AI Apps vs Airtable-Powered Apps
| Feature | Fabricate | Softr | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
AI Generation | Templates | Fabricate | |
Standalone App | Fabricate | ||
Airtable Integration | Possible | Native | Softr |
Custom Logic | Limited | Fabricate | |
Member Portals | Tie | ||
Code Export | Fabricate | ||
Setup Speed | Fast | Fast | Tie |
Flexibility | Limited | Fabricate |
Softr is excellent for creating client portals and membership sites on top of Airtable data. Fabricate generates complete applications from scratch—with a real SQL database, custom logic, and code you own.
Database: Softr requires Airtable or Google Sheets as a backend. Fabricate generates a proper Cloudflare D1 relational database designed for your specific data model.
Customization: Softr uses pre-built blocks with limited design flexibility. Fabricate generates fully custom UI from your description—any layout, any component.
App Types: Softr is best for portals and directories. Fabricate builds any type of application—SaaS, marketplace, booking platform, or custom dashboard.
Softr is expensive for what it offers. Fabricate provides more flexibility at a better price.
“Softr was perfect for our client portal until we outgrew Airtable. Fabricate rebuilt it with a proper database in a weekend.”
Agency Owner
Digital Agency
For custom apps, yes. Softr is good if you already use Airtable as your database.
Yes, but Fabricate also includes its own database so you don't need Airtable.
Full-stack applications with AI. Database, authentication, and deployment included. Start free today.