Microsoft Access (aka MS Access) is a powerful database system that captures, manages, and stores all sorts of data. It can analyze tons of info and create reports, so it’s no surprise that it’s a popular part of the Microsoft Office suite.
But no database tool is perfect. You won’t find one that checks all the boxes for every person and business. If the Microsoft Access database isn’t doing it for you, there are plenty of alternatives.
This guide highlights the top 10 Microsoft Access alternatives and competitors for 2024. It’s time to discover the right database management system for you and your team. 🏆
10 Microsoft Access Alternatives and Competitors 2024
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Should You Look for In Microsoft Access Alternatives?
To find the best Microsoft Access alternatives, consider your needs, evaluate the features, and weigh the pros and cons of better relational database management system options.
When choosing the top 10 alternatives to Microsoft Access, this is what we looked for:
- Ease of use: Your team members deserve a database application that’s low-code, intuitive, and user-friendly
- Affordable: We’ve included free database software options so there’s something for every budget
- Cross-platform: Operating systems compatibility lets everyone work together on your database solution, whether they’re using iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, Linux, or a web browser
- Integrations: Today’s tools should integrate with the other software and apps you use to make your life easier 🛠️
- Functionality: Your data management software should come with functions and features like workflow automation, drag-and-drop, spreadsheet templates, and data visualization tools so you get the best value for your money (or free alternative)
Summarize this article for me please10 Best Microsoft Access Alternatives to Use in 2024
Are you ready to find a Microsoft Access alternative with everything for your business needs? Let’s get to it! 🤩
1. ClickUp
ClickUp is a cloud-based tool and an excellent alternative to MS Access. Like most Microsoft Access competitors, ClickUp excels at tracking and organizing information. It’s a no-code solution with an intuitive user interface, and it can function as a desktop, mobile, or web application for data entry with multi-user access.
ClickUp Table View is the go-to for this kind of work—it’ll create lightning-fast spreadsheets and features powerful visual database creation. Use it to manage budgets, inventories, client information, and more for large and small businesses.
You’ll find helpful budget and inventory templates (along with lots of others) that make data and resource management more straightforward. Plus, ClickUp’s AI-assisted project documentation can take notes, write summaries, and track important info from your meetings so you don’t have to. 😎
ClickUp also lets you import and export Excel and CSV data and provides real-time updates for team members.
ClickUp best features:
- Integration with 1,000+ other tools, including Zoho Flow, GitHub, Amazon Alexa, Harvest, OneDrive, Outlook, Chrome, and Google Assistant
- No-code relational databases with standardized labels and categories displayed in organized tables without coding or scripting knowledge for simple database management with multi-user access and collaboration features for cross-functional teams
- Responsive, intuitive tables make it easy to manage tasks and edit data in bulk
- ClickUp API lets you build custom integrations to database management systems like MySQL, PostgreSQL, LibreOffice Base, KEXI, MariaDB, FileMaker, and more
- Free Forever plan is available for all users and includes most features you’d want for data entry
ClickUp limitations:
- Doesn’t feature SQL to communicate with other database engines without custom integrations
- Some users report a learning curve (solved with tutorials)
ClickUp pricing:
- Free Forever
- Unlimited: $7/month per user paid annually
- Business: $12/month per user paid annually
- Business Plus: $19/month per user paid annually
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
ClickUp ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.7/5 (8,300+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (3,700+ reviews)
2. MongoDB
MongoDB is a general-purpose, open-source database platform that helps developers leverage the power of software and data. It offers the best of traditional databases paired with the scale, performance, and flexibility modern apps require.
MongoDB saves to a JSON format, connects with JDBC drivers, and works with popular coding languages, including Java, Python, C#, Ruby, and more. 👾
MongoDB best features:
- Available as downloadable software or as an online database
- Useful for both frontend and backend development
MongoDB limitations:
- Free option only includes 512MB of storage compared to other MS access alternatives
- Does not support advanced analytics and joins like SQL databases
- Some users report difficulty with the setup with its data entry features
MongoDB pricing:
- Serverless: $0.10+/million reads
- Dedicated: $57+/month
- Shared Cluster: $0+/month
MongoDB ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.5/5 (400+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (400+ reviews)
3. DBeaver
DBeaver is a versatile tool designed to work with all data sources. It features a free version with basic functionality to make comprehensive data management more accessible. The paid version allows you to explore, process, and administrate all cloud, SQL, and NoSQL data sources.
