The 12 Best FileMaker Alternatives To Consider in 2025

FileMaker has been an industry staple for decades. It helps teams organize large data volumes and build internal tools without requiring deep technical expertise.

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While it remains a trusted solution, many businesses are now looking for more customizable, easier-to-use alternatives that integrate natively with more tools. 

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If you're considering a switch, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your options and find the best solution for your needs.

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In this article, we’ll cover: 

• The top reasons businesses seek FileMaker alternatives
• The 12 best FileMaker alternatives for 2025, including free and paid options
• How to choose the best alternative

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Before diving into the alternatives, let’s take a closer look at what FileMaker is and why some users are seeking other options.

What is FileMaker?

FileMaker originated as a DOS application before being developed into a Mac-based database application in 1985. In 1988, Apple subsidiary Claris acquired it, rebranded it as FileMaker Pro, and expanded support to Windows and web-based applications.

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Over the years, FileMaker became a go-to low-code platform for building internal tools and managing databases. It provides a full suite of tools for app development, database management, hosting, and integration.

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These tools include:

• FileMaker Pro used for building, editing, and managing custom apps.
• FileMaker Server used by orgs to host FileMaker apps on their own servers.
• FileMaker Cloud for cloud-based hosting.
• FileMaker Go which is a mobile version of FileMaker that runs custom apps on mobile.
• FileMaker WebDirect for browser-based access.

 Businesses commonly use these tools for:

• Business process automation: Streamlining workflows, managing data, and reducing manual tasks.
• Internal database management: Organizing and storing business data for teams and departments.
• App development: Building custom applications for desktop, web, and mobile use.
• Reporting and analytics: Generating insights from structured business data.
• Integrations and automation: Connecting databases with other tools to automate tasks.

Why users seek a FileMaker alternative

Despite the above capabilities, FileMaker still struggles to match the flexibility, ease of use, and integration support of modern alternatives. As a result, many users seek other solutions.

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Here are the most common reasons why:

High pricing for teams

FileMaker’s pricing model can be expensive for individuals or small businesses with a team of less than five. The FileMaker Cloud Essentials plan is billed at $22 per user per month billed annually. While seemingly affordable at a per-user cost, the 3 apps limit and 2GB of data storage per user/per year limit what users can build. 

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If affordability is a concern, cloud-based database tools like Airtable and Zoho Creator offer more flexible pricing models with free tiers and scalable plans. And if your requirements extend to building complex internal tools and workflows, Superblocks offers an enterprise-grade development environment with a more generous pricing structure.

Limited UI features

FileMaker allows for some customization in terms of layouts and forms, but it's still quite rigid compared to modern app-building platforms. While you can modify layouts, FileMaker doesn’t allow deep customization of UI elements without additional scripting or third-party add-ons.

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Platforms like Superblocks and Retool provide a more flexible drag-and-drop interface with a rich library of customizable components.

Steep learning curve for non-technical users

FileMaker requires a certain level of technical expertise to build and maintain applications. Non-technical users often struggle with its scripting language, database management, and layout design.

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No-code platforms like Airtable and AppSheet make it easier for non-technical users to create applications without needing advanced database knowledge. 

Limited native integrations with modern tools

FileMaker's direct, native integrations are not as extensive as most newer platforms.

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Alternatives like Superblocks and Retool provide extensive native integrations with popular business tools, APIs, and databases.

Restricted mobile and web app development

While FileMaker allows for mobile and web access, its capabilities in these areas are limited. It does not provide tools to test web performance and lacks native Android support. Quickbase offers stronger support for mobile and web apps. 

How we chose the best FileMaker alternatives

We didn’t just throw together a list of random tools. We evaluated FileMaker competitors based on several key factors:

• Ease of use: We prioritized alternatives that offer intuitive, drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-built templates, and low-code capabilities to make database and app development accessible to all users.
• Cloud-based and scalable: We selected platforms that support cloud hosting, multi-user collaboration, and real-time updates to accommodate growing teams and businesses.
• Affordability and pricing transparency: We focused on platforms that offer flexible pricing, transparent cost structures, and free tiers.
• Integration capabilities: We chose alternatives that provide native integrations, API access, and automation features to easily connect with CRMs, accounting software, and productivity apps.

