Grist
Ragic
| Feature | Grist | Ragic |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free / from $10/mo | Free / from $25/mo |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Rating | 4.3 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
| Best For | developers, data-teams, non-profits, open-source-advocates | business-analysts, operations-teams, manufacturing, administrative-teams |
| Founded | 2019 | 2008 |
| Relational Data | ✓ | ✗ |
| Python Formulas | ✓ | ✗ |
| Custom Widgets | ✓ | ✗ |
| Access Rules | ✓ | ✗ |
| Incremental Imports | ✓ | ✗ |
| Api | ✓ | ✗ |
| Form Builder | ✗ | ✓ |
| Workflow Approval | ✗ | ✓ |
| Subtables | ✗ | ✓ |
| Reports | ✗ | ✓ |
| Api Access | ✗ | ✓ |
| Role Based Access | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ Grist Pros
- Fully open-source (Apache 2.0)
- Python formulas instead of spreadsheet formulas
- Self-hostable
- Strong access control and permissions
✗ Grist Cons
- Fewer integrations than Airtable
- Smaller template library
- Less intuitive for non-technical users
✓ Ragic Pros
- Intuitive spreadsheet-to-app conversion
- Strong form and workflow features
- On-premise deployment available
- Good for structured business data
✗ Ragic Cons
- Dated visual design
- Limited collaboration features
- Steeper pricing for larger teams
The Verdict
Grist is built for developers and data teams, with a focus on relational-data and python-formulas. Ragic targets business analysts and operations teams and leads with form-builder and workflow-approval.
On pricing, Grist is the clear winner for budget-conscious users — starting at $10/mo compared to $25/mo for Ragic. That $15/mo difference adds up quickly for growing teams.
Both offer free plans, so you can test each with your real workflow before committing to a subscription.
Bottom line: Grist has a slight overall edge — but if intuitive spreadsheet-to-app conversion matters most to you, Ragic may still be the right call.