With 100+ powerful features, DBeaver makes work more efficient, and it can adapt to the needs of technical and non-technical users alike. It also features a task manager to automate everyday work so you can focus on the important stuff.
DBeaver best features:
- Simple user interface offers a high level of performance and a zoomed-out look at frequently queried databases
- Free and paid users have access to CloudBeaver, a web-based, cloud-ready database management system
- DBeaver Portable is a relational database management system that you can take with you on the go via mobile devices
- DBeaver Community is a free universal database tool with basic support for relational databases like MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and Teradata
DBeaver limitations:
- Free version (DBeaver Community) lacks access to several features available in the DBeaver Pro versions (e.g., Oracle access)
- Reviews report some issues with frequent updates and slow queries for larger datasets compated to other MS Access alternatives
DBeaver pricing:
- DBeaver Community: Free
- Individual Enterprise: $25/month
- Team: $1,600+/year
DBeaver ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.4/5 (100+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (60+ reviews)
4. OpenOffice Base
OpenOffice Base is a free Microsoft Access alternative you can download for as many team members as you like. It can be used for any purpose without restriction and functions as a fully featured desktop database management system.
OpenOffice Base is also designed to meet users’ needs ranging from individuals tracking personal collections to large corporations. It features native support for multi-user database engines such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Adabas D.
OpenOffice Base best features:
- Installation and support available for on-premise and SaaS users
- User interfaces work on all desktop operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, Apple MacOS, and Linux
- Recover lost data and create worry-free backups to keep your files secure
- Latest version of OpenOffice Base is always free software with no need for invoices, monthly fees, or software audits
- Free alternative to MS Access
OpenOffice Base limitations:
- Some reviews report a learning curve when switching from Microsoft Access
- Dated graphics don’t hold up to today’s Microsoft Access competitors
OpenOffice Base pricing:
- Free
OpenOffice Base ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.1/5 (50+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (400+ reviews)
5. Airtable
Airtable creates apps, powers unique workflows, and makes it easy for teams to share data. It enables teams to model their data, define relationships between datasets, and create custom views tailored to their projects.
Teams can also use Airtable to evolve their software alongside changing goals or markets and increase data transparency for collaborators, stakeholders, and managers. It has a free version you can try before putting your money into a paid plan. 🤸
Airtable best features:
- Build workflows and modernize your business with the low-code application development platform
- Use no-code features for non-technical professionals to optimize workflows using relational databases
- Use native AI components and dynamic AI functionality to get work done faster
- Organize and share critical business information using relational databases that sync in real-time with other systems
Airtable limitations:
- Some reviews mention time-consuming issues when importing projects
- Some users mention a lack of design and customization features
Airtable pricing:
- Free
- Plus: $12/month per user
- Pro: $24/month per user
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
Airtable ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.6/5 (2,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (1,000+ reviews)
6. TeamDesk
TeamDesk is a low-code cloud-based database creation tool that lets users build custom databases to fit specific business needs. Users receive unlimited data storage, records, and support at no extra cost, which is perfect for scaling small businesses.
The TeamDesk system allows you to customize your data and modify your applications as needed. Give it a test drive using the free trial before you commit to paying for a plan.
TeamDesk best features:
- Create custom databases with zero technical knowledge using the no-code platform
- Adapt the database tools you use to fit the processes your business relies on
- Customize the user-friendly interface to meet your team’s needs
- Build powerful relational databases to meet the needs of companies of any size
TeamDesk limitations:
- Some reviews report issues with lag in question/response functions
- Users report a steep learning curve despite the lack of coding languages
TeamDesk pricing:
- Starter: $49/month
- Team: $99/month
- Enterprise: $249/month
TeamDesk ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.7/5 (10+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.8/5 (40+ reviews)
7. SingleStore
SingleStore is a real-time unified distributed SQL database designed for speed and scaling. It combines transactional and analytical workloads to eliminate unnecessary data movement and support demanding workloads.
