dynamic filtering and querying: Need to find specific information in your database? Knack makes it easy with its dynamic filtering and querying tools. You can sort, filter, and search your data with ease without needing to know any SQL or complex programming languages. It’s like having a personal data detective at your service!
• Interactive forms and dashboards: No more tedious data entry and static spreadsheets. Knack allows you to create interactive forms and dashboards that make data entry a breeze and bring your data to life with visual charts and graphs. Customize your forms to match your branding, streamline data collection, and present your data in a way that’s both informative and engaging.

Automation and Workflow Simplification

• No-Code automations: Knack takes the complexity out of automation. With its user-friendly interface and pre-built automation templates, you can automate tasks like sending email notifications, updating records, and triggering actions based on specific events, all without writing a single line of code. Compared to Airtable and Google Sheets, Knack’s automation features are a breeze to use, even for non-technical users.
• Custom workflow setup: Need to automate a unique process that’s specific to your business? Knack allows you to build custom workflows tailored to your exact needs, without relying on third-party tools or complex integrations. This gives you the flexibility to automate any process, from simple tasks to complex workflows.

Application Development Without Coding

• Fully functional applications: Knack is more than just a database builder; it’s a full-fledged application development platform. You can create client portals, internal management tools, online directories, and much more, all without writing any code. Knack’s capabilities go far beyond the spreadsheet-based frameworks of Airtable and Google Sheets, allowing you to build truly powerful and customized applications.
• Customizable interactive features: Add interactive elements to your applications with Knack’s built-in features. Create custom reports, forms, and dashboards that are directly linked to your data tables, providing real-time insights and enhancing user engagement.

Seamless Integration and Scalability

• Built-In integrations: Connect Knack with your favorite tools and services to create a seamless workflow. Knack offers a wide range of built-in integrations, including popular apps like Zapier, Mailchimp, and Stripe. Compared to Google Sheets and Airtable, Knack’s integrations are broader and more advanced, allowing you to connect with a wider range of applications and automate more complex tasks.
• Future-ready scaling: Knack is built to handle the demands of growing businesses. As your data grows and your applications become more complex, Knack can scale with you, ensuring that your systems remain performant and reliable. This makes Knack an ideal choice for businesses that are looking for a long-term solution that can adapt to their evolving needs.

Get Started with Knack

Don’t just manage your work; elevate it.  Design applications that perfectly fit your unique needs without the limitations of pre-built templates or complex coding. You can start with a simple database and grow into a complex application, knowing that Knack can handle your evolving needs. Connect Knack with your essential business apps to automate workflows and create a seamless data ecosystem.

• Explore Knack’s extensive template library: Jumpstart your projects with pre-built templates for various business needs.
• Dive into our learning resources: Master Knack’s features with our comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and webinars.
• Sign up to start your free trial today: Experience the power and flexibility of Knack firsthand and see how it can transform your business.

Common Questions

Can Airtable replace Google Sheets for data analysis?

Airtable can definitely handle some data analysis, especially with its grid view that resembles a traditional spreadsheet. You can sort, filter, and group data and even create basic charts and summaries. However, Google Sheets offers a wider range of formulas, functions, and data visualization tools that are more suited for complex analysis.

Compared to both Airtable and Google Sheets, Knack combines the best of both worlds. It offers the flexibility and visual appeal of Airtable with the robust data management capabilities of a dedicated database. You can build custom reports, create interactive dashboards, and perform advanced analysis without needing to be a spreadsheet expert.

Do Airtable and Google Sheets support mobile use?

Yes, both Airtable and Google Sheets have mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. Airtable’s mobile app is great for visual task management and collaboration on the go, while Google Sheets’ app lets you view and edit spreadsheets, even when you’re offline. 

However, both mobile apps might have some limitations compared to their desktop versions, especially for more advanced features. Knack’s applications are designed to be responsive and mobile-friendly, so you can access and manage your data seamlessly on any device without sacrificing functionality.

Which tool is better for collaboration in large teams?

Both Airtable and Google Sheets offer excellent collaboration features, but they have different strengths. Airtable excels at managing workflows and assigning tasks with its Kanban views and collaborative features. 

Google Sheets shines with its real-time co-editing capabilities and seamless integration with Google Workspace, making it easy to share and collaborate on spreadsheets within a large team. Are you part of a larger team that wants more control? Knack allows you to manage access to your data and applications with greater precision and across different departments.