Airtable
A spreadsheet-database hybrid where you can build custom trackers, asset registers, and workflows without code. The catch: nothing works out of the box. You build everything yourself.
Starting from
Quote
Free trial
14 days
Free plan
Yes
Overall rating
4.7/5 (2,200)
“Flexible enough to build almost anything, but that's also the problem, you'll spend hours building what Tradify or ServiceM8 gives you out of the box. Better suited as a back-office ops tool than a primary system.”
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Overview
Airtable sits somewhere between a spreadsheet and a database. It looks like a familiar grid, but each column can hold structured data, attachments, links to other tables, formulas, barcodes, and more. For trade businesses, it's used to build custom solutions that off-the-shelf tools don't cover: asset registers, tool tracking, subcontractor databases, maintenance schedules, and project trackers with custom fields.
The platform includes multiple views (grid, calendar, Kanban, gallery, Gantt), built-in automations, a form builder for data capture, and an interface designer for creating simple apps on top of your data. With Zapier and Make integrations, Airtable can serve as a central data hub connecting your other tools.
Strengths: Unmatched flexibility. If you can imagine a tracking system, you can build it in Airtable. The free plan is functional for solo use. Interface designer lets you create simple internal tools without code. Strong API means it plays well with automation platforms. The community template library has pre-built bases for project management, CRM, and inventory tracking.
Limitations: Airtable doesn't do anything out of the box. You build everything yourself. That's its strength and its weakness. There's no quoting engine, no compliance library, no scheduling dispatch. The free plan is limited to 1,000 records per base (a hard cap you'll hit sooner than you think). Per-user pricing on paid plans makes it expensive for teams. Mobile app exists but is better for viewing than building.
Airtable is the most powerful no-code tool for trade businesses with custom needs, but only if you're willing to invest the time to build and maintain your own system.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- ✓Unmatched flexibility, build any tracking system, register, or workflow you can imagine
- ✓Free plan is functional for sole traders testing a custom solution
- ✓Interface designer lets you build simple internal tools without a developer
- ✓Strong API and automation integrations make it a powerful central data hub
- ✓Community templates give you a head start on common use cases
Watch out for
- ✕Does nothing out of the box. You build everything yourself from scratch
- ✕1,000-record limit on free plan is hit quickly for active trade businesses
- ✕Per-user pricing adds up fast for teams, $30 AUD/user/month for the first paid tier
- ✕No trade-specific features: no quoting, no compliance, no dispatch
- ✕Mobile app is better for viewing than building, configuration is desktop-only
Best for
Technically curious trade businesses that need custom tracking (asset registers, subcontractor databases, maintenance schedules) that off-the-shelf tools don't cover.
Not ideal for
Businesses that want job management, quoting, or compliance out of the box, Tradify, Fergus, or Simpro will serve you better without the build-it-yourself overhead.
Key Features
Frequently Asked Questions
Ratings
2,200 reviews
Source: Capterra
Checked April 2026
Pricing
1 user, 1,000 records/base, 1GB attachments
50,000 records/base
125,000 records/base
Airtable is billed in USD. AUD amounts are approximate (~$30 AUD = ~$20 USD/seat). Free plan is limited to 1 editor. Annual billing saves ~20%. Verify at airtable.com/pricing.
Technical
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