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What is Softr ?
Softr is a platform that allows users to easily create websites from data based in Airtable. The tool can be used to build many kinds of websites: client portals, internal tools, marketplaces, online communities, directories and so on. It features templates and pre-built blocks. It has a free plan available.
Our take
Softr provides a visual drag-and-drop interface for designing and building custom forms, pages, and dashboards, making it accessible to non-technical users who want to create custom web apps for specific tasks or workflows.
One of the key strengths of Softr is its integration with Google Sheets or Airtable, which are both well-established and widely used data storage and management tools. This makes it easier for users to get started with Softr, as they can use data that they already have stored in these platforms.
Additionally, Softr’s use of a Google Sheets or Airtable integration as the database means that users do not need to worry about setting up and maintaining a separate database, making it a more cost-effective solution for many users.
Another advantage of Softr is its visual drag-and-drop interface, which makes it simple and intuitive to design and build custom apps. This interface eliminates the need of any coding skills, making it accessible to non-technical users who may not have the abilities or resources to do that from scratch. This can save time and reduce the costs associated with custom app development.
Additionally, because Softr relies on Google Sheets or Airtable as the database, it may not be suitable for apps that require more advanced data management and storage capabilities. For example, the security of your data hosted on one of these platforms may be good enough for a small business, but the personal user data of a big enterprise ought to be more protected.
As a whole, Softr is a site builder that provides an accessible and cost-effective solution for non-technical users who want to create custom web apps using Google Sheets or Airtable as the database. Great customer service and plentiful documentation make it a winner.
Pros and Cons of Softr
- Pros
- Cons
Integration with Google Sheets or Airtable Data
Softr integrates with two well-established and widely used data storage and management tools, which makes it easy for users to get started and to use data that they already have stored in these platforms.
Visual Drag-and-Drop Interface
Softr provides a visual drag-and-drop interface and all the features that make it simple and intuitive for users to design and build custom apps. This eliminates the need for users to write any code, making it accessible to non-technical users who may not have the skills or resources to develop software such as a client portal from scratch.
Cost-Effective Solution
Because Softr uses Google Sheets or Airtable as the database, users do not need to worry about setting up and maintaining a separate database, making it a more cost-effective solution for many users. Additionally, the visual drag-and-drop interface reduces the time and costs associated with custom app development.
Accessible to Non-Technical Users
The visual drag-and-drop interface makes it accessible to non-technical users without coding skills who want to create custom apps for specific tasks or workflows. This can save time and reduce the costs associated with custom app development. That also makes Softr an ideal solution for individuals or small enterprises who need a straightforward way to create custom apps (internal tools, for example) with a shallow learning curve.
Limited Complexity
Softr is a Low Code platform, which may not be suitable for complex apps that require advanced features and functionalities such as a banking app. This can limit the scope of projects that users can build with Softr and may require them to seek additional support from developers if they need to create more sophisticated apps.
Limited Code Customization
Softr may not provide users with enough flexibility to fully customize their apps to meet their specific needs. For example, users modify the underlying code of their apps, which can limit the ways in which they can use Softr. However, this is a problem shared by almost all No Code/Low Code platforms, so it is not a very big deal. You can all custom code blocks of your own if you want to.
Reliance on Google Sheets or Airtable
Softr relies on Google Sheets or Airtable as the database, which may not be suitable for apps that require more advanced data management and storage capabilities. For example, users may not be able to perform complex data analysis, or access their data in real-time, which could limit the effectiveness of their apps.
Performance Limitations
Because Softr uses Google Sheets or Airtable as the database, it may be subject to the performance limitations of these platforms. This could affect the speed and responsiveness of apps built with Softr, especially if they need to handle large amounts of data.
Potential for Data Security Concerns
Google Sheets and Airtable are cloud-based platforms that store data in the cloud, which could raise concerns about data security and privacy for some users. Additionally, Softr’s integration with these platforms means that users may need to share their data with Softr, which could expose their data to security risks.
Plans and Pricing of Softr
The free plan Softr offers is excellent for personal and business users alike. The number of applications available is unlimited, together with 5 user accounts to work on your app, user groups and live chat support. With it, you even get one free custom domain!
If you are a tech-savvy individual who wants to build an application for their own personal use or a small business that wants to spice up their website or internal tool, we suggest playing around with the free version and upgrading to the Starter Plan for $24/mo to get rid of the Softr branding.
If you are a bigger business with more than 10,000 records in your database, professional developers at your disposal and a need for more than one app published on a custom domain, you should go with the Business Plan for $165/mo.
Softr Website Builder Integrations
Softr offers a comparatively big amount of integrations when compared to more simple website builders, since the Softr team built the tool with more complex creations in mind.
Even the free trial version of Softr provides helpful integrations such as Stripe, PayPal and Buy Me a Coffee for payments, Zapier and Make for creating complex automation actions, email marketing with MailChimp or MailerLite, tracking website users with Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager and more.
Tools to Integrate With Softr
Make
Make is an automation platform that allows you to automate repetitive actions and save time. Integrating the website builder with Make allows you to create custom workflows that connect different apps and services together to perform automatic actions. This can save time and increase efficiency.
It can also be used to synchronize data between the site builder and other apps and services, such as a CRM or a database. This ensures that data is always up-to-date and accurate.
Omnisend
Omnisend is an email marketing tool that allows you to create and send targeted email campaigns to users. Use Softr with Omnisend to easily add email opt-in forms to your website and start building an email list, as well as send targeted campaigns to users based on their behavior on your website.
FlowXO
FlowXO is a tool that allows you to create custom chatbots, which can be useful for providing automated customer support and answering frequently asked questions. Use Softr with FlowXO to easily add a chatbot to your website, providing a more efficient way for users to get the information they need and reducing the workload on customer support staff.
Overall, integrating these tools with Softr can bring many benefits such as collecting data, providing email campaigns, chatbot support, and providing an easy way to add custom forms, surveys, email opt-in forms, and chatbots to your website without needing to code or use separate tools.
Ease of Use
The Softr platform is a user-friendly web app builder that leverages the power of Google Sheets or Airtable as a database. This solution makes it easy for users to create web applications without having to write any code.
The drag and drop interface allows for quick and intuitive customization of web pages, making it a great option for individuals or businesses looking to build a web presence.
The use of Google Sheets or Airtable as a database also simplifies the process of creating a web application. These platforms are widely used and familiar to many, so there's no need to learn a new database management system.
Additionally, the integration of these platforms into Softr means that data can be easily imported and updated, reducing the time and effort required to build and maintain a web application.
Softr's customer support team is highly rated by users, who praise their helpfulness and responsiveness. Furthermore, the platform has a helpful community of other users who can provide advice and assistance when needed. In addition to this, Softr provides detailed documentation on how to use the platform effectively.
Softr's user-friendly interface, combined with the convenience of using Google Sheets or Airtable as a database, makes it an accessible option for those who are new to web development. With Softr, anyone can build a professional-looking web application without having to spend a lot of time or money on development.
Softr alternatives
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| Best for award | Best for a tight budget | Best WordPress plugin | Best design flexibility | Easiest web app builder | Best for launching a web quickly |
Best for total beginners |
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| Ease of Use | 4.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Cost-Effectiveness | 5 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 |
| SEO | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 | 3 | 3.5 |
| Support and Community |
4 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| Design Flexibility | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3.5 | 3 | 4 |
| Speed | 4.5 | 3 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 3.5 |
| Visit Zyro | Visit Elementor | Visit Webflow | Visit Softr | Visit Umso | Visit Wix |
Is Softr the Right Website Builder for Me?
- Recommended If
- Not Recommended If
You Are a Small Business
Small enterprises that need a simple and cost-effective solution to automate specific tasks or workflows, such as invoicing, customer management, or project management, can benefit from using Softr. Its visual drag-and-drop interface and integration with Google Sheets or Airtable make it a great tool that requires no prior technical knowledge.
You Are a Non-Technical User
Non-technical users who need to create custom apps for specific tasks or workflows can benefit from using Softr. The platform’s visual drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for users to design and build custom apps, eliminating the need for them to write any code.
You Have a Team with Limited Technical Resources
Teams that have limited technical resources but need to automate specific tasks or workflows can benefit from using Softr. The platform’s visual drag-and-drop interface and integration with Google Sheets or Airtable allow users to create custom apps without any coding, making it an accessible solution for teams without developers.
You Have Little Data Management Requirements
Teams do not put big importance on their data management requirements and need a simple and straightforward solution to store and manage data can benefit from using Softr. The platform’s integration with Google Sheets or Airtable provides teams with a cloud-based solution for data management and storage, eliminating the need for them to set up and maintain a separate database.
You Need to Build Very Complex Web Apps
Softr is a Low Code platform and may not be suitable for complex apps that require advanced features and functionalities. If a user needs to build a web app with more sophisticated functionality, they may need to seek additional support from developers.
You Are Building Web Apps with High Performance Requirements
Softr’s integration with Google Sheets or Airtable as the database may result in performance limitations, especially if the web app needs to handle large amounts of data. If a user needs to build an app that requires high performance under a lot of traffic, they may need to consider alternative solutions.
Apps with Strict Data Security Requirements
Softr’s integration with Google Sheets or Airtable data means that users may need to share their data with Softr, which could raise concerns about data security and privacy for some users. If a user needs to build an app that requires strict data security, they may need to consider other tools.
You Are Building a Simple Website
Softr is too complicated to use if you only want to build a simple site for your business, a landing page or an e-commerce store. Other No Code tools with almost zero learning curve are available, such as Zyro (Hostinger Website Builder) or Umso.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Softr is a powerful yet user-friendly web app builder that makes it easy to create professional-looking web applications. The ability to use Google Sheets or Airtable as a database simplifies the process and eliminates the need to set up a separate database management system.
With a simple drag and drop interface, users can quickly and easily customize their web applications without any coding.
Overall, Softr is a great solution for individuals or businesses looking to build a web presence without having to invest a lot of time or money into development. Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer, or a student, Softr provides an accessible and convenient way to create a web application.
With its ease of use and affordability, Softr is definitely worth considering for anyone looking to build a web application.
Who Are We?
Each review is co-written by the founders of software development agencies with years of
experience in the field. With a focus on ease of use, cost-effectiveness and available
features, our reviews provide you an insight on what tool suits you best in each particular
situation.
This review was co-authored by:
Rokas JurkėnasFounder, Idea Link No Code Agency
Linas KiguolisFounder, Bright Projects Dev Agency