Plane vs Airtable: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Plane and Airtable comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Plane
Open-source project management like Linear
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need project management features specifically
Airtable
The platform to build next-gen apps
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.1/10)
- • You need no-code features specifically
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Project Management | No-Code |
Rating | 81/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Plane | Airtable |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 81 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Project Management | No-CodeProductivity |
Understanding the Differences
Both Plane and Airtable solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Plane positions itself as "open-source project management like linear" while Airtablefocuses on "the platform to build next-gen apps". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Plane
Plane makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution.
When to Choose Airtable
Airtable is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 84/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Plane lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Plane
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Airtable is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Airtable
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Airtable
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Plane is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Airtable higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Airtable more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Airtable Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Plane If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Airtable (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Airtable scores higher in our analysis, but Plane might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plane or Airtable better?
Based on our analysis, Airtable scores higher with 84/100. Plane isfree while Airtable is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Plane to Airtable easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Plane and Airtable offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Plane is completely free.Airtable is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.