With Microsoft Office being the most popular option these days, it is safe to say that Microsoft Access is the leading database management system. Microsoft Access combines the relational Access Database Engine with a graphical user interface, along with software development tools. Microsoft Access was originally released in 1992 and is intended to help users store information that can be used for various reasons. However, as with any other product, Microsoft Access has many competitors that can offer users similar experiences.

Top 9 Microsoft Access alternatives and competitors

  1. Ninox – Most suitable alternative
  2. OpenOffice Base – Database management system
  3. Memento Database – User-friendly
  4. LibreOffice Base – User-friendly for users who are new to database design
  5. Axisbase – Information tracking
  6. Onlyoffice – Free platform
  7. SpeedBase – Runs offline
  8. Corel Paradox – Relational database management
  9. Database Oasis – Access to data in one list

1. Ninox – Most suitable alternative

Pricing:

  • Starting at $8.33 per user per year

Ninox is a data-entry software that is cloud-based. Ninox helps businesses build database applications using built-in templates, custom actions, scripting, and drag-and-drop formulas.

Key features:

  • Rapid CRM Creation Space
  • To Do and Meetings Management
  • Customizable Timesheet
  • Inventory and Accounting
  • Real Estate Functionality
  • Excellent Templates
  • Windows and Mac Compatibility
  • Great Tutorial Availability

Reasons to buy:

  • Rapid application development means that little time is spent on developing custom solutions
  • Ability to create, inventory, invoices property management, time management
  • Unified enterprise platform.
  • Compatible with any database
  • Cheap
  • Good learning materials are available

Reasons to avoid:

  • Linux is not available outside Android
  • No OS native mode for apps
  • Limited storage space even with the higher tier
  • Web interfaces aren’t as fast as they should be
  • No real integration with standard development environments
  • No real platform for disturbing apps that are developed with this solution

2. OpenOffice Base – Database management system

Pricing:

  • Free to use

This system is a fully-featured desktop database management system that is versatile. This system allows businesses to access data on an external database which they can choose.

Key features:

  • New custom properties handling
  • Embedding of standard PDF fonts
  • New narrow font family
  • Increased document protection in writer
  • 1 million rows in spreadsheet

Reasons to buy:

  • Deals with the bookkeeping pages, essential information bases, introductions and fundamental drawings
  • Supports a variety of formats
  • Open-source
  • Small download package
  • Easy to use

Reasons to avoid:

  • Does not support the latest Microsoft Office formats
  • No cloud save options are available
  • Won’t allow any upgrades
  • Does not integrate well with third-party software and applications

3. Memento Database – User-friendly

Pricing:

  • $3 per month

Memento Database is a user-friendly system that can be used when working with data, making it easy to visualize data and store it properly. Memento Database can be used via an app or desktop version.

Key features:

  • Backup and recovery
  • Data dictionary management
  • Data replication
  • Data storage management
  • Data conversion

Reasons to buy:

  • Cloud storage capacity
  • Comes with pre built database templates
  • The basic version is free
  • Recovery mechanism

Reasons to avoid:

  • The app may consume a lot of RAM if clients create mementos too often

4. LibreOffice Base – User-friendly for users new to database design

Pricing:

  • Free and open source

LibreOffice supports users in being able to design and create tables, queries, forms and reports and comes with pre-installed table definitions that track assets, customers, sales orders and invoices.

Key features:

  • LibreOffice Writer (word processor)
  • Clac (spreadsheet)
  • Impress (presentations)
  • Draw (graphics)
  • Base (database)
  • Math (formula editor)
  • Charts (charts and visualizations)

Reasons to buy:

  • Free open-source
  • Free tutorials online
  • No internet connection required to use it

Reasons to avoid:

  • Cannot store/save documents online
  • Customer service is non-responsive
  • Collaboration is difficult due to being offline

5. Axisbase – Information tracking

Pricing:

  • Free to use and download
  • No license fees

Axisbase is a database server and can be used to track any information that your business deals with. The website, however, is very dated.

Key features:

  • Reporting and analysis
  • .Net language
  • Navigation code
  • Multiplicity code
  • Parameters
  • Business rule code in one server
  • References
  • Use of custom forms and controls

Reasons to buy:

  • Doubles as a database tool and a database server
  • Long product life

Reasons to avoid:

  • Needs regular updates to improve customer experience
  • Need internet connection to work with Axisbase
  • User interface is dated
  • Does not support SQL language

6. Onlyoffice – Free platform

Pricing:

  • $10 per user per month

Originally designed for internal team collaboration, OnlyOffice received positive feedback and expanded its functionality to that of users from all around the world. It is a free software office suite that features online document editors and a platform for document management.

Key features:

  • API
  • Access controls/permission
  • Address book
  • Alerts/notifications
  • Archiving and retention
  • CRM
  • Calendar management
  • Calendar sync
  • Data import/export
  • Document template
  • Document management
  • Event management
  • Email management
  • File recovery
  • Office suite
  • Offline access
  • Presentation tools

Reasons to buy:

  • Easy to use
  • Integration with Nextcloud is smooth
  • Access and update business documents online in a safe way
  • Support from support team
  • Similar to MS products
  • Can be self-hosted

Reasons to avoid:

  • Not fully compatible with Microsoft Office
  • You may need to access more space at some point down the line
  • Forced to write reviews

7. SpeedBase – Runs offline

Pricing:

  • $12 per month for 12 month subscription
  • Free trial

SpeedBase is a desktop database software that is installed onto a computer and there is no need to log into s remote server and no internet connection is needed.

Key features:

  • Access controls
  • Customer database
  • Data dictionary management
  • Data migration
  • Data replication
  • Match and merge
  • Relational
  • Task management

Reasons to buy:

  • Easy to learn
  • Fully customizable
  • Internal messenger
  • Easy custom report wizard

Reasons to avoid:

  • No automatic workflows
  • No direct reporting from websites
  • No graph reports

8. Corel Paradox (WordPerfect) – Relational database management

Pricing:

  • $195 per month

Originally known as Corel Paradox, WordPerfect Office has been upgraded and now comes with features, such as Macro Manager, Mail Merger, AfterShot, and Template Viewer.

Key features:

  • Template viewer
  • Function key template
  • Macro manager
  • Mail merger
  • AfterShot

Reasons to buy:

  • Easy document creation
  • Built-in PDF forms
  • Flexible eBook publishing
  • Extensive compatibility, including Microsoft Office
  • Reveal codes
  • Template viewer
  • Function key template
  • Microsoft Office compatibility

Reasons to avoid:

No integrated email programs

The database has not been updated

PowerPoint presentation does not work as well as Microsoft PowerPoint

Cannot convert to Microsoft Office without files being corrupted

User-face is dated

9. Database Oasis – Access to data in one list

Pricing:

  • $119.99 with a free trial
  • One-time payment

Database Oasis gives businesses/users the convenience of having all relevant information stored in one hub. All data can be accessed with one list, with users being able to design their own screen when using the software. Data can be tracked efficiently to maximize productivity and data duplication is reduced.

Key features:

  • Backup and recovery
  • Data dictionary management
  • Data search
  • Mobile access
  • NOSQL
  • Relational Interface

Reasons to buy:

  • Easy to use

Reasons to avoid:

  • No updates to improve it

References:

  • https://sourceforge.net
  • https://www.trustradius.com
  • https://www.wordperfect.com
  • https://www.getapp.com
  • http://www.axisbase.com
  • https://www.g2.com
  • https://www.codechef4u.com
  • https://www.capterra.co.uk
  • https://www3.technologyevaluation.com
  • https://www.tfaforms.com