Other factors we considered:

• Mobile-friendliness: Support for web and mobile app development, including responsive UIs.
• Security and compliance: Built-in encryption, role-based access control, and industry-standard compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.).
• Customization flexibility: The ability to modify workflows, database structures, and app functionality visually or with code.

The 12 best FileMaker alternatives for 2025: TL;DR

Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick rundown of the top alternatives to FileMaker:

1. Superblocks: A fully extensible, AI-powered enterprise app platform that blends low-code simplicity with full-code flexibility. Developers can generate apps with AI, edit visually, and extend with React, Python, and SQL without vendor lock-in or deployment restrictions.
2. Airtable: A spreadsheet-first no-code platform that doubles as a lightweight database. Comes with automations, formulas, and collaboration tools.
3. Zoho Creator: A business-focused low-code platform with pre-built industry-specific apps and workflow automation tools.
4. Caspio: A point-and-click app builder for creating multi-user data-driven apps. It offers unlimited user pricing for both internal and external users.
5. Knack: A no-code platform that simplifies the creation of database-driven web apps with a drag-and-drop interface.
6. Retool: A low-code platform for building internal tools with a wide selection of UI templates and integrations.
7. Power Apps: A Microsoft-native low-code suite that integrates deeply with Azure, Office 365, and Dynamics 365.
8. AppSheet: A no-code mobile and web app builder that turns Google Sheets and databases into functional web and mobile apps.
9. Ninox: A low-code relational database platform that allows users to create highly customized workflows and data manipulations using its built-in formula language. It runs on multiple platforms including web, iOS, and macOS.
10. Budibase: An open-source low-code platform that gives teams full control over hosting.
11. Quickbase: A low-code enterprise workflow automation platform specializing in process optimization, reporting, and compliance tracking
12. TrackVia: A workflow automation and database management tool tailored for field operations, logistics, and compliance teams. It puts an emphasis on mobile accessibility and process automation

Let’s now go into detail:

1. Superblocks

Superblocks is a developer-friendly internal tooling platform designed for teams that need full flexibility and control over their applications and workflows. It combines AI-powered development, visual builders, and full-code extensibility, making it a highly adaptable alternative for engineering and semi-skilled teams.

Advantages over FileMaker

• Multiple ways to build: Offers a drag-and-drop UI builder, pre-built templates, a visual workflow editor, AI-assisted code generation, and fully extensible components so developers can build how they prefer. 
• Supports more languages: Offers Python and Node.js for backend automation and React for frontend customization.
• Developer-centric features: Supports Git-based version control, automated testing, and CI/CD integrations, making it easy to build, test, and deploy applications like traditional software.
• Centralized governance: Supports RBAC, logging, and monitoring across all the apps, workflows, and jobs built within the platform.
• Deeper data and API connectivity: Connects directly to SQL databases, REST APIs, GraphQL, Kafka, and other external systems.

Ideal users

• Enterprise teams that need a high degree of code customization over their internal apps but within a low-code framework.

• Organizations that want to centralize their tooling under one governable platform.

Pricing

Superblocks offers a free plan for teams of up to 5 users. It’s quite generous as it supports unlimited apps, workflows, and scheduled jobs.

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For teams that need more functionality and security controls, paid plans start at $15 per end user per month or $49 per creator per month. 

The bottom line

If you need a flexible, code-extensible platform with the speed of low-code and the power of AI, Superblocks is the smartest, most developer-friendly alternative to FileMaker.

2. Airtable

Airtable is a cloud-based database platform that blends the simplicity of spreadsheets with the power of relational databases.

Advantages over FileMaker

• More intuitive and user-friendly: Airtable’s spreadsheet-like interface is much easier to navigate than FileMaker’s traditional database builder.
• Better collaboration tools: Supports multi-user editing, commenting, and permissions management, making it ideal for teams.
• Built-in automation and integrations: Airtable natively connects with Slack, Google Drive, Zapier, and over 1,000 other apps.

Ideal users

• Small to medium-sized businesses looking for an easy-to-use database without technical expertise.
• Marketing, project management, and operations teams that need a collaborative, spreadsheet-style database.

Pricing

Airtable has a free version that includes basic collaboration tools and up to 1,000 records per base. Paid plans range between $20 to $45 per user per month and offer more storage, automation, and advanced integrations.

