5 Microsoft Access Alternatives to Try in 2025

Microsoft Access has long been a staple for businesses and individuals looking for a robust database management system. However, as technology evolves, users are exploring modern alternatives that offer greater flexibility, scalability, and integration with cloud services. In this article, we’ll explore five standout Microsoft Access alternatives in 2025: UI Bakery, MongoDB, DBeaver, Airtable, and Google Sheets.

What is Microsoft Access?

Microsoft Access is a database management system (DBMS) from Microsoft that combines a graphical user interface with software development tools and relational database management. It’s known for its user-friendly design, making it accessible for non-technical users to create and manage databases, but its limitations in scalability and collaboration have led users to seek other solutions.

Microsoft Access Alternatives 

UI Bakery

A low-code platform for building custom web applications. It allows users to create data-driven apps with a drag-and-drop interface, integrating seamlessly with databases and APIs. UI Bakery is ideal for modernizing workflows, offering a more flexible and scalable solution than MS Access.

UI Bakery is a strong alternative to MS Access because:

1. Modern Tech Stack: Built with modern web technologies, ensuring better performance and scalability.
2. Low-Code: Simplifies app development with a drag-and-drop interface, reducing the need for extensive coding.
3. Cloud-Based: Unlike MS Access, UI Bakery is cloud-first, offering easier collaboration and access from anywhere.
4. Customization: Highly customizable, allowing developers to integrate advanced features and custom code.
5. Cross-Platform: Apps built with UI Bakery are accessible on any device with a web browser.
6. Seamless Integration: Supports various databases and APIs, making it easier to connect with existing systems.

Features:

• Drag-and-drop interface for UI design
• Integration with various databases and APIs
• Customizable components
• Built-in authentication and authorization
• Real-time collaboration

MongoDB

MongoDB is a NoSQL database that stores data in flexible, JSON-like documents. MongoDB excels in handling large volumes of unstructured data and is highly scalable, making it a powerful choice for modern applications requiring complex queries and real-time data processing.

Features:

• Document-oriented storage
• High scalability and flexibility
• Rich querying and indexing
• Cross-platform support
• Built-in replication and sharding

DBeaver

DBeaver – universal database management tool that supports various databases including MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and more. DBeaver provides a unified interface for database management, query execution, and data visualization, making it a versatile alternative to MS Access for advanced database users.

Features:

• Supports multiple database types (SQL, NoSQL, and Big Data)
• SQL editor with syntax highlighting and auto-completion
• Data visualization tools
• ERD (Entity-Relationship Diagram) support
• Cross-platform compatibility

Airtable

Airtable is a cloud-based collaboration platform that combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the power of a database. Airtable is user-friendly, offering customizable templates and integrations, making it suitable for teams looking for an intuitive solution to manage and collaborate on data.

Features:

• Spreadsheet-like interface
• Customizable fields and templates
• Real-time collaboration and sharing
• Integration with various apps and services
• Automations and scripting

Google Sheets

Google Sheets is a cloud-based spreadsheet tool that allows for real-time collaboration and data sharing. Google Sheets supports various data manipulation functions and integrates well with other Google Workspace tools, providing a simple yet effective alternative for managing and analyzing data.

Features:

• Real-time collaboration
• Cloud storage and access
• Built-in formulas and functions
• Integration with Google Workspace and third-party apps
• Version history and data recovery

Conclusion

While Microsoft Access remains a valuable tool for certain use cases, these five alternatives offer modern solutions tailored to the evolving needs of businesses and developers in 2025. Whether you prioritize collaboration, scalability, or user-friendly design, there’s an option here to meet your database management needs.

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