Google Sheets vs Airtable: Which is Best?

Did you know that the spreadsheet and database software market is expected to reach 25 billion by the end of 2025? (Source: mordorintelligence Research Reports) All over the world, teams are considering between Google Sheets and Airtable when it comes to choosing a tool to manage their work. Now, however, there is a new player on the scene, Stackby, which makes the decision even more difficult for users of Google Sheets, Airtable, and Excel.

Google Sheets has more than 2 billion users globally. Airtable is a rapidly increasing solution with a 30 percent year-over-year growth rate and is used by teams seeking more than traditional spreadsheets. Stackby is emerging with a bang by merging no-code automation and the versatility of spreadsheets over databases.

In this article, we are going to compare Google Sheets vs Airtable vs Stackby in terms of modern workflow. We will show you the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of spreadsheets vs databases, and which platform your team should use to work smarter in 2025.

Airtable vs Google Sheet: What Is the Difference?

Comparing Google Sheets vs Airtable, there are certain similarities that can be noticed by teams. They both are in grid format. Both offer easy collaboration. However, look beyond the surface, and you will find that they fulfill different purposes, particularly when you put Stackby in the Google Sheets vs Airtable vs Stackby debate.

1. Structure & Flexibility

Google Sheets is a typical spreadsheet. It functions like Excel, but in the cloud. Excellent with lists, calculations, and fast-tracking data. This is where the difference between Spreadsheets vs databases shows, Google Sheets is a pure spreadsheet, optimized to work with tables and formulas.

Airtable is a spreadsheet-database hybrid. Each row is a record that allows you to add attachments, check boxes, drop-downs, and even table relationships. This makes Airtable more of a lightweight database.

Stackby combines the two worlds and introduces automation. It gives a spreadsheet experience with database capabilities. You can access APIs, automate repetitive tasks, and create views, which is perfect when you need power without sacrificing the simplicity of spreadsheets.

2. Data Types & Views

Google Sheets can handle text, numbers, URLs, and basic images. Airtable supports rich data: files, images, tags, formulas, and others. Data can be presented as Kanban boards, galleries, calendars, or grids.

Stackby takes it a step further. It allows you to add custom columns with API data, automate updates, and nest information. Users are able to create their custom dashboards and views without any code.

3. Automation & Integration

Google Sheets depends on add-ons, macros, and Google Apps Script. Airtable has built-in automation and a broad ecosystem of integrations (Zapier, Slack, and others). Stackby is unique in its use of native API connectors and no-code workflow building, providing you with more automation out of the box.

Google Sheets vs Airtable is spreadsheets vs databases simplified. Google Sheets prevails in traditional spreadsheet tasks. In the case of database-like projects or workflows, Airtable is superior. Want the best of both worlds, with automation thrown in? Stackby belongs in your comparison: Stackby vs Airtable, and Stackby vs Google Sheets, in a single breakthrough.

Database vs Spreadsheet: Which Is Better?

The discussion of spreadsheets vs databases is at the core of the Google Sheets vs Airtable discussion. Both tools deal with data, but their aim and their strengths may differ significantly.

Spreadsheets (such as Google Sheets and Excel) are ideal for:

• Fast data input and arrangement
• Basic calculations and lists
• Day-to-day tracking of business
• Real-time collaboration

Pros:

• Simple to operate and familiar to most users
• Low-cost or free
• Scalable with small data sets

Cons:

• Limited in dealing with large, complex data
• Can't easily join data across multiple tables
• Simple automation only

Top 15 Airtable Alternatives to get rid of your spreadsheets in 2025 (Free + Paid)

Databases (Airtable, Stackby) are designed to:

• Working with large, organized datasets
• Connecting records in different tables (relational data)
• Automatization of the workflows and integration with other apps
• Custom views, forms, and dashboards

Pros:

• Scale as you grow your business
• Strong automation and integration
• Multiple data types supported

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for new users
• Premium features that are usually in the paid plans

When you compare Google Sheets vs Airtable vs Stackby, think about your workflow. On spreadsheets vs databases, choose spreadsheets to be simple. Select a database such as Airtable or Stackby to manage and automate advanced data.