The bottom line

Airtable is the best FileMaker alternative for teams that need a cloud-based database with better collaboration features and deeper integrations.

3. Zoho Creator

Zoho Creator is a low-code app development platform that enables businesses to build custom applications, automate workflows, and manage databases without requiring deep technical expertise. It easily integrates with Zoho’s ecosystem, including Zoho CRM, Zoho Books, and other Zoho apps, making it a natural choice for teams already using Zoho products.

Advantages over FileMaker

• More affordable: Zoho Creator offer a low-cost entry point.
• Easier to use: A no-code visual builder makes it easier to create apps and workflows without technical expertise.
• Better automation tools: Built-in workflow automation, scripting, and AI-powered insights for business processes.

Ideal users

• Small businesses that need an affordable, cloud-based app builder.
• Companies already using Zoho apps that want easier integration across their tools.

Pricing

Zoho Creator pricing starts at $8/user/month and goes up to $25/user/month for the enterprise plan depending on the data sources, number of apps, and other features.

The bottom line

If you need to build apps that integrate with other Zoho apps you’re using, Zoho creator is a natural alternative.

4. Caspio

Caspio is a low-code cloud database platform that allows businesses to build applications, manage data, and automate workflows — all without needing to maintain complex infrastructure. 

Unlike FileMaker, which has limited cloud support and requires additional setup for online accessibility, Caspio is a fully cloud-native platform with built-in security, scalability, and compliance features.

Advantages over FileMaker

• Stronger compliance and security: HIPAA, GDPR, and SOC 2 compliance make it ideal for regulated industries.
• Embedded applications: Allows users to embed database-driven applications into websites and customer portals without requiring complex deployments.
• Better reporting and analytics: Built-in dashboards and custom reporting tools provide deeper insights.

Ideal users

• Businesses managing large datasets. Caspio offers higher data storage limits.
• Non-technical teams that want a no-code platform for database management and automation.

Pricing

Caspio has a unique pricing structure that allows unlimited users across all tiers. However, it does not offer a free plan. Pricing starts at $100 per month for the Lite plan and goes up to $600 per month for the Business plan, with costs varying based on log retention limits, data record capacity, and file storage size.

The bottom line

If your business needs a scalable, cloud-based platform with enterprise security and unlimited users without the hefty price tag, Caspio is a strong alternative to FileMaker.

5. Knack

Knack is a no-code database platform that helps businesses build custom applications without technical expertise.

Advantages over FileMaker

• Easier to use: Provides a drag-and-drop interface, pre-built templates, and cloud hosting, making it one of the most user-friendly alternatives.
• Better collaboration: Built for multi-user collaboration, with role-based access control (RBAC) for managing permissions.
• Strong API and integration support: Connects with popular apps like Zapier, QuickBooks, and Google Drive.

Ideal users

• Teams that need an easy way to manage data, projects, people, and docs without code.
• Businesses looking for a flexible cloud-based database with automation features.

Pricing

Knack offers a 14-day free trial for businesses to test its features. Paid plans start at $59 per month for unlimited users. For more storage, longer retention periods for logs, and SSO, you have to upgrade.

The bottom line

For teams needing a no-code alternative to FileMaker with relational database functionality, automation, and unlimited user pricing, Knack offers a simple, cloud-based solution.

6. Retool

Retool is a low-code development platform designed to help teams quickly build internal tools by integrating with databases, APIs, and third-party services. It prioritizes a visual-first approach but offers some code flexibility though not as extensive as developer-first platforms.

Advantages over FileMaker

• Strong visual development: Provides a drag-and-drop UI builder, UI components, and a wide selection of UI templates.
• More out-of-the-box integrations: Offers native connectors for databases as well as third-party apps.
• Self-hosting available: Supports on-premise deployment though it lacks hybrid deployment options for cloud/on-prem flexibility.

Ideal users

• Teams that want to empower non-technical users to build internal tools without writing much code.
• Businesses looking for an internal tool builder with lots of database and API integrations.

Pricing

Retool offers a free plan for small teams, while paid plans range from $5 to $50 per user per month. Enterprise plans include self-hosting, SSO, and audit logging with custom pricing.

The bottom line

Retool is the best FileMaker alternative for businesses that prioritize visual development and don't mind not having code-level control over their apps.

