Glide alternatives: 5 free & open-source picks
Curated, verified, and actually free. No trials, no crippled tiers. Star counts and last-activity dates checked by hand, not scraped and forgotten.
Apps internas, formularios, automatizaciones y portales en un solo paquete; mucho más cercano a Knack de lo que su imagen para desarrolladores sugiere.
licenseGPL-3.0
runsyour server
installDocker image or Docker Compose; Kubernetes is also supported
enginesModel-agnostic; the agent builder supports bring-your-own AI provider credentials
dataBuilt-in app data and app definitions are stored in CouchDB, files in MinIO/S3-compatible object storage, and connected external data remains in its source system
the catch vs GlideBudibase is a responsive web internal-tool builder, not a mobile-first app platform, so Glide's polished phone experience is the main sacrifice.
setupRequires Docker and persistent storage; production use also means owning upgrades, TLS, backups, and database/network access
facts verified 2026-08-10
Un constructor de apps respaldado por base de datos con páginas, formularios, roles, flujos de trabajo y suficientes plugins para convertirse en tu próximo pasatiempo de mantenimiento.
licenseNocoBase Community
runsyour server
installNocoBase CLI or Docker deployment with MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL
enginesBuilt-in AI employees can connect to common LLMs; exact provider support depends on installed AI plugins
dataBusiness data lives in standard relational tables in the configured MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL database; files use configured local or object storage
the catch vs GlideNocoBase builds browser-based database apps but does not provide Glide's refined mobile navigation, components, and installable-app experience.
setupRequires a database, secrets, and deployment administration; the community license also preserves NocoBase branding and restricts some uses
facts verified 2026-08-10
Un espacio de trabajo con tablas más un constructor de apps para portales y pantallas tipo móvil; el acabado visual es más simple, pero el control de tus datos es mejor.
licenseMIT
runstheir cloud
installHosted signup
dataTables, application definitions, uploads, and workspace metadata live in Baserow Cloud; tables can be exported as CSV
setup✓ installs clean
the catch vs GlideIts app builder lacks Glide's mobile-first polish, touch-friendly components, action system, and near-native app feel.
facts verified 2026-08-10
El mismo constructor funciona de forma indefinida para una app simple con tablas de Glide y diez usuarios personales; las integraciones quedan detrás del pago.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted signup and browser-based builder
dataThe free plan uses Glide Tables or Big Tables stored in Glide's infrastructure; Glide Tables can be exported as CSV
setup✓ installs clean
the catch vs GlideIt is the same product under tight limits, with integrations, scale, branding control, and more capable production workflows reserved for paid plans.
facts verified 2026-08-10
Un constructor de portales y paneles más amigable con usuarios reales, formularios, acciones sobre registros, flujos de trabajo y una app publicada gratis.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted signup in Softr Studio
dataApp definitions and any Softr Database records live in Softr's cloud; connected-source records remain in the external source, with Softr proxying requests and caching data for up to 24 hours; table blocks can export CSV or XLSX
the catch vs GlideSoftr is stronger at portals and websites than mobile-style operational apps, so Glide's touch interactions and phone-first workflow are noticeably weaker.
setupNo software install; the first hurdle is choosing and authenticating a data source, then mapping its fields and permissions
facts verified 2026-08-10
last updated 2026-08-10 · no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
| tool | license | running it | platforms | stars | active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budibase | GPL-3.0 | docker to self-host | web, self-hosted | 27,902 | 2026-07 |
| NocoBase | NocoBase Community | docker to self-host | web, self-hosted | 23,600 | 2026-08 |
| Baserow Free | MIT | they host it | web | — | — |
| Glide Free | proprietary, free | they host it | web, ios, android | — | — |
| Softr Free | proprietary, free | they host it | web | — | — |
They pay because building one app is easier than becoming the developer for every future app change. If none of that applies to you, any pick above saves $300 a year.
Is there a free alternative to Glide?
Yes: Budibase, NocoBase, Baserow Free and 2 more. Every tool on this page is either open source or genuinely free to use long-term: no trials, no crippled tiers.
Should I just build my own Glide?
Our verdict is PARCIAL. You can build one specific Glide app; you are not rebuilding the no-code app builder, data editor, permissions, and deployment platform in one sitting. If you'd rather build, the exact one-shot prompt is free at puedovibecodearlo.app/glide.
