AirtablevsFerraFerra is the Airtable alternative for people who don't want to build the base
Airtable is where you build a database. Ferra is where you get one.
See how Ferra compares to Airtable
| Functionalities | Ferra | Airtable |
|---|---|---|
| Getting started | Part of what this tool is for. Describe it or upload the file. Ferra builds tables and columns. | Possible, with a step you do yourself. Design the base and fields, then enter records. |
| Filling the rows | Part of what this tool is for. Reads your files and forwarded emails, writes the rows. | Possible, with a step you do yourself. Typed in, or imported from a prepared CSV. |
| Adding a column later | Part of what this tool is for. Add the column, describe it. It fills from the same sources. | Possible, with a step you do yourself. Add the field, then backfill existing records. |
| Asking a question | Part of what this tool is for. Ask in plain English, every answer links to its rows. | Possible, with a step you do yourself. Answers come from views, filters and formulas you set up. |
| Dashboards and reports | Part of what this tool is for. Ask for a report and the chart lands on the dashboard, keeping up as rows change. | Part of what this tool is for. Interfaces and dashboard elements are a first-class part of the product. |
| Kanban, calendar and gallery views | A different tool's job. Tables and dashboards, a board layout is Airtable’s job. | Part of what this tool is for. A view for every shape of work: grid, kanban, calendar, gallery, timeline. |
| Automation | Part of what this tool is for. Describe the rule, new row, changed value, missed date, then email or update. | Part of what this tool is for. Triggers and actions are built in and well worn. |
| Apps, extensions and integrations | Possible, with a step you do yourself. Connected apps, files, email and web sources: a shorter list. | Part of what this tool is for. A large marketplace of extensions and integrations, built over years. |
| On a phone in the field | A different tool's job. Ferra is a shared workspace you open on the web. A field app is a different tool's job. | Part of what this tool is for. Mobile apps are part of what it ships, and part of why people pick it. |
| Who sets it up | Part of what this tool is for. The person who has the spreadsheet. There is no build step to hand to anyone. | Possible, with a step you do yourself. Someone has to own the base: its fields, its views, and keeping it tidy. |
Start with rows, not an empty grid
Airtable hands you a blank base. Ferra reads your file and builds the columns around it.
Describe the column, don't fill it in
In Airtable, you fill a new field by hand. In Ferra, describe the column and it fills from the workspace's files and emails.
Your inbox is a data source, not a copy-paste job
Forward supplier emails to Ferra and the rows appear, no copy-paste step.
Ask, don't build a view
Airtable answers come from views, filters, and formulas. Ferra answers in plain English and links to the rows behind it.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they move a table across: about Ferra, about Airtable, and about which of the two fits the work you actually have.
Yes. Airtable starts you on a blank base you design and fill. Ferra fills the table from your files and emails.
No one-click connector: export each Airtable table as CSV, upload it, and Ferra builds the columns.
Yes: it watches a table for new rows, changed values or missed dates, then emails or updates.
Files you upload, emails you forward, connected apps, and public web sources.
Ferra's paid plans start at $9 per seat per month billed annually, Airtable's at $20; Business, $40 against $45.