10 Reasons Customers are Switching to Knack from Airtable

When it comes to building web applications for small and medium businesses, choosing the right platform is critical. While Airtable is great for lightweight database management, Knack outshines it in flexibility, scalability, and functionality for more complex business applications.

Knack offers SMBs relief from SaaS sprawl with an all-in-one platform that includes a powerful online database, built-in automations and integration tools, and a robust front-end web application builder. Here are 10 reasons why customers are increasingly turning to Knack.

Introduction to Airtable

Airtable combines spreadsheet-like simplicity with a relational database to help teams collaborate on projects and workflows. It supports views like grids, calendars, and kanban boards—ideal for project management. However, it struggles with large datasets and complex workflows.

Pricing starts around $20 per user/month, and the cost scales quickly as your team or app grows.

Overview of Knack

Knack is a no-code platform that helps users build custom web apps and databases tailored to specific needs. Its drag-and-drop interface enables users to organize, manage, and display data. You can build dynamic apps like CRMs, portals, and management tools, complete with forms, reports, and user roles.

Knack integrates natively with tools like QuickBooks, Slack, Google Drive, Microsoft 365, and over 400 others. Pricing starts at $59/month for unlimited users.

Comparing Knack and Airtable

Advanced User Management

Knack supports granular user roles and permissions, including personalized views and secure filtering. Builders can restrict records by user or group and set field-level permissions.

Airtable supports only a few preset roles and lacks dynamic, user-specific workflows—making it a poor fit for apps involving clients, vendors, or contractors.

Managing Complex Data Relationships

Knack allows you to connect records across multiple tables—e.g., many contacts to a company or multiple products per order. These connections support dynamic functionality and cascading updates.

Airtable’s linked records are basic references without hierarchical relationships or auto-updating capabilities.

Workflow Automation in Knack

Knack supports multi-step workflows with nested conditions. You can automate tasks like record updates, email alerts, and task assignments based on roles or field data.

Airtable’s automation is basic. More complex workflows require third-party tools like Zapier or Make.com.

Authentication Features in Knack

Knack provides built-in user authentication including login portals, password resets, and registration—no third-party tools needed. You can easily restrict app access and tailor user experiences by role.

Airtable lacks native external user authentication. Builders often rely on Softr or Noloco, increasing complexity and cost.

Forms and Data Collection in Knack

Knack’s form builder supports multi-step forms, custom layouts, conditional logic, and validation rules. Embed HTML/CSS, display images or videos, and trigger automations post-submission.

Airtable’s forms are basic with rigid layouts, no multi-step support, and limited validation. It lacks conditional logic and customization.

Data Validation Capabilities in Knack

Knack enforces data accuracy using validation rules like character limits, file size/type restrictions, regex, and secure password logic.

You can apply conditional rules—e.g., flag overdue invoices or set commissions based on experience—and automate field updates and record creation using Knack Flows.

Airtable offers no support for these advanced features.

Knack Flows and Integration Management

Knack Flows provides 400+ native integrations—including Stripe, PayPal, CRMs, and more. Automate processes directly within Knack without managing separate systems.

You don’t need tools like Zapier, and Flows is bundled in your subscription. You get real-time updates, easy error resolution, and fewer points of failure.

Airtable relies heavily on third-party tools, which adds cost, complexity, and the risk of broken connections.

Payment Processing Features in Knack

Knack includes built-in support for Stripe and PayPal. Accept payments, donations, or memberships inside your app. Create portals for invoices, update payment methods, and support multi-item transactions.

Airtable lacks native payment features, forcing builders to rely on external tools.

Mobile Responsiveness in Knack

Knack automatically generates responsive designs. Your dashboards, forms, and app pages look great on any device.

Airtable is built for backend use and offers limited front-end mobile customization.

Pricing Comparison Between Knack and Airtable

Knack offers unlimited users in every plan—ideal for scaling. Airtable charges per seat and has strict record limits. If you’re supporting hundreds or thousands of users, Airtable becomes prohibitively expensive.

Conclusion: Why Choose Knack?

Knack combines a powerful database, integrated automations, and a fully customizable web app builder into one seamless platform. Whether you’re building a client portal, internal tool, or ecommerce platform, Knack provides the flexibility, scalability, and cost savings Airtable cannot match.

Explore Knack for free and see the difference for yourself. Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you in the next one.