7. Microsoft Power Apps

Microsoft Power Apps is a low-code development platform that allows businesses to build custom applications, automate workflows, and connect with Microsoft services like Azure, SharePoint, and Dynamics 365.

Advantages over FileMaker

• Seamless Microsoft integration: Natively connects with Excel, SharePoint, Teams, and Azure, unlike FileMaker, which requires third-party connectors.
• Better cloud scalability: Runs on Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure, providing better security and scalability than FileMaker’s cloud hosting options.
• AI and automation capabilities: Includes AI Builder and Power Automate for enhanced workflow automation.

Ideal users

• Enterprises using Microsoft 365, Azure, or Dynamics 365 looking for a seamless, integrated development platform.
• IT and operations teams that need low-code automation with enterprise security features.

Pricing

Power Apps offers a free developer plan for building and testing applications. For unlimited app development, paid plans start at $20 per user per month, with a discounted rate of $12 per user per month for organizations with a minimum of 2,000 seats.

The bottom line

Power Apps is the best FileMaker alternative for enterprises already invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem. 

8. AppSheet

AppSheet is a no-code app development platform owned by Google. It allows users to build mobile and web applications directly from their databases and spreadsheets.

Advantages over FileMaker

• Stronger mobile and web app capabilities: Unlike FileMaker, which has limited mobile customization, AppSheet is built for mobile-first development.
• No coding required: Uses Google Sheets, Excel, SQL, and other databases as a foundation to create apps without technical expertise.
• AI-powered automation: Includes machine learning and workflow automation to enhance app functionality.

Ideal users

• Non-technical business users looking for an easy-to-use app builder with workflow automation.
• Businesses using Google Workspace that want easy seamless integration with Google Cloud services.

Pricing

AppSheet has a free plan for personal use and basic app development.

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Paid plans start at $5 per user per month, with higher tiers providing advanced automation and enhanced security controls. Businesses needing integration beyond spreadsheets and cloud storage, along with enterprise-grade security, can request custom pricing.

The bottom line

If mobile accessibility and Google Cloud integration are top priorities, AppSheet is a better choice than FileMaker.

9. Ninox

Ninox is a low-code relational database platform designed for teams and businesses that need custom database-driven apps.

Advantages over FileMaker

• Formula-driven logic & custom workflows: Supports complex calculations and automation through its built-in formula language.
• Cross-platform accessibility: Allows access from various devices and operating systems, including web browsers, iOS, and Android.
• Better offline functionality: Allows users to edit and sync databases without an internet connection.
• Team collaboration features: Includes multi-user access, real-time syncing, and role-based permissions.

Ideal users

• Teams needing an offline-accessible database with collaboration features.
• Small businesses and freelancers looking for a more affordable alternative to FileMaker.

Pricing

Ninox offers a 30-day free trial. After that, you’re billed at $12 and $24 per user per month for the Starter and Professional plan, respectively. The starter plan offers the basic features you need to build business apps while the professional plan includes email support and access control. Enterprise pricing is available for larger teams.

The bottom line

Ninox is the best FileMaker alternative for users who need a lightweight, flexible database with offline capabilities. 

10. Budibase

Budibase is an open-source, low-code platform that allows businesses to build custom internal tools and databases.

Advantages over FileMaker

• Open-source & self-hostable: Allows teams to deploy on their own infrastructure for greater control over data and security.
• Built-in automation: Supports custom workflows, triggers, and database actions without complex scripting.

• Multi-database support: Works with PostgreSQL, MySQL, Airtable, and more, unlike FileMaker’s proprietary database format.
• Stronger developer flexibility: Developers can modify the source code and extend functionality as needed.

Ideal users

• Tech-savvy teams that want an open-source alternative to FileMaker.
• Businesses needing complete control over data storage, security, and application customization.

Pricing

Budibase offers a free open-source plan with unlimited apps, data sources, and automations, but it comes with user limits. To unlock unlimited users, you'll need to upgrade to the premium $50 per app creator/month + $5 per app user/month tier or the custom enterprise tier.

The bottom line

Budibase is the best open-source alternative for businesses that need to build internal tools based on a wide range of integrations.

11. Quickbase

Quickbase is a low-code platform for workflow automation and process management. It helps businesses streamline operations, track data and automate workflows.

Advantages over FileMaker

• Stronger workflow automation: Automates business processes, approvals, and reporting more effectively than FileMaker.
• Faster deployment: Pre-built templates and automation tools allow teams to build apps without coding delays.
• Advanced permissions and governance: Supports role-based access, audit logs, and compliance features for security-conscious businesses.

Ideal users

• Mid-to-large businesses needing automated workflows that scale.
• Operations teams that require real-time tracking and process management.

Pricing

Quickbase offers a 30-day free trial for new users.

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Paid plans start at $35 per user per month for a minimum of 20 users. It comes with advanced automation, security controls, and audit logs. Enterprise pricing is available for larger teams with custom governance and compliance needs.

The bottom line

Quickbase is the best FileMaker alternative for businesses that need powerful workflow automation and process management. 

12. TrackVia

TrackVia is a low-code workflow automation and database management platform designed for operations teams that need real-time tracking, mobile accessibility, and process automation. It helps businesses digitize workflows, collect field data, and manage compliance processes without complex coding.

Advantages over FileMaker

• Stronger real-time data tracking: Enables teams to track operations in real-time, with custom dashboards and automated notifications.
• Better workflow automation: Supports custom workflows, approvals, and notifications without complex scripting.
• Offline mobile access: Allows users to capture and sync data without an internet connection.

Ideal users

• Operations, manufacturing, and logistics teams that need real-time data tracking and process automation.
• Field teams and mobile users who require offline access and instant data synchronization.

Pricing

TrackVia offers a free trial and a free demo for new users. After that, you can contact sales for pricing.

The bottom line

TrackVia is the best FileMaker alternative for businesses needing real-time data tracking and workflow automation. 

Final verdict: Choosing the best FileMaker alternative

The best FileMaker alternative depends on your specific needs, whether it's ease of use, affordability, scalability, or developer control. 

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Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

• If you are looking to build integrations and automation, both Superblocks and Retool are solid options. However, if you’re a developer who values full-code extensibility, Superblocks offers more flexibility.  Besides visual builders, it supports more languages for deeper customization and AI-powered code generation, with no lock-in.

• If you need a simple cloud-based database, Airtable is the best choice with its spreadsheet-style interface and strong collaboration features.

• If you want an affordable, flexible app builder, Zoho Creator offers low-cost plans and an intuitive drag-and-drop interface for small businesses.

• If your business relies on Microsoft products, Power Apps is the most seamless FileMaker alternative, integrating directly with Azure, SharePoint, and Dynamics 365.

• If you need a scalable, enterprise-grade platform with workflow automation, Quickbase and TrackVia excel at process automation, real-time tracking, and compliance.

The best FileMaker alternative for developers

FileMaker is great at what it was built for — helping non-technical teams move beyond spreadsheets and create structured databases with basic automation. But if you're a developer looking for more flexibility, deeper integrations, and full control over your applications, it can quickly feel too restrictive.

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Superblocks offers a much more developer-friendly alternative. While we don’t provide a built-in database like FileMaker, our platform is designed to help you build secure, scalable, and easy-to-maintain apps on top of any existing data source. 

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With Superblocks, you can:

• Integrate any system with an API: Query and edit any database, cloud storage, or API with our 60+ native connectors.
• Visually build workflows: Build automations visually or with JavaScript/Python scripting for advanced workflows.
• Visually build frontends: Use pre-built UI components or bring your own React components for a fully customizable experience.
• Integrate AI into your dev workflow: Generate code in various languages (SQL, Python, JavaScript), API calls, and mock data from natural language prompts.
• Use your existing dev workflows: Deploy apps efficiently with Git-based version control and CI/CD integration.
• Control access to all your apps, workflows, and data sources: Easily manage permissions with built-in RBAC from one place. Control who can build, access, and deploy jobs, workflows, and apps.
• Secure your app with robust security features: Implement authentication, track audit logs, and troubleshoot apps with built-in monitoring and debugging tools. Deploy the OPA agent to keep sensitive data on-premises.

For teams that find FileMaker too limiting but still need a flexible, low-code platform, Superblocks provides a modern alternative with stronger integrations and developer tooling. 

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Check out our 5-minute Quickstart guide or try it out for free to see Superblocks in action.