Detailed Feature Comparison: Airtable vs Google Sheets vs Stackby

Let’s compare it in a side-by-side table, so you can see what suits your workflow:

Which Is a Stronger Platform to Build a No-Code Database?

When it comes to creating a no-code database platform, the Google Sheets vs Airtable vs Stackby argument becomes interesting. Let’s take a closer look at how each contender does in the no-code database building world.

Google Sheets is the most common for most users. It is free, adaptable, and easy to collaborate in real-time.

• You can design forms, filter data, and integrate add-ons.
• Perfect if you just need a simple database or need to do some quick number crunching.
• Google Sheets vs Airtable begins to reveal its shortcomings when it comes to no-code apps here. Although it is possible to automate using Google Apps Script or AppSheet, the process soon becomes technical. Linking data between spreadsheets is possible, but it’s not really relational.

Airtable is built to power the no-code database revolution. It blends spreadsheets vs databases brilliantly.

• You are allowed to connect tables, establish relationships, and work with records rather than rows.
• 500+ Templates and automation are in-built and easy to use.
• The Interface Designer enables you to create dashboards, apps, and workflows without any lines of code.

Airtable vs Google Sheets indicates that Airtable is far more powerful when you require actual database capabilities, particularly user permissions, custom views, or automation. However, it still has constraints depending on the plan and advanced features which need learning.

Stackby is the wildcard in the Google Sheets vs Airtable vs Stackby competition. It combines the best of both and puts in more no-code muscle.

• Stackby has a spreadsheet-like interface yet allows you to directly pull data via APIs, automate, and visualize everything in real-time.
• Connecting real-time data from sources like YouTube, Google Analytics, or Slack is a snap with drag-and-drop.
• Stackby or Airtable? Stackby can be easier to customize for integrations and provide database features and automations that are unavailable in traditional spreadsheets.

Concisely, Google Sheets is excellent with pure spreadsheets. Airtable is powerful when it comes to automated databases. However, in case you need easy, flexible, and powerful no-code with the comfort of a spreadsheet, then Stackby is an impressive option, particularly when your requirements grow, and you require more advanced features.

Airtable vs Google Sheet? Which Is Best for You?

Still struggling to choose between Google Sheets vs Airtable? Check out how to make your choice, particularly when comparing Google Sheets vs Airtable vs Stackby to your workflow.

• Google Sheets is ideal when it comes to simple lists, calculations, and fast data sharing. If you use spreadsheets daily and want something quick, free, and comfortable, it is a wonderful solution.
• Google Sheets is easy to learn by Excel users to learn. It excels when it comes to working with smaller data sets and working in real time with team members.
• Airtable comes in when it is time to answer the question of spreadsheets vs databases. Airtable is better when you need to describe complicated data, automate tasks, or create custom workflows.
• The users of Airtable like its templates, views (Kanban, calendar, gallery), and the power of no code.

Conclusion

The decision to use Google Sheets vs Airtable vs Stackby should be made based on your workflow and objectives. Every tool glitters in its own manner.

• Google Sheets is ideal when someone requires traditional spreadsheets at a quick pace. It is convenient, recognizable, and free.
• Airtable shines when you require more structure, automation, and custom workflows. Perfect for new database users.
• Stackby is unique in its combination of spreadsheet ease with the database capabilities and advanced no-code automation.

If you want a platform that allows you to be flexible as you grow, Stackby will be your best bet. It easily fills the spreadsheets vs databases gap. When comparing Stackby vs Airtable or Stackby vs Google Sheets, Stackby provides the tools, automation, and connectivity that modern business requires in order to move faster and smarter.

Select the platform that scales with you. The tools you choose today can take your team to the next level of productivity.