SingleStore runs on the Big 3 Clouds and is built for tech-savvy developers and architects. Use the free trial to see what you think before spending anything on its services.
SingleStore best features:
- Optimized your database to save time with low-latency query performance
- Use distributed cloud-native data infrastructure to power your business’s modern apps
- Scale your data architecture and overcome bottlenecks with a modern database design
- Consolidate your data on a single database to eliminate sprawl, reduce costs, and minimize complexity
SingleStore limitations:
- Some reviews report issues streaming analytics on high-volume datasets with sub-second API responses
- Lack of incremental backups has caused problems for some users
SingleStore pricing:
- Standard: $0.80+/hour
- Premium: $1.60+/hour
- Dedicated: Contact for pricing
SingleStore ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.5/5 (100+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (30+ reviews)
8. Google Sheets
Google Sheets is an element of Google Workspace for creating online spreadsheets. It allows real-time collaboration from any device, perfect for large or remote teams.
Designed for businesses of all sizes, it has features like built-in templates, conditional formatting, and pivot tables to make database management more manageable. Use the personal version to test it out for free first.
Google Sheets best features:
- Collaborate on data from anywhere using any device with teams of all sizes
- Speed up your workflows with Smart Fill features and formula suggestions to reduce errors and get faster insights
- Seamlessly connect Google Sheets with other Google apps for integration and improved collaboration
- Upload Microsoft Excel sheets into Google Sheets to edit and customize databases on a web-based collaborative platform
Google Sheets limitations:
- Reviews mention issues with a lack of dedicated customer support and slow response times
- Users report difficulty downloading documents as Excel files
Google Sheets pricing:
- Personal: Free
- Basic: $6/month per user paid annually
- Business Standard: $12/month per user paid annually
- Business Plus: $25/month per user paid annually
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
Google Sheets ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.6/5 (40,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (12,000+ reviews)
9. Axisbase
Axisbase is a free database tool and server that can track any information your business needs. It’s comparable to other office database tools like Filemaker and Microsoft Access and database servers like Microsoft SQL Server.
Axisbase is free for all users and does not feature paid plans. In addition, it’s a downloadable platform and doesn’t rely on browser-based functionality. 💎
Axisbase best features:
- Enjoy the straightforward user interface, which is designed to be easy to learn and use
- Build things like menus, criteria entries, and drill-down reports without technical coding knowledge
- Learn the ropes with free tutorials designed to reduce the learning curve
- Save time by avoiding indexes, primary keys, compression, null values, and other complex database concepts
Axisbase limitations:
- Some reviews report that the UI looks a bit dated and could benefit from an update
- Not scalable to server farms and, therefore, not ideal for businesses expecting loads beyond one server
Axisbase pricing:
- Free
Axisbase ratings and reviews:
- G2: 3.9/5 (10+ reviews)
- Capterra: N/A
10. SQLite
SQLite is a free-to-use software library and SQL database engine. It’s designed to be self-contained, serverless, and transactional, requiring zero configuration. It also serves as an application file format and features multiple tables, triggers, indices, and views in a single disk file.
This embedded SQL database engine functions as a C-language library and works on almost any device. It offers cross-platform stability and serverless functionality that’s ideal for many businesses.
SQLite best features:
- Freely copy databases between 32-bit and 64-bit systems
- Easily package small relational databases alongside applications on all devices
- Get started with zero configuration, setup, and administration to save your business time and money
- Choose from multiple tiers of SQLite Pro Support when your team requires assistance and maintenance
SQLite limitations:
- Reviews report that it isn’t ideal for large-scale applications due to a lack of network access
- Does not allow remote work and is not suitable for many global teams
SQLite pricing:
- Free
SQLite ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.2/5 (200+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (100+ reviews)
Summarize this article for me pleaseStay Ahead of the Game With Microsoft Access Alternatives
You’ll find what you need among these 10 Microsoft Access alternatives, whether you’re a beginner with zero technical knowledge or leading a seasoned team of tech-savvy pros. Find an option that works for you, upgrade your workflow, and elevate your database game to new heights! 🎢
Ready to start testing out your options? Start with the top pick and try ClickUp for free.
Questions? Comments? Visit our Help Center for support.