Businesses of all shapes and sizes have one thing in common: The need for a customizable and scalable database that can be adapted, adjusted, or wholly revamped without any headaches.
To achieve these needs, many businesses leverage no-code relational database builders. They do this because these tools don’t require any coding knowledge or technical skills, making it an accessible tool most people on their team can work with.
But dozens of database builders are out there, and let’s just say that some are better than others. Luckily, we’ve rounded up our favorite relational database builders. In this article, we’ll break down the 6 best no-code relational database builders.
The 6 Best No-Code Relational Database Builders
- Adalo, the best no-code relational database builder for creating an app
- Google Sheets, the most well-known no-code relational database builder
- Ragic, a no-code relational database builder for almost every industry
- Airtable, the easiest no-code relational database builder
- Xano, a no-code relational database builder for techies
- Notion, an all-in-one no-code relational database builder
What Is A No-Code Relational Database Builder?
A no-code relational database builder lets you create a relational database, which is just a database that’s made up of several tables (i.e., smaller databases), without the use of coding or technical skills.
Instead of writing in line after line of code, you’ll have an intuitive drag-and-drop interface to create your database. You’ll use your cursor to drag features and functionalities over to make your database.
High-performing no-code relational database builders have the following in common:
- No coding necessary: You won’t need to know any programming languages or be familiar with the logic behind coding to use a no-code relational database builder. Create your database by dragging, dropping, and fine-tuning certain features using an on-screen editing box and keyboard.
- Ecosystem: When you sign up for a no-code relational database builder, you’ll get access to a community forum to get answers to specific questions. You'll also find loads of help documents, tutorials, and other educational materials to learn all the granular details of the relational database builder you choose.
- Scalability: No-code relational database builders let you craft a database that you can grow to meet your demands. You won’t have to worry about your database maxing out. Expand and scale your database as you please.
- Connects to a frontend: Of course, you’ll want to visualize all your data in graphs, charts, tables, or other visuals. Each no-code relational database builder on our list connects to a frontend, the part of an application your users will see and interact with.
#1 The Best No-Code Relational Database Builder for App Creation
Adalo
What is it?
Adalo is a no-code native mobile app and database builder that lets you create an app and database simultaneously.
Why do I like it?
If you’re looking for an all-in-one relational database and app builder, look no further than Adalo. It’s one of the most straightforward no-code tools — the drag-and-drop interface can be used right out of the box.
But Adalo doesn’t lack power because it beefs up simplicity: It comes with nearly 100 third-party add-ons and functionalities, such as a PDF converter, geolocation tool, push notifications, and more.
You’ll be able to plug your database right into your app, command how you gather your data, and customize your data visualization with just a few clicks.
Who is it best for?
Out of all the no-code tools in existence, I’ve recommended Adalo the most. That’s because it covers all the bases for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small and medium businesses by offering power, simplicity, and a competitive price.
Pricing
Start using Adalo for only $36/month.
Features
- After you build your app and database, you can publish it to the web, the Apple App Store, and the Google Play Store, allowing for seamless user downloads and maximum visibility.
- Need to siphon particular data from third-party accounts, like Sage, QuickBooks, or BrightManager? You can with Adalo — it comes integrated with over 5,500 third-party platforms.
- Adalo’s free version is second to none: It allows you to publish your app to the web to get live traffic and receive payments with Adalo’s Stripe integration.
#2 The Most Well-Known No-Code Relational Database Builder
Google Sheets
What is it?
Google Sheets is a versatile and popular web-based spreadsheet maker that doubles as a no-code relational database builder.
Why do I like it?
Google Sheets is super flexible and available to everyone for free. It’s a crucial part of the Google ecosystem, allowing integration with Google Drive, sheets, and other services. It also supports real-time collaboration, boosting team projects.
Ultimately, Google Sheets is a robust relational database that lets you link sheets and employ functions to manipulate and display data.
Who is it best for?
Because Google Sheets has a popular free version, it’s best for small businesses and startups.
However, you can also purchase extra data to scale your Google Sheets Relational Database as you grow from a small to medium business and beyond.
Pricing
Everyone with a Google Account can access Sheets for free. However, you can get more features from Sheets with a paid version of Google Workspace: For $6/month per user, you’ll get 30GB of storage and a free trial for Gemini, Google’s AI platform.
Features
- Google Sheets integrates with many frontend app-building platforms, such as Adalo, Bubble, Glide, and more, so you can visualize your data easily.
- When you get the paid version of Google Sheets, you can access AppSheet, Google’s frontend builder, as a bonus.
#3 A No-Code Relational Database Builder for Almost Every Industry
Ragic
What is it?
Ragic is a highly customizable no-code relational database builder that functions similarly to spreadsheet software like Excel but offers the capabilities of a powerful database.
Why do I like it?
Ragic boasts a user-friendly interface that blends the ease of spreadsheet-style data entry with the robust functionality of a relational database. If you have experience with Google Sheets or Excel, you’ll be able to pick up Ragic in no time.
But Ragic offers much more functionality than a relational database: With a couple of clicks, you can send mass emails and SMS messages to contacts in your database. This feature makes Ragic super useful for sales and marketing teams.
Who is it best for?
Ragic is suited to meet a wide array of needs, from small businesses to large enterprises.
Pricing
Start using Ragic for $5/user per month (billed monthly). Each user can send up to 250 emails per day and gets up to 10GB of storage. Need more space? Try the $19/user per month (billed monthly) version.
Features
- Ragic comes packed with dozens of templates tailored to specific industries' needs. For instance, Ragic templates for legal, accounting, finance, warehouse, and manufacturing professions.
#4 An Easy No-Code Relational Database Builder
Airtable
What is it?
Airtable is a simple, no-code relational database builder that stores and structures data like a spreadsheet.
Why do I like it?
Airtable has one of the lowest learning curves in the no-code relational database builder space, making it a no-brainer for the greenest of beginners. If you have an Adalo or Glide subscription, you can plug your Airtable database in without hassle.
Who is it best for?
If you're an absolute beginner or a seasoned IT professional, you can find a use for Airtable. Plus, you can scale it to meet nearly any size.
Pricing
Start with Airtable for $20 per user/month (billed annually) and get access to project management tools like Gant charts and timelines. Want to share your data across multiple workflows? Then try the $45 per user/month (billed annually).
Features
- Attention businesses with heaps of moving parts: Airtable allows you to build unlimited databases, letting you put all your workflow ducks in a row.
- You can automate tasks using a predefined trigger, which can help you reduce repetitive, time-consuming work.
#5 A No-Code Relational Database Builder for Techies
Xano
What is it?
Xano isn’t just a no-code relational database builder; it’s a no-code backend builder.
Why do I like it?
If you know how a computer works and consider yourself a bit tech-savvy, Xano might be for you. You’ll be able to use Xano to create not only a database but also your entire backend, its logic, functionality, ability to grab data from other programs, and more.
Who is it best for?
While you won’t need to be fluent in 5 coding languages or hold a computer science degree to use Xano, you’ll need to have some technical knowledge.
Pricing
For $99/month (billed monthly), you’ll be allowed up to three 3 team members who can use your Xano account and GDPR, ISO 27001, and SOC2 security features.
Xano’s $225/month (billed monthly) version lets you build unlimited back tasks (processing reports, syncing data, etc) and the option for HIPAA compliance.
Features
- Xano’s scaling feature enables you to create a database and backend that accommodates millions of users.
- If you’re on Adalo’s team or business plan, you can get Xano’s $99/month version for free. You’ll be able to unleash a super powerful app.
#6 An All-In-One No-Code Relational Database Builder
Notion
What is it?
Notion combines note-taking, task management, and relational database functionalities into a customizable no-code platform.
Why do I like it?
Notion has exceptional flexibility and a user-centric design, allowing you to mold the platform to your needs. While it’s super easy, it also boasts powerful organizational functionalities, like the ability for teams to work on projects in real time. You’ll also be able to use Notion to create a relational database and manage your workflows.
Who is it best for?
If you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or small business, Notion has the tools you need for project management, documentation, database management, and more.
Pricing
You'll get unlimited file uploads and task automation for $10 per user/month (billed monthly). If you need private workspaces for different teams and analytics features, try the $15 per user/month (billed monthly) version.
Features
- You’ll get integrated task management, which allows you to combine your notes, tasks, and databases to keep track of deadlines and project milestones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a No-Code Relational Database Builder to Make My App or Website?
While many no-code relational database builders come with some visualization tools like timelines and charts, most won’t let you build out complete apps or websites. To do so, you’ll need to use a platform like Adalo that enables you to build a database and an app.
What Is the Cheapest No-Code Relational Database Builder?
Google Sheets has an incredibly powerful free version for individuals. Ragic, at $5 per user/month (billed monthly), is a very cheap option. But if you have a large team, your costs can add up quickly.
If you want to build an app or website, you’ll need to pay for that service, too. A better option would be to get Adalo at $36/month (billed monthly) because you can build your app and database with one platform.
Do I Need Technical Knowledge to Use a No-Code Relational Database Builder?
You won’t need to know any technical or programming skills to use most of the database builders on our list, except for Xano. Even with Xano, you won’t need to bring an extensive tech skill set — you’ll just need to know the concepts about how a database works.
