Softr vs Stacker: which should you choose?
Quick answer: Softr is built for client-portals, while Stacker suits client-portals. For most users Stacker is the stronger default, but Softr can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case. Softr has the lower entry price.
Softr and Stacker look similar on the surface; the differences show up in practice. Below we compare them on pricing, strengths and the use cases each one fits, then give a clear verdict.
Side-by-side
| Softr | Stacker | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Nocode App Builder | Nocode App Builder |
| What it's known for | No-code builder for client portals, internal tools and websites on top of Airtable, Google Sheets, Xano or its own database, with permissioned user access and blocks-based design. | No-code builder for internal tools, customer portals and CRMs on top of Airtable, Google Sheets and other sources, with permissioned roles and prebuilt portal templates. |
| Pricing | Free plan; reported Basic ~$49-59/mo, Professional ~$139-167/mo, Business ~$269-323/mo, Enterprise custom; ~17% off annual; costs rise with app users, AI credits and add-ons | Reported ~$39-349+/mo; Plus shown publicly (Starter/Pro hidden until trial); 10 seats included on some tiers, extra seats ~$15-19/mo; higher tiers for Airtable integration |
| Best audience | Agencies, consultants and ops teams building client portals and internal tools on Airtable/Google Sheets. | Mid-market teams needing robust, permissioned customer portals on Airtable or Salesforce. |
| Best for | client-portals, internal-tools | client-portals, internal-tools |
| Entry price | Free | ~$39/mo |
| Biggest strength | Among the easiest tools to stand up a secure, permissioned client portal. | Mature, polished portals with strong permissioning. |
| Main caveat | Costs rise with app users, AI credits and paid add-ons (SSO is a paid add-on). | Expensive: Airtable-integrated tiers jump to ~$349-$1,000/mo. |
Features compared
Beyond the spec sheet, these are the capabilities that define each tool:
Softr key features
- Block-based no-code builder for portals, internal tools and websites
- AI Co-Builder that generates working apps from prompts
- Real-time two-way Airtable sync
- User authentication with role-based access control
Stacker key features
- No-code builder for customer portals, internal tools and CRMs
- Connects Airtable, Google Sheets, Salesforce and 60+ data sources
- Permissioned roles and row-level access
- AI builder and drag-and-drop UI customization
Pricing tiers side by side
Softr plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Limited published apps, Softr branding |
| Basic | ~$49/mo | 3 published apps, custom CSS/JS, ~20 app users |
| Professional | ~$139/mo | Unlimited apps, ~100 app users |
| Business | ~$269/mo | Advanced data sources, ~500 users, SSO add-on |
| Enterprise | Custom | Contact sales |
Stacker plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | ~$39/mo | 1 app, 10k records, 50 external users, Stacker branding |
| Plus | ~$199/mo | 3 apps, unlimited external users |
| Pro | ~$349/mo | Airtable integration unlocked |
| Business | ~$1,000/mo | Higher limits with Airtable |
| Enterprise | Custom | Up to 500k records, SSO, white-label/on-brand apps |
Tiers compiled from the vendors' published plans and independent reviews; prices are approximate and change often, so confirm current figures (and your region's taxes) on each vendor's site.
Strengths compared
Where Softr wins
The fastest path to a polished, permissioned client portal on top of Airtable data.
- Among the easiest tools to stand up a secure, permissioned client portal.
- Flat pricing (no per-end-user seat charges) is often cheaper than Airtable interfaces at scale.
That makes it the stronger pick for agencies, consultants and ops teams building client portals and internal tools on Airtable/Google Sheets.
Where Stacker wins
Enterprise-grade customer portals on Airtable/Salesforce, but priced for businesses not solos.
- Mature, polished portals with strong permissioning.
- Connects to many data sources beyond Airtable.
That makes it the stronger pick for mid-market teams needing robust, permissioned customer portals on Airtable or Salesforce.
Verdict: choose by fit
Both are good at the job, so let your priorities decide.
- Choose Softr if you fit its core audience — agencies, consultants and ops teams building client portals and internal tools on Airtable/Google Sheets.
- Choose Stacker if you fit its core audience — mid-market teams needing robust, permissioned customer portals on Airtable or Salesforce.
FAQ
Is Softr better than Stacker?
Stacker is the stronger default for most users, but Softr can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
What is the main difference between Softr and Stacker?
Softr is the fastest path to a polished, permissioned client portal on top of Airtable data. Stacker is enterprise-grade customer portals on Airtable/Salesforce, but priced for businesses not solos.
Which is cheaper, Softr or Stacker?
Entry pricing differs: Softr offers a free tier, while Stacker starts at ~$39/mo. Compare the tiers above against your usage.
Sources
Facts above are drawn from these independent reviews and the vendors' own pages for Softr and